Duduza – Community builders, innovators and local entertainers were showered with love at the first annual Duduza Heroes Awards on October 1 at Duduza Resource Centre.
The event was hosted by Community Witness Media to give recognition and celebrate individuals and pioneers from the past and present.
The founder of the organisation, Esau Dlamini, said they wanted to celebrate those who continue to bring change and development in Duduza.
“We had 45 finalists in different categories, from education, health, sports, music and arts.
“The feedback from the community has been amazing and people feel motivated to do more,” explained Dlamini.
He urged residents to look out for the nomination dates from February.
These are the finalists from the ceremony in their respective categories.
Best community organisation:
• Zanele Mofokeng for Nozizwe
• Phumzile Sikhakhane for WOKE NPO
• Nompumelelo Nhlapho for Brave Queens
Best youth organisation:
• Fani Webster for Bua re utuse youth development
Activist of the year:
• Sipho Maisa
• Nomasomi Limako
Community builder of the year:
• Mamosa Moretsele (MI Bachelorette SA 2022 finalist)
Safety and community development:
• Sergeant Harry Manaka for best police officer
Business and community development best newcomer:
• Kabelo Masina for Jazzy Lifestyle
Best local business:
• Reverent Mali Mashinini for Skylight It Centre
• Mandla Mini Royal Mbamba for Netso Lifestyle Gallery
• Nompumemelo Nzilwane for Prudy Fragrances
Best women empowerment:
• Tholakele Mlangeni for Mncube Creative Solutions
Best childhood development:
• Kim Sengange for Safelight Day Care
• Senzo Mthebu for Bennico Comic Pty Ltd
Best community healthcare facility:
• Nelisiwe Evelyn Malinga for Community Healthcare Services
Best leadership and philanthropy:
• Mamsi Mashinini Ndlalani
• Bishop Andile Tila
• Boas Seruwe
Best soccer player:
• Makhosonke Vilakazi
Best female soccer player:
• Khosi Philipine Mnyakeni
Best soccer coach:
• Mbali Xaba
• Lucky Frank Mqciwa
Best coach manager in cricket:
• Tshepo Geco Mofokeng
• Dumile Skade
Best gospel artist:
• Psalmist Lethabo Ramasodi
• Wandile Nkosi
• Mantombi Mbele
Best gospel group:
• Hamilton Chillies Motloung for Duduza Serenade
Best jazz and afro-pop artist:
• Sbu Dludlu
Best make-up artist:
• Thandeka Queen Mngomezulu
• Nompumelelo Ndazo Kubheka
• Motlalepule Buzi
Best poet:
• Lerato Kubyane
Best photographer:
• Kamohelo Skosana
Best DJ:
• Dj Bongani Nasso
• Radic Thee Myth
Best pub:
• Zamani Masondo ( Esgangeni)
Lifetime achievement:
• Dr Hleli Nhlapo
• Vusi Mashinini (former educator from Esibonelwesihle Secondary School)
• Mam Violet Motsoeneng
• Monti Motloung (struggle icon)
• Professor Kennedy Skosana
Award-winning gospel artist Lethabo Ramasodi (19) said it was an honour to be part of the most influential people in Duduza.
“This award is my biggest achievement so far this year.
“For me, it shows that dreams do come true and that it does not matter how young or old you are, but only if we dare to work hard and make our dreams come true.
“I aim to heal souls with my voice. I wish my peers would take my recent achievement as a motivation to continue following their dreams,” he said.
He is currently working on his eight-track EP titled Ngingaphezu Komnqobi. For enquiries, Dlamini can be reached on 078 102 8328.
