The South African Heroes Awards 2025 is set to celebrate the remarkable contributions of two exceptional individuals, Seth Mazibuko and Zola Mbatha, who have dedicated their lives to fighting for justice and empowering their communities.
A Leader of Influence and a Rights Activist
Seth Mazibuko, a key figure in the 1976 Soweto uprising, will receive the Leader of Influence Award. As a representative of the June 16 Foundation, Mazibuko has been instrumental in motivating and mentoring the youth, inspiring a new generation of leaders. Mazibuko led a group of students at Orlando West Secondary School (now known as Phfeni Secondary School) into boycotting classes on the 28th of April 1976 against the continuing use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction at Soweto schools, particularly Orlando West Secondary School. As a representative of the June 16 Foundation Mazibuko is passionate about motivating the youth and has over the years mentored and influenced many.
Zola Mbatha, a renowned attorney and founder of Legacy Yezibaya and Community Legal Clinics, will be presented with the Rights Activist of the Year Award. Through her National Legal Clinic, Mbatha has been a tireless advocate for social justice, empowering individuals and families to protect their rights and legacy.
The clinic has been targeting the elderly as well as all individuals who had no previous knowledge of the legislation and legal processes that affect their families the most.
Zola Mbatha: “I’m grateful to the South African Heroes Awards for this amazing and empowering honour. I cannot express with sufficient words my gratitude for this and look forward to enjoying this journey”.
Seth Mazibuko: I’m humbled and grateful to be honoured with this award. In preserving the legacy of 1976, I work with young people through the June 16 Foundation. The foundation also tackles issues affecting young people focusing on education, economic participation and social cohesion”.
A Celebration of Unsung Heroes
The South African Heroes Awards, founded by Amanda Matshaka, aim to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of unsung heroes who are making a positive impact in their communities.
“The vision for the awards is to celebrate people who are doing extraordinary things for their communities,” said Matshaka. “We celebrate unsung heroes who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them.”
The awards will celebrate and recognise community builders in the following categories:
Youth Empowerment – uplifting young people through various programmes.
Business Empowerment – helping/assisting start-ups/small businesses to help them succeed.
Specialised Care – people who take care of vulnerable groups like orphans, disabled persons, abused people, widows, or the homeless
Community Service – voluntary community work to benefit fellow community members – including feeding programmes, or community policing forums.
Community Health – health centres initiated and run by the community members and primary health care.
Rural Development – projects that uplift rural communities,
Women Empowerment – programmes meant for the upliftment and empowerment of women.
Community Builder of the Year Award – the overall winner voted for by finalists.
Community Media of the Year – carrying community-empowering stories
Community Journalist of the Year – covering community-empowering stories.
Honorary Awards to be given:
Green Award – recognises those who lead environmental conservation projects or programmes.
Ubuntu Award – recognises seasoned community builders whose projects have created other notable community builders and high achievers.
Language Preservation Award – recognises people who take delight in preserving indigenous languages.
Leader of Influence – honours extraordinary leaders who set a good example and have had a beneficial impact on others.
Rights Activist of the Year – gives honour to those who fight tirelessly for human rights.
International Achiever – represents South Africa with pride abroad, changing and impacting lives.
A Star-Studded Event
The 7th annual South African Heroes Awards will take place on November 29, 2025, at M1 Studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. The prestigious event will be hosted by astute media personality Samora Mangesi and actress and singer Gabisile Tshabalala, with performances by Brenden Praise, Khanyo Maphumulo, Gab & Mo, Ndo Dlakadla, and Lungi Shezi.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets to the awards are available at Web Tickets for R450: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1574984210
The SAHAs are proudly sponsored by Cure Day Hospitals, LaGrace Properties, and Murunwa Communications.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Seth Mazibuko, Zola Mbatha, and other unsung heroes who are making a difference in their communities.
By Sinenzolo Mondi