LIMPOPO – The Phalas Recognition Awards hosted its third annual ceremony on Saturday, March 29, at the Foskor Community Hall in Namakgale, bringing together talented individuals from various industries to celebrate their achievements.

The prestigious event, organised by RunMidrand in partnership with the Nonyane Foundation and Hero Network, recognised outstanding contributions in arts, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Winners were thrilled to receive their well-earned awards, sharing their experiences and reflecting on their journeys.

The event’s founder and organiser, Lebogang Chiloane, who is also the director of RunMidrand, emphasised the significance of the awards in highlighting local talent.

“Phalaborwa is my home, and it is where I acquired the foundation of my knowledge. Every experience beyond it has merely built upon that strong base. I recognised the talent within myself and others, yet we were often overlooked. Therefore, I took it upon myself to address this by bringing recognition to our community and placing it back on the map,” he said.

Chiloane further explained that the awards recognise dedication across all age groups and industries. “The ceremony honours individuals of all ages, from youth to elderly, across various industries, united by a common goal of achieving success beyond their upbringing. It acknowledges and celebrates their accomplishments, giving them the recognition they deserve,” he added.

The nomination process is interactive, with organisers engaging the community through social media. Categories are posted online, and people nominate their preferred talents by tagging and commenting. The final selection is based on the number of nominations and a review of the nominees’ profiles.

One of this year’s winners, Kgwadi Ngoatje, expressed his gratitude for receiving the Community Builder/Leader of the Year award. “Being recognised at the Phalas Recognition Awards is a deeply humbling and gratifying experience. It reaffirms the work I have been doing in the community and the arts, and it is incredibly meaningful to know that the people of Phalaborwa value and appreciate these efforts.

“This recognition motivates me to continue making a positive impact and to inspire others to do the same,” he said.

Another award recipient, Remelda Nhlamulo Shikwambana, who is the founder and director of Remoyd Fragrances and Face of Remoyd Modelling Agency and Pageantry, was honoured with the Model Director Honour Award.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognised at the Phalas Recognition Awards. I am truly humbled and grateful for this acknowledgment of my hard work and dedication,” she said.

Musician Ntsako Agreement Mathebula, popularly known as Mantsakosi, was awarded Best Album of the Year. Expressing her excitement, she shared,

“This award has the potential to create new opportunities and advancements in my career, allowing me to showcase my skills. It holds great significance for me, as it serves as a validation of the years of hard work and dedication I have invested in my music.”