Glory Zanayi scoops youth philanthropy award

Glory Zanayi has bagged the Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Award at the 11th Vita Basadi Awards hosted by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

The ceremony acknowledges women, women in business and young women who give back to their communities without expecting anything in return. Community members nominate candidates for recognition.

Zanayi said the award means everything to her.

“This award is not about a title or a position. It is about the little girl from the township who decided that if she makes it, she must reach back.

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“It means the late nights, the personal sacrifices, and the tears I have shed for young people have not gone unnoticed. This win is for the community, youth across the country and my family,” she said.

She added that the recognition shows a big office isn’t required to make a significant impact, having worked from the ground for years using her own resources, network, and time to uplift youth.

Zanayi believes the nomination stemmed from various community projects she undertook without expecting compensation or recognition.

“I still don’t have expectations, yet I continue being kind and giving back to my community and the youth. I showed that philanthropy is action.

“This win has given me the courage to dream bigger. I want to move from helping 10 youth to helping 1,000.

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“I want to build a permanent youth development centre where skills, mentorship, mental support and healing can happen under one roof. This award is a mandate to do more.”

She hopes the win opens doors to collaborate with other women leaders, sponsors and institutions who share her passion for youth development.

She is seeking opportunities for young people, including bursaries, jobs, internships and safe spaces, rather than personal gain.

“The safety and future of our women and children is one challenge I wish to tackle. You cannot be a youth philanthropist and be silent when the same youth you mentor are being abused and killed.

“My next challenge is to fight gender-based violence (GBV) with everything I have, through campaigns, through education, through giving survivors a second chance at life and work.”

Zanayi described her mother as her hero, saying she taught her Ubuntu when they had very little by sharing their last plate of food with a neighbour.

She added that the resilience of young people and their hunger to succeed despite their circumstances inspire her every day.

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“The biggest obstacle I faced was believing in myself when no one was watching. There is no funding for kindness.

“I have used my last money to buy data for a young person to submit a job application, to transport kids to an audition. People laughed and said I am wasting time.

“The hardest obstacle was choosing purpose over popularity.”

“To those who have similar desires as mine, do not wait to be rich to give. Give what you have—your time, your voice, your skill, your platform; that is philanthropy.

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“Start in your street, in your family, in your community. Be consistent. People will not always clap for you, but God and the children you help will remember. Stay authentic and let your work speak.

“I truly appreciate that my community clapped for me for being there for them.”