South African Heroes Awards 2024 celebrate the unsung heroes

The South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) celebrated South Africa’s unsung heroes on Saturday 21 September 2024, at the Market Theatre. the event was an evening of dazzling showcases of music, fashion, and empowerment.

The awards were hosted by Linda Njotini-Ugbobuako and Lilitha Ntsundwani, with performances by the legendary Zola 7; Five Star group; Afro-pop sensation Ntokozo George;  Dedication ZA;  Maskandi duo Isiko; Gospel singer, Thobile Gumede and many more.

The SAHAs enjoyed overwhelming success with attendees coming from all provinces. “We  had exceptional community leaders who won in the different categories – some have gone on to collaborate with government and corporate on projects that further benefit their communities, as the SA Heroes Awards we congratulate all the winners for 2024 ”, said awards founder and organiser, Amanda Matshaka.

Some of the highlights of the night were Khanyo Maphumulo who was honoured with the Iconic Award and Zane Meas honoured with an Ubuntu award for the exceptional work they do in the communities. Thamsanqa Nkevu took back to the Eastern Cape two awards for Youth Empowerment and Community Builder of the Year.

Among the guests was the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Sello Morero, who echoed that “The City of Johannesburg has been hosting these awards over the last 5 years. We appreciate the nominees for the work that they’re doing. You’re doing all this because you believe in improving the quality of life of South Africans. As local government we are part and parcel of addressing issues at the point where people are expecting services. Thankyou very much, the City will continue to support this event and go beyond and partner with Amanda Matshaka to ensure the success of this event and we can encourage many young people to do those small things in their communities to change the lives of or people”.

Complete list of winners

Youth Empowerment
·       Winner: Thamsanqa Nkevu
·       1st Runner-Up:  Minenhle Nation Mthimunye
·       2nd Runner-Up: Luvuko Nkwenkwe

Community Service
·       Winner: Georgina Mapule Mphatswe
·       1st Runner-Up: Nomathamsanqa Mqombothi
·       2nd Runner-Up: Myrtle Williams

Women Empowerment
·       Winner: Talk & Heal
·       1st Runner-Up: Women Paying It Forward Sa
·       2nd Runner-Up: Boby Nkoana Tsaagane

Business Empowerment
·       Winner: Thandi Leeuw
·       1st Runner-Up: Lucy Human
·       2nd Runner-Up: Donovan Masombuka

Rural Development
·       Luyanda Kilani

Community Health
·       Jackson Morure

Specialized Care
·       Push & Reach Movement

Community Journalist of The Year
·       Winner: Faith Mtwana
·       1st Runner-Up: Thapelo Magola

Community Builder of The Year
·       Thamsanqa Nkevu

Community Impact Recognition Award
·       Debbie Wood

Community Media of The Year Inner
·       City Gazette

Heart of Servitude Recognition Award
·       Thobile Gumede

Women Upliftment Recognition Award
·       Meriam Ntswakae Gumbi

Young Voices of Reason Recognition Award
·       The Junior Commisioners

Honorary Awards this year are:

Aid Giver of the Year
·        Mahlasedi Foundation

Excellence in Public Service
·       Patience Ntamane

Green Award
·       Eco- Ubuntu Project

Iconic Impact Award
·       Khanyo Maphumulo

International Achiever Award
·        Linric Toto

Leader of Influence Award
·       Martin Masitise

Ubuntu Award
·       Zane Meas

The awards are an initiative of Kingdom Helpers of Africa in association with SA Positive News, sponsored by Mohlalefi Engineering and in partnership with Mosetsa Media.