Momentum Group, a major financial services provider in South Africa, has announced the winners of its 10th annual Lesedi Awards, marking a decade of recognising employees whose acts of kindness and generosity through volunteering have made a meaningful difference in communities.

The awards celebrate those who support causes close to their hearts and address some of the greatest needs in society.

This year’s milestone event, held at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Fourways, carried the theme ‘We invest in kindness’, reflecting the company’s belief that compassion, like capital, grows when it is put to work.

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“We understand that the most worthwhile investments aren’t only financial,” said Tshego Bokaba, from Momentum Group.

“Kindness brings real returns for the giver, the receiver, and the community around them. When our employees give of their time and skills, they help build the social fabric that supports all of us.

These awards recognise that the value we create as a business is measured not just in rands, but in the difference our people make.”

Momentum Group supports employees who volunteer by offering leave for volunteer work, matched funding, peer recognition, and awards such as the Lesedi Awards, which highlight their efforts.

Since its inception in 2015, the Lesedi Awards (Lesedi meaning ‘light’ in Sesotho) have recognised employees who uplift others through volunteer work, team projects, or payroll giving.

The initiative forms part of the Staff Volunteerism Programme, one of the key pillars of Momentum Group’s Corporate Social Investment strategy, alongside youth employment and consumer financial education.

Patronella Sono, staff volunteerism specialist, said, “Our employees are encouraged to support the causes closest to their hearts and communities, ensuring that their contributions meet real needs, whether that’s feeding families, mentoring youth, or supporting education and shelter initiatives.”

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Over the years, employees have supported a wide array of causes, including gender-based violence awareness, care for young women to complete school, shelters for abandoned babies, backyard farming, food security, land repatriation, and youth empowerment through sports, arts, and leadership mentoring.

In the past year alone, the company’s employees contributed 8 692 volunteer hours, with a target of 50% workforce participation by 2027.

In a rare occurrence this year, a team rather than an individual received the Spirit of Volunteering Award, the top accolade of the evening.

Momentum Group’s Merge team, led by Lynnette Schoeman, also won the Team Award.

The team is known for its annual winter drive, Operation Anti-Freeze, collecting blankets, food, and clothing for families in need, a project that has grown from a small community effort into a lifeline for many.

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