Wendy Pascoe and Priya Ranchod receive industry awards

Missing in Southern Africa (MISA) NPC is celebrating a proud moment after its founder and director, Wendy Pascoe, and head of communications, Priya Ranchod, received awards at the Industry Recognition Awards 2026 on October 31.

The awards ceremony, founded and organised by Karen and Deon Lensing from Cape Town, took place at Idlewild Country Estate in Irene, Pretoria.

The event brought together nominees from various industries and backgrounds to recognise their work, dedication and contributions in their respective fields.

There was plenty of anticipation throughout the evening as nominees waited to hear who would walk away with awards in their respective categories.

Pascoe was named the winner in the activist category for her work in advocacy, private investigations and her continued efforts to assist families searching for missing loved ones.

She also received four certificates of appreciation for her nominations in the Activist, Athlete, Philanthropist and Most Influential Individual categories.

Ranchod received the award in the storytelling and media communication category for her work in communications and using storytelling to raise awareness and bring important issues to the attention of the public.

She also received certificates of appreciation for her nominations in the humanitarian and storytelling and media communication categories.

In her acceptance speech, Pascoe spoke about her more than 14 years of experience as a private investigator and the responsibility that comes with working with families going through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives:

“Being an activist is about more than having a title. It means speaking up when others remain silent, asking difficult questions and continuing to stand up for what is right, even when the work becomes challenging.”

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Speaking about MISA, Pascoe reminded those present that behind every missing person’s photograph is a family desperate for answers and hoping that their loved one will return home.

“Every missing person is someone’s child, mother, father, brother, sister or loved one,” she said.

She dedicated the recognition to the families who continue to search, the missing persons whose cases remain unresolved and everyone who stands up for justice and human dignity.

Ranchod, in her acceptance speech, said the recognition meant a great deal to her, but stressed that her work has never been about awards. For her, it has always been about people and the stories that deserve to be heard.

She spoke about how communication can bring people together, create understanding and give hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

Through her involvement with MISA, she has experienced the heartbreak of families searching for missing loved ones, as well as the happiness that comes when families are reunited.

“These experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of compassion and using communication to make a difference.”

Ranchod thanked Pascoe and the entire MISA team, along with her friends Nahima Ahmed, Athlenda Mathe and Ali Asgar Shaikjee.

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She also acknowledged her table tennis coach, six-time South African champion Sameera Maal, and paid special tribute to her mother for her love, encouragement and unwavering support.

She further acknowledged her involvement in table tennis, serving as PRO, Media and Marketing Manager for the Lenasia Table Tennis Association and as Media Liaison Officer for the South African Table Tennis Board.

She also took a moment to send her best wishes to fellow MISA director Adri Deysel, wishing her a speedy recovery.

The evening also recognised individuals across 26 award categories, with nominees receiving certificates of appreciation in recognition of their nominations.

Award winners:

• Activist: Eunice Motlhoding

• Designer: Nosipho Sitole

• Digital creator: Alecia Joubert

• Entrepreneur: Carl van Blerk

• Hair Stylist: Yolandé Henn

• Hospitality: Corne Camacho

• Humanitarian: Anton Siebert

• Industry icon: Lesley Rae Coetzer

• Instructor / Coach: Myrtle Gray

• Makeup artist: Alecia Joubert

• Model: Damion Bracks

• Most influential individual: Christel Marais

• Motivational speaker: Lemphane Moeketsi

• Musician: Angelique Greffrath

• Pageant director: Mohamed Vythilingam

• Pageant king: Marnus Botha

• Philanthropist: Talitha Oosthuizen

• Photogenic: Tracy Smith Hlophe

• Photographer: Elmy Beket

• Social butterfly: Corne Camacho

• Sports person: Tariq Klink

• The Kindness Legacy: Naledi Ramaboea

• Trendsetter: Riana Burger

• Visual Artist: Sonette van der Merwe

• Public choice: Lee Ferreira