The 7th Annual South African Heroes Awards will be celebrating unsung heroes in a star-studded ceremony on the 29th of November 2025, at M1 Studios in Auckland Park. Dubbed ‘A Royal Celebration’, the evening promises to be an affair fit for royalty, with performances from Brenden Praise, Gabi & Mo, Khanyo Maphumulo and other special appearances.
Also to be honoured alongside the stars of the event, the community builders, will be leader of the Soweto June 16,1976 uprising, Seth Mazibuko and renowned attorney Zola Mbatha, who will be presented with the Leader of Influence and Rights Activist of the Year Awards.
Seth Mazibuko led a group of students at Orlando West Secondary School (now known as Phfeni Secondary School) into boycotting classes on the 28th of April 1976 against the continuing use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction at Soweto schools, particularly Orland West Secondary School. As a representative of the June 16 Foundation Mazibuko is passionate about motivating the youth and has over the years mentored and influenced many.
Zola Mbatha is an admitted Attorney of the High Courts of South Africa, and Founder of Legacy Yezibaya and Community Legal Clinics among many of her accomplishments. Through her National Legal Clinic, Mbatha reminds people of their right to effectively plan for as well as to protect their family legacy. The clinic has been targeting the elderly as well as all individuals who had no previous knowledge of the legislation and legal processes that affect their families the most.
Zola Mbatha: “I’m grateful to the South African Heroes Awards for this amazing and empowering honour. I cannot express with sufficient words my gratitude for this and look forward to enjoying this journey”.
Seth Mazibuko: I’m humbled and grateful to be honoured with this award. In preserving the legacy of 1976, I work with young people through the June 16 Foundation. The foundation also tackles issues affecting young people focusing on education, economic participation and social cohesion”.
SA Heroes Awards Founder, Amanda Matshaka: “The vision for the awards is to celebrate people who are doing extraordinary things for their communities. We celebrate unsung heroes, who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them in their communities.”
The 7th instalment of the South African Heroes Awards will take place on the 29th of November 2025, at M1 Studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
The Prestigious awards will be hosted by astute media personality Samora Mangesi and accomplished actress and singer, Gabisile Tshabalala.
SA Heroes Awards 2025 Nominees:
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Dr. Bonginkosi Thango
Tshediso Mahange
Tebello Foundation
Naledi Ramaboea
Quin Mdluli
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Nomathemba Nyirenda
Mapule Sarah Mthimkhulu
Kholofelo Matsepe
Boby Nkoana
Halaletsang Women Empowerment
BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT
Lufuno Rasoesoe
Jessica Tamara
Sqimntwana Projects
Kopano Letsepe
Lucy Human
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Muzi Nduku
Lindelani Donald Maraganedzha
Siphokazi Ngwenya
Zinzile Mhesele
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Neliswa Leticia Cuba
Belinah Maserumule
Etta’s Healing Hearts Foundation
Dr Mzi Mabenge
SPECIALISED CARE
Ntandokazi Mlamleli
Lethabo La Rena Foundation
Boitumelo Mashakeng
Portia Mabala
Martha N. Mawela
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Koketso Marishane
Faith Ngako
Shincheonji Volunteers
Dr. Phophi Ramabulana
M-Powerment Care
Phumeza Mngambi Foundation
COMMUNITY JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Thapelo Magola
Lerato Mampa
Teboho Setena
COMMUNITY MEDIA OF THE YEAR
Mmegi Community Newspaper
Inner City Gazette
The Village Voice
Soweto Sunrise
Bloem Express
Tickets to the awards are available at web tickets for R450: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1574984210
The SAHAs are proudly sponsored by Mohlalefi Engineering, Cure Day Hospitals, LaGrace Properties, Murunwa Communications, Mpudulle Eye Centre and Brace Training Institute.