Global accolade for Brakpan youth leader
The Sallies Village resident has been named among the recipients of the 16th African Achievers Awards.
Sallies Village resident and youth leader Lerato Maris is ending Youth Month on a high after receiving another international honour.
Maris has been named a recipient at the 16th African Achievers Awards, which recognises visionaries, innovators and change-makers shaping the future of Africa.
The awards celebrate individuals whose dedication, resilience and contributions are transforming industries, empowering communities and redefining Africa’s global narrative.
They honour leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and social impact champions who drive meaningful progress across the continent.
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“It is my great honour to represent my country, South Africa, on an international scale. Knowing that a small-town girl from Brakpan is making big moves through positive change is such a priceless moment, and I am so grateful to even be recognised,” she said.
The honour follows the recognition of His Majesty Misuzulu kaZwelithini, King of the Zulu Nation, as a 2025 honouree.
Maris will receive the 2026 Excellence in Youth Development and Sustainable Development Advocate and African Youth Leadership and Social Impact Award at the awards ceremony at the House of Lords (upper house of the United Kingdom’s Parliament) on July 22.
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Maris, who was recently named Global Peace Chain’s Best Ambassador of the Year for 2026, promotes peacebuilding among civil society and young people through mentorship and skills development.
Her work focuses on equipping youth for sustainable livelihoods while encouraging volunteerism as a means of building networks, developing personal skills and serving communities through social responsibility.
“I hope this inspires and shows that it takes one life-changing decision to make an impact. Be the change you want to see in the world and carry it through to the end.
“It is essential to leave a positive mark within your community and on a global scale that will help the next generation of changemakers continue the legacy of paying it forward,” she said.
