“The vision for the awards is to celebrate people who are doing extraordinary things for their communities”
The South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) are bringing the 7th instalment in a bigger, better, and more extravagant fashion. The number 7 has many layers of meaning and significance across cultures and disciplines. It’s considered sacred and highly significant.
It represents completion or perfection. In many cultures, 7 is considered a lucky number, associated with good fortune and prosperity. If that doesn’t give you context of how astounding the South African Heroes Awards will be this year, I don’t know what will.
The nominees announcement spectacle was hosted by astute media personality Samora Mangesi. He was accompanied by some of the crème de la crème luminaries in the entertainment industry – including Rami Chuene, Thapelo Mokoena, Gabisile Tshabalala, Motlatsi Mafatshe, Yonda Thomas, Pebetsi Nolo Matlaila just to name a few.
“The vision for the awards is to celebrate people who are doing extraordinary things for their communities”, said Awards Founder and Organiser, Amanda Matshaka.
“We celebrate unsung heroes. People who go above and beyond to make sure that those who need help are taken care of – improving the lives of those around them in their communities.”
The awards honour and celebrate unsung heroes who are building their communities, showing us the power of service that not only help us in our current situations but also helps to lift our spirits. The goal is to give our local heroes and sheroes their flowers while they can still smell them.
With now 20 categories including the honorary awards, the South African Heroes Awards are showing a steady growth. In the categories voted for by the pubic, the two new categories that were added last year continue again this year: the Community Media of the Year – carrying community empowering stories and Community Journalist of the year – covering community empowering stories.
Other categories for nominations are: Youth Empowerment -uplifting young people through various programmes, Business Empowerment – assisting start-ups/small businesses to help them succeed, Specialized Care – people who take care of vulnerable groups like orphans, disabled persons, abused people, widows, homeless, etc.
Community Service – voluntary community work to benefit fellow community members, e.g. feeding programmes, community policing forums, etc. Community Health – health centres initiated and run by community members as well as primary health care, Rural Development – projects that uplift rural communities, Women Empowerment – programmes meant for the upliftment and empowerment of women and Community Builder of the Year Award – the overall winner voted for by finalists.
Honorary Awards this year are: Green Award – honours people who run projects/programmes for environmental preservation.
Ubuntu Award – honours veteran community builders whose projects have produced other noticeable community builders and high achievers.
Art of Giving – honours those who are uplifting communities through art.
Language Preservation Award – honours those who take pride in preserving indigenous languages.
Leader of Influence – honours exceptional leaders who lead by example and have a trail of positive influence.
Rights Activist of the Year – gives honour to those who fight tirelessly for human rights.
Aid Giver of the Year – honours exceptional first responders in times of disaster & distress.
Iconic Impact – honours an icon who has lived and continues to live their lives giving of themselves to others to ensure they succeed in life.
Excellence in Public Service – honours those in public service who deliver with excellence and go beyond the call of duty.
International Achiever – represents South Africa with pride abroad, changing and impacting lives.
SA HEROES AWARDS 2025 NOMINEES ARE…
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Dr Bonginkosi Thango
Tshediso Mahange
Tebello Foundation
Naledi Ramaboea
Quin Mdluli
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Nomathemba Nyirenda
Mapule Sarah Mthimkhulu
Kholofelo Matsepe
Boby Nkoana
Halaletsang Women Empowerment
BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT
Lufuno Rasoesoe
Jessica Tamara
Sqimntwana Projects
Kopano Letsebe
Lucy Human
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Muzi Nduku
Lindelani Donald Maraganedzha
Siphokazi Ngwenya
Zinzile Mhesele
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Neliswa Leticia Simelane
Belinah Maserumule
Etta’s Healing Hearts Foundation
Dr Muzi Mabenge
SPECIALISED CARE
Ntandokazi Mlamleli
Lethabo La Rena Foundation
Boitumelo Mashakeng
Portia Mabala
Martha N. Mawela
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Koketso Marishane
Faith Ngako
Shincheonji Volunteers
Dr. Phophi Ramabulana
M-Powerment Care
Phumeza Mngambi Foundation
COMMUNITY JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Thapelo Magola
Lerato Mampa
Teboho Setena
COMMUNITY MEDIA OF THE YEAR
Mmegi Community Newspaper
Inner City Gazette
The Village Voice
Soweto Sunrise
Bloem Express
Mark your calendars, the grand ceremony will take place on the 29th of November 2025 in a yet to be announced venue.
Watch the nominees announcement here:
For more information on how to vote, visit our website: www.saheroesawards.co.za
The awards are proudly sponsored by Cure Day Hospitals, LaGrace Properties, Murunwa Communications and Mohlalefi Engineering.
By Sinenzolo Mondi