Local youth leader garners further recognition

Sallies Village resident and youth leader Lerato Maris has made another step on her journey of positive change.

Her latest achievement is through Africa’s Gender Mainstreaming Awards as a Pioneer in the Positive Role Model for Gauteng category.

The awards, an initiative of Business Engage, recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals driving meaningful progress in gender mainstreaming across Africa.

They showcase measurable action to create more inclusive workplaces where equity, opportunity and belonging are embedded into the way organisations lead, grow and succeed.

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am, and I thank everyone who saw something in me worth seeing.

Being a young girl from Sallies Village to having Africa view me as a symbol of positive change and a role model is the biggest honour with a lot of responsibility that I do not take for granted,” said Maris.

She hopes that this inspires youth and future leaders to push beyond the boundaries and learn the essence of social responsibility by being a force of change no matter how big the action of good deeds are.

Maris notes it only takes one decision and action to be the change, create impact and leave an effect.

Paying homage to her hometown, Maris added, “I was born and bred in Brakpan and I’m grateful that I am that vessel of change that Africa can realise that leaders can come from small towns and make a global impact with recognisable effects, and I hope I inspire more.”

Over the years, Maris has stacked up numerous honours, awards and global accolades.

Among her many 2026 distinctions are being named a recipient at the 16th African Achievers Awards, which recognises visionaries, innovators and change-makers shaping the future of Africa.

She received the 2026 Excellence in Youth Development and Sustainable Development Advocate and African Youth Leadership and Social Impact Award.

Maris was also named Global Peace Chain’s Best Ambassador of the Year for 2026.