They come from many walks of life – community service, sport, business, education, culture, music, the arts and simply being there for others.

They are the heroes of Parys who helped shape the town and made a meaningful difference, not only in Parys but also in surrounding communities.

On Heritage Day, September 24, as part of the Parys 150 celebrations, Parys Info & Tourism honoured these heroes by rolling out the red carpet during a colourful and vibrant street parade, showcasing the talent and beauty this Free State jewel has to offer.

Local heroes honoured were:

• Hennie Stander
  First, we honour Mr Hennie Stander, aged 87, who has given more than 60 years of dedicated service to Parys. He also chaired the organising committee for Parys’ centenary celebrations in 1976.
  Thank you, Mr Stander, for a lifetime of service to our town.

• Wynand Nel
  Always ready to answer the call, day or night. From accidents and fires to emergencies
  and helping those in need, he serves our community without expecting anything in return.
  Thank you for your selfless service.

• Braam Cilliers
  Braam Celliers has devoted countless hours to our town and its people. His name is synonymous withvMooi Parys and the Ngwathe Warriors.
  Thank you for your passion and commitment to Parys.

• Liezl Scheepers
  Liezl Scheepers has consistently told the stories of our people through professional and dedicated
  journalism. In 2026 alone, she has received three prestigious awards.
  Thank you for giving Parys a voice.

• Werner Dey
  Werner Dey — a name synonymous with haute couture in Parys. This year marks 30 years of his contribution to our town.
  Congratulations, Werner, and thank you for bringing style and creativity to Parys.

• Tienie Boshoff Tienie Boshoff, another of Parys’ talented fashion designers, whose creativity has reached the national stage, including the creation of the Mrs World national costume. Thank you for putting Parys on the fashion map.

• Sandra Uys
  Sandra Uys — synonymous with Rotary Parys, Plum Tree and the Parys Crater Street Mile. Through her selfless service, these have become institutions in our town. Thank you, Sandra, for giving so much to our community.

• Erna Rademan
  Tannie Erna Rademan has touched generations of people and played an important role in nurturing a love for music and creative expression. Thank you, Tannie Erna, for sharing your gift with our community.

• Prof Graeme Addison – The Riverman
  Professor Graeme Addison, known as the Riverman, is a renowned author, National Tour Guide and expert on the Vredefort Dome. He is also recognised for pioneering whitewater rafting in South Africa. Thank you for sharing the story and spirit of our river and our Dome.

• Sanette Boonzaier
  Sanette Boonzaaier dedicates herself to caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our society — a role that is often difficult and unseen. Thank you for caring for those who need it most.

• Bra Lefty
  Bra Lefty — a legendary musician, producer and mentor to many artists, with a long association with Gallo Records. Thank you for keeping the music alive.

• Paul Zange
  Mr Paul Zange — a legend of the performing, visual and fine arts, and a true community builder who
  continues to inspire young people through the arts. Thank you for nurturing the talent of our youth.

• Goli Rampa – recognised for his contribution to the performing arts and for enriching the cultural life of our community. Thank you for keeping the performing arts alive in Parys.

• Reverend Makhalima
  Reverend Makhalima, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, trained in theology in Egypt and played an active role during the struggle against apartheid. Thank you for your leadership, faith and service.

• Dr Stoffo Mosia
  Dr Stoffo Mosia — artist, composer and guitarist, whose creativity has contributed to the cultural richness of our community. Thank you for sharing your music and artistic talent.

• Rasta Phillip
  Rasta Phillip — a musician who has contributed to the vibrant musical culture of Parys.
  Thank you for keeping the rhythm of our town alive.

• Bro Dominic
  Bro Dominic — a dancer and musician who has contributed to the creative energy and cultural expression of our community. Thank you for sharing your talent with Parys.

• Aaron Masilo
  Mr Aaron Masilo, choir conductor and mentor who has helped develop generations of school and
  community talent. Thank you for giving our young voices a platform.

• Machini Kamete – co-founder of Partuma Theatre Productions. Thank you for using culture and the arts to empower our youth.

• Velile Zwayi
  Mr Velile Zwayi, cultural facilitator at the Fezile Dabi Art Centre, helping to connect people with culture and the arts. Thank you for your contribution to our cultural life.

• Japhta Makhalemele
  Mr Japhta Makhalemele, Assistant Director at the Fezile Dabi Art Centre, contributing to the development and promotion of arts and culture in our region. Thank you for your dedication to the arts.

• Baba Tjeko
  Baba Tjeko, a celebrated South African multidisciplinary artist who has brought new life to traditional
  Basotho Ditema mural art through bold and contemporary works. Thank you for preserving our heritage while taking it into the future.

• Edgar Legoale
  Mr Edgar Legoale has helped keep young people away from drugs and the streets, created opportunities for youth and restored dignity through initiatives such as donating school shoes.
  Thank you for being a role model and champion for our young people.

• King Michael Maliele
  His Royal Highness King Michael Maliele continues to champion the development of Tumahole, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, education, employment and environmental initiatives.
  Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our community.

• Pule Nhlapo
  Mr Pule Nhlapo, leader and conductor of the Tumahole Youth Brass Band, using music to inspire young
  people and keep them positively engaged.
  Thank you for giving our youth music, purpose and opportunity.

• Coach Nonhlanhla Kgaudi
  Coach Nonhlanhla Kgaudi, founder of the Parys Panthers in 2014, using basketball to empower young people and keep them away from the streets and drugs.
  Thank you for changing lives through sport.

• Rabbi Nkoane
  Rabbi Nkoane, a pioneer of football in Parys and the first player from our town to play for a professional team, inspiring others to follow. Thank you for opening the way for future generations of footballers.

• Corrie Bouwer
  Mrs Corrie Bouwer, at 92 years of age, continues to have a heart for the people of Parys. She is synonymous
  with Glennifer and its contribution to providing housing for people on low incomes.
  Thank you for a lifetime of caring for our community.

• Sipho Dinku (Sipho Dinku Foundation)
  HIV/AIDS activist and motivational speaker. Encouraging those infected that HIV/AIDS is not a death
  sentence. Caring for the kids on nyaope and encouraging people to drink their antiretroviral medication.

• Ewan Stoltz
  U24 water hockey Springbok.. Both him and his grandfather, Hennie Stander, received the Hero of Parys token of appreciation on the same day.

Photos reflecting some of the heroes on the red carpet on the celebration day