Mandela Legacy Awards honour Soweto’s community champions

The Revens on Mission Community Project hosted its inaugural Mandela Legacy Business Awards on July 31 at Joe Gqabi Hall in Protea Glen.

The awards were a prestigious initiative dedicated to recognising and celebrating businesses, entrepreneurs, institutions and community leaders whose outstanding contributions had continued to transform lives and promote economic growth within their communities.

Inspired by the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, the awards aimed to honour excellence, service, innovation and social responsibility.

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Revens on Mission Community project chairperson Reason Toli said hosting the awards was important because the businesses, NPOs and individuals being recognised were making a meaningful impact in their communities.

According to Toli, their work was not driven solely by profit, but by a genuine commitment to giving back, supporting those in need and creating lasting change.

“We see the change that businesses, individuals, NPOs as well as organisations are bringing to our communities, and we appreciate and respect the work they are doing. They must continue excelling because, through their good deeds, they are touching the hearts of community members. To them, we say they must continue doing good,” he said.

Toli stated that the organisation planned to host the awards annually and hoped to recognise more businesses from across Soweto in the future.

One of the award recipients, Thihanedzwi Mashapha, founder of Protea Glen-based hardware business Dzhoto Trading (Pty) Ltd, was honoured for his excellence in community service.

Mashapha said being recognised among those who are making a difference in the community was an emotional experience for him, as people doing meaningful work often go unnoticed and are rarely acknowledged for their efforts.

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“For me, as a businessperson, I believe it is important to give back to the community that supports my business. Looking back at where I come from and how I was raised, helping others and doing good in the community is a privilege. I am not doing this because I have money, but because I care about my community family. I am grateful to be recognised,” he said.

Hlengiwe Women of Destiny received the compassionate care award for its outstanding commitment to caring for senior citizens and making a positive difference in the lives of elderly community members.

Founder of the NPO, Mpho Mnikati, said she felt honoured and humbled to receive the recognition.

“We do what we do as an organisation out of love for our elderly, and I am grateful that there are people who recognise and appreciate the positive impact we are making in the community,” she said.