Begin the Lesedi Awards 2024 journey
Since 2016, the Lesedi Awards have recognised our employees who embody the spirit of social responsibility, working tirelessly to better the lives of others. We created Lesedi (meaning "light" in Sesotho) to acknowledge and support our employees' passion for community well-being.
Lesedi showcases our commitment to purposeful volunteer work, empowering individuals from all walks of life to achieve their goals and aspirations despite challenges. We celebrate selfless efforts that address real needs, rather than personal gain.
All nominees receive a contribution to their chosen causes, acknowledging their dedication and impact.
By honoring our employees' volunteer work, we reinforce our belief that service and growth go hand-in-hand. Join us in celebrating the Lesedi Awards and the power of purposeful volunteerism.
Marco Tobin is nominated for his transformative work with the Zeekoevlei Sailing Centre (ZVSC), which empowers at-risk youth in Cape Town through sailing and life skills. Since 1994, ZVSC has equipped underprivileged youth with confidence and practical abilities. Marco’s leadership has secured funding, making participation accessible, and his commitment fosters a legacy of empowerment as many ZVSC coaches are former students now thriving in the boating industry. With programs ranging from sailing lessons to boat-building projects and career exposure days, ZVSC under Marco’s guidance offers valuable life skills and career opportunities, transforming lives across generations within the community.
Marileze Johannes has been a dedicated volunteer at San Michell Independent School since 2019, significantly impacting initiatives like the 4Y4L Youth Mentoring, Coding & Technology, and Nutritional Programmes. Her work with the 4Y4L programme led to five mentees obtaining Bachelor’s degrees. She has also introduced coding to the curriculum, equipping learners with essential skills, and ensured students receive meals to support academic well-being. Marileze’s contributions enrich the school’s holistic educational approach, empowering students academically and personally through her dedication to nurturing underprivileged youth for a brighter future.
Pearl Nkomo’s dedication to Khayelitsha Cricket Club has significantly advanced youth development and community growth since 2018. Initially a parent volunteer, Pearl became Club Secretary in 2019, coordinating training, games, scholarships, and transportation. She also manages programs like the KFC Mini Cricket and Awaqaf League, securing funding and scholarships to elite schools for talented players. Her work boosts club visibility, leads to scouting opportunities, and fosters a sustainable support system for players’ growth. Pearl’s leadership has created long-term impact through skill-building and career pathways, benefiting youth and families in Khayelitsha for generations.
Nompi Tshabalala is a dedicated mentor and community advocate and has been nominated for her exceptional work to the Siphosethu Art Project, which empowers youth through self-esteem building and life skills. For eight years, Nompi has supported participants by addressing their mental health challenges and identifying issues they face at home. She co-manages programs that promote education and healthy living, providing academic support and mental health guidance. The project offers weekly rehearsals, resources like clothing, and an annual event. Nompi’s efforts nurture talent, instill values, and address social issues, creating lasting positive change within the community through art and mentorship.
Wavela Makunga is recognized for her exceptional work with the Ntinga Programme under the SWM Foundation, which she co-founded in 2020. This initiative supports learners, particularly girls, in rural communities, offering educational tutoring, scholarships, and mentoring. Wavela has led impactful efforts like an awards ceremony promoting academic excellence. Her dedication has enabled an 80% completion rate among the program’s first cohort, inspiring students to overcome socioeconomic barriers. Wavela’s contributions, collaborating closely with Kubusie Combined School, ensure that young people in the Eastern Cape have the support to reach their full potential, uplifting both families and communities.
Reagan Meyer’s leadership with training4changeS and RMEF uses sports to develop young leaders, instilling essential life skills. As Chairman, Reagan has contributed significant financial support and mentorship, helping sustain programs that provide guidance and career opportunities. His mentorship has allowed boys like Iva to excel, with one recently attending a U.S. football camp. Reagan’s partnerships secure post-graduate funding and scholarships, empowering Grade 12 participants to transition into productive roles. His commitment has transformed lives, providing young athletes with a foundation for success in education, sports, and personal growth.
Sifiso Nyambo is recognized for his dedicated work with the Lebohang Development Centre, a nonprofit supporting leadership, literacy, and academic growth in Soshanguve and the Northwest. As a founding member, Sifiso has led impactful programs like annual spelling bee competitions that build confidence and public speaking skills among primary and high school students. He has also helped provide books, stationery, and peer support, fostering a love for reading and self-improvement. Sifiso’s initiatives promote sustainable development and growth, ensuring that students gain the skills and encouragement needed for educational and personal success.
Naomi Nyakotey, a dedicated seven-year volunteer, is nominated for the Lesedi Individual Award for her role with Feed the Sick Foundation. She organizes an annual Christmas event providing food and emotional support for hospital patients, also managing donations for community projects. Naomi’s continuous efforts bring hope and comfort to countless individuals, often beyond the holiday season. Her inspiring passion draws new volunteers, increasing foundation support and impacting beneficiaries’ lives through financial aid and essential supplies. Naomi’s commitment to helping others strengthens community support and ensures patients and community members feel cared for and valued.
Sadat Anwar has made remarkable strides in youth development with the Citi Football Academy and Coalition of Zongo Youth GH through the Kickoff 2 Success project. Since 2018, Sadat has guided young people from informal communities through sports, life skills, and income-generating ventures. His mentorship fosters growth, transitioning participants into local clubs and apprenticeships in trades like tailoring and plumbing. Sadat’s Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism emphasizes collaboration, allowing the project to align with community needs. His dedication to youth empowerment and sustainable development has inspired lasting positive change for individuals and communities in Ghana.
Moatlhodi Mugabe’s 12-year commitment to the Prison Fellowship of Botswana has made him a key figure in rehabilitation, offender support, and family assistance. As lead coordinator, Moatlhodi has facilitated school uniform donations, Christmas food hampers, and winter blanket distributions. He has also helped organize events and written business proposals for unemployed beneficiaries. His compassion and advocacy have made Prison Fellowship a community beacon, promoting empowerment and reducing crime. Moatlhodi’s sustainable efforts foster healing and unity, helping individuals and families build stronger, disciplined, and supportive lives through community involvement.
Fernando Bernard’s dedication to Polaris Football Group has profoundly impacted Namibian youth through sports and education. With six years of involvement, Fernando’s efforts in athlete development, community engagement, and educational support have empowered young men. Partnering with the Megameno Orphanage Home, he organized donations and fostered community unity. Fernando’s work has helped secure scholarships and employment opportunities for several players, supporting holistic personal and career growth. His contributions, including school field renovations, reflect a lasting commitment to youth empowerment, instilling values and creating pathways for Namibian youth to succeed.
Gallium Brandt is nominated for the Lesedi Individual Award for his exceptional leadership in the Saamstaan Community Foundation addressing landlessness within his community. As Founder and CEO, Gallium has led efforts to secure 319 residential homes for community members, ensuring a sense of security through land ownership. His work includes applying for land with local authorities, handling administrative tasks, and supporting members through the land allocation process. Gallium’s dedication has provided countless families with a sense of belonging and hope, establishing a sustainable approach that fulfills Saamstaan’s mission. His long-term commitment helps families thrive with secure, accessible homes for future generations.
Beulah Davids is a passionate advocate for social justice, dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) through her work with the Human Rights Screened Foundation (HRSF). She joined HRSF in April, inspired by its mission to protect vulnerable children and women, especially following a case of a 16-year-old girl’s abduction and rescue. Beulah played a vital role in launching an impactful campaign on Heritage Day, organizing sessions with sponsors and presenting to government and stakeholders. Her efforts have secured funding, enabling outreach in schools and communities. Additionally, she obtained R50,000 for the Sozo Foundation, supporting job creation and empowerment initiatives.
Sanesha Govender is recognized for her work with Haven of Rest Tongaat, assisting victims of a tornado that left many homeless. Haven of Rest provided essential relief by collecting supplies, offering food, water, clothing, and aiding in community cleanup. Sanesha actively contributed to the Tornado Victims Assistance project, addressing immediate needs for hundreds of displaced families. Her efforts in organizing resources brought vital support, particularly during the harsh winter months, restoring dignity to those affected. Focusing on long-term aid, Sanesha continues to support rebuilding efforts, ensuring a combination of immediate and ongoing assistance for displaced individuals within the community.
Sphosethu Makwenkwe, nominated for the Lesedi Exceptional Volunteer Champion Award, is a dedicated volunteer with the Alta du Toit Centre, which supports adults with intellectual disabilities. Starting with a Mandela Day fundraiser, Sphosethu led efforts to raise R5,000 for the center, with contributions benefiting residents and their charity shop. Beyond this, Sphosethu organized the Finance CSI Day, extending their efforts to multiple regions, emphasizing sustainable practices through initiatives like the CANSA Shavathon. Their dedication extends beyond short-term support, aiming to drive long-term impact in disability inclusion, reflecting an unwavering commitment to community upliftment and empowerment.
Clinton Van Boomen is nominated for his work with Khulisa Social Solutions, where he transformed the Theft Intervention Programme to meet community needs effectively. Joining Khulisa in August 2023, Clinton recognized a need for a more comprehensive approach, dedicating 90 hours to developing a new facilitator’s guide and worksheets alongside a social worker. His work resulted in a 28-page manual, empowering facilitators to address the root causes of theft, reducing recidivism among offenders. Clinton’s contributions have not only improved program effectiveness but have also provided a sustainable model for community rehabilitation. This experience has also enriched his dedication to impactful volunteer work.
Natasha Goliath’s work with the LoveWay Foundation in Delft has been transformative, empowering local children and women. Leading initiatives in education, health, and economic independence, Natasha has fostered resilience and community upliftment. Her project, Community Empowerment Through Education and Resilience, has introduced tutoring programs to improve academic performance, as well as sewing classes for practical skills. Natasha’s health-focused efforts include addressing HIV/AIDS and mental health, with screenings and cooking demonstrations. She also assists women affected by GBV in gaining financial independence. Natasha’s commitment has deeply impacted the community, providing stability, skills, and support that continue to inspire change.
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Natasha and her team offer skills development in Blikkiesdorp. From learner tutoring to women’s sewing lessons, the project enhances academic performance and equips adults with vital life skills. Natasha aims to create a legacy of kindness. Collaborating with the community, she tailors solutions to their pressing needs and challenges, focusing on mental and physical well-being, cooking and more.
Clinton’s passion for community service focuses on enriching young minds for a brighter future. On Mandela Day, he set up youth workshops, offering financial literacy, CV building, and work interviews to help students secure jobs. On Dream to Thrive career day he helped to sort and steam attire for youth to ‘dress for success’. Clinton also helped establish our volunteer committee in Gqeberha, whilst promoting volunteerism across our offices.
Sadat is a mentor for the “Change4Impact” project in collaboration with the Coalition of Zongo Youth (GH). Along with mentorship, Sadat equips the youth with post-training success skills, and formalising their ventures for meaningful opportunities. His active support in public awareness campaigns extends the project’s reach, covering sports and apprenticeship training in various fields. Sadat’s efforts have left an indelible mark on the community.
The winner is committed to contributing a portion of their own salary to various causes and NPOs every month. Even with steep increases in food and fuel costs, The winner has not wavered in their support of those in need. They also volunteer time for Wim Els Diversity Fund, investing their time and funds into giving back in every way.
Joseph generously volunteered his time and expertise in several impactful ways. He taught art with Play Africa, and mentored young entrepreneurs at Junior Achievement South Africa. In a 3-hour virtual session with Girl Code, Joseph led an entrepreneurial masterclass for over 30 young girls, preparing them for their future careers. His commitment to empowering the next generation through education and mentorship shines as a beacon of inspiration.
Human Capital CSI exemplifies the power of collective action by embracing the Ubuntu philosophy. They set out to uplift the community through the Blikkiesdorp Community Project. Partnering with the Love Way Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the team has created initiatives like the Back-to- School Drive, Mobile Libraries book sale, Women’s Day celebrations, hygiene courses, and a winter clothing drive.
Marileze, a devoted volunteer at San Michelle Independent School in Atlantis, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that marginalised students receive high- quality education. Her many contributions include securing donations for nutritious meals, organising enriching field trips, and integrating dance into the curriculum. This year, Marileze surpassed expectations by raising R180 000 in donations, showcasing her proactive collaboration with local stakeholders and commitment to sustainability.
Faeeza cares for the poor, the elderly, abused women and children at her own expense, in Bosmost and Riverlea. She is critically involved with local government to help resolve community issues; her latest focus being self-funded crime prevention measures to protect the community.
Involved in community work from a young age, Natasha helps Blikkiesdorp, one of Cape Town’s poorest settlements, with funding and donations for a programme that feeds over 250 residents. She has now also partnered with a hairdressing academy to upskill women.
This team is a force for meaningful change, embracing the concept of #ThinkHumanFirst and “we are here.” For the past year, they have helped the impoverished Blikkiesdorp settlement community, by helping to make a difference in their lives.
Petronela is a volunteer mentor, leader and facilitator at The Booming Empowerment Project, which educates over 260 youth about health issues, HIV prevention, GBV awareness and essential life skills. The programme offers psychological support, yoga and meditation courses.
Over the past 3 years, Seema has embraced virtual volunteering as the force behind the Mandela Day activation, supporting the KZN flood initiative, assisting with Holiday Drive pledge posters, preparing and distributing Food for Life parcels and uplifting the Women & Child Community Group.
Clinton is a dedicated supporter and highest rated volunteer on our online platform, forgood.co.za. During 2021, Clinton volunteered online to help 9 NGOs…raising awareness for Rare Diseases SA and Feed a Child, developing online training for Lesedi La Batho and Fisantekraal.
At the Momentum Metropolitan Foundation, we host numerous events geared at doing good in our communities. We also run awareness campaigns centered around important themes and commerative days in our country.
A group of people who could be from different business areas but work together as a team on volunteer initiatives, and whose contribution best aligns with our approach of purposeful community-centred volunteerism.
This special award is dedicated to the business leader who consistently shows support for staff volunteer efforts and who leads by example by volunteering on their own.
For a team or individual who does not reside in South Africa and volunteers in their own time out of their own accord and whose work best aligns with our approach to volunteerism.
This award is dedicated to the volunteer champion who goes above and beyond what is required of him or her.
For the highest and most consistent payroll giver between August 2019 and July 2020.
This award is handed to an individual or a team that has best exemplified all of the Momentum Metropolitan volunteering values.
For an individual registered on the Momentum Metropolitan Forgood platform who has the highest completed actions from the platform and who is rated above average by the causes he or she volunteered with.
The individual whose involvement in volunteer initiatives best aligns with our approach to volunteerism. In other words, purposeful community-centred volunteerism.
This special award will be dedicated to the business leader who consistently shows support for staff volunteer efforts and volunteers on a regular basis. This person leads by example.
A team or individual who does not reside in South Africa and volunteers in their own time out of their own accord and whose work best aligns with our approach to volunteerism.
This award will be dedicated to the volunteer champion who goes above and beyond what is required.
Momentum Metropolitan Forgood is our online volunteering platform.
The highest and most consistent payroll giver between July and August the previous year.
This award will be given to one of the winners of the above-mentioned nine categories.
A group of people who could be from different business areas but work together as a team on volunteer initiatives, and whose contribution best aligns with our approach of purposeful community-centred
Thanks to system improvements, this year saw smoother processes and adoption of new auditors from KPMG, ensuring transparency. Our employees' dedication to giving back places Momentum Group among the top forgood clients for Q1, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable community support and recognising those who bring positive change year after year.
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