The KwaTsaDuza Heroes Awards 2025, held on October 25 at the Duduza Resource Centre, brought together local stars, changemakers, and innovators for a night of celebration and recognition.

Founded by Esau Dlamini, the event continues to highlight on individuals, organisations, and businesses that uplift their communities across Tsakani, Kwa-Thema, and Duduza.

The star-studded event was hosted by Tholakele Mbonani and Tshepo Da Designer, who entertained guests throughout the evening and kept the energy high.

According to Esau Dlamini, the founder of the initiative, the awards were launched in 2022 under the name Duduza Heroes Awards.

Due to growing community interest and participation from neighbouring areas, the event expanded and was renamed KwaTsaDuza Heroes Awards to include Tsakani and Kwa-Thema.

“The aim is to celebrate and recognise great individuals, organisations, and businesses that are making a difference in our communities.

“We have several categories, and the community plays a key role by nominating people they believe deserve recognition.

“Since the inception of the project, we have received an overwhelming response and have honoured more than 100 recipients.

“Our biggest challenge remains securing sponsors to sustain the project. We are deeply thankful to this year’s sponsors, Forch Communications and Vaseline for Men, for their continued support and belief in our vision,” explained Dlamini.

The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2025 winners across 25 categories, including four lifetime achievement awards honouring individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the arts, media, and community development.

Dlamini also added that nominations for the 2026 KwaTsaDuza Heroes Awards will open in March 2026, encouraging the public to nominate their local heroes and community changemakers.

2025 KwaTsaDuza Heroes Awards winners
1. Best community organisation: Ubuntu Community Empowerment Centre
2. Volunteer of the year: Bafedile Masinga
3. Best food and gardening project: Alinah Themane
4. Community leader of the year: Selwyn Afrikander
5. LGBTQIA+ activist of the year: Ntsupe Mohapi
6. Best hairstylist: Charlie Mingus
7. Best clothing brand: Mabontle Mphuti
8. Best make-up artist: Uji Blosse
9. Best female gospel artist: Sunnita “Sunshine” Lolo
10. Best male gospel artist: Lethabo Ramasodi
11. Best male hip-hop artist: Mcheezy Max
12. Best female hip-hop artist: Bizcuit SA
13. Best journalist: Chuma Matanzima
14. Best male presenter: Mike Mathabathe
15. Best female presenter: Lauretta Nyathela
16. Best poet: Lee “Gog’ Nkele” Mvuleni
17. Best amapiano artist: Sia Mzizi
18. Newsmaker of the year: The African Reporter
19. Best DJ: Lady K
20. Best female soccer player: Rethabile Molefe
21. Best male soccer player: Tsheponyana Diketso
22. Lifetime achievement awards: Mamsi Mashinini Ndlalani, Kgomotso Moeketsi, Masoja Msiza, and Joe Nina.

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