"The Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards give South Africans the chance to thank those people who have and are making a difference," says Gillian Mitchell, manager of Inyathelo's Philanthropy Programme at the occasion of the 2009 awards held in Cape Town on Tuesday 3 November 2009.
Since its inception three years ago, the Inyathelo Awards have recognised those whose personal contributions have made a sustainable contribution to the communities in which they are active.
This year, twelve people were honoured for their efforts.
Inyathelo Award for Exceptional Philanthropy - Ahmed Ismael from Palm Ridge, Alberton for his work in establishing and running the Siyafunda Community Technology Centre, which aims to empower communities by teaching citizens computer skills and providing access to internet and email.
Inyathelo Women in Philanthropy Award - Nosipho Mayana from Kyalami, Johannesburg for her role in establishing Siyanqoba, an organisation dedicated to aiding and protecting those affected and infected by HIV/Aids and feeding neglected children
A second Inyathelo Women in Philanthropy Award - Marlene Jooste from Brandwag in the Free State for her role in establishing and maintaining the I'm a Star project. This programme improves the lives of terminally ill children by making their dreams become realities and for her various medical and health awareness projects initiated throughout the year.
Inyathelo Youth in Philanthropy Award - Anna Versveld from Walmer Estate and Marcio Lopez from Observatory, Cape Town, for their role in establishing and running the Capoeira Educational Youth Association; a youth development organisation which uses Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art form to develop personal and social skills in children in disadvantaged areas in the Cape Town Metropolitan area.
Inyathelo Philanthropy Merit Award - Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo from Kyalami, Johannesburg for their various philanthropic initiatives including the formation of the Romeo & Basetsana Kumalo Family Foundation. This foundation aids in the development and growth of children orphaned by HIV/Aids and related diseases.
Inyathelo Lifetime Philanthropy Award - Ben and Shirley Rabinowitz from Seapoint, Cape Town in recognition of their life-long commitment to personal giving which has supported individuals, organisations, projects and causes for education, health and human rights and justice in South Africa
Inyathelo Philanthropy in Health Award - Professor Lorna Jacklin from Glenvista, Johannesburg for her role in establishing support and services for children with mental problems caused by physical disability and abuse at The Children's Disability Centre, which provides services to the blind, visually impaired and autistic children in South Africa.
Inyathelo Community Philanthropy Award - Volla and Linda du Plessis from Bultfontein in the Free State for have invigorated the failing economy of Bultfontein through the revitalization of the annual Boertjiefees agricultural show and for their long-standing commitment to raising funds and awareness for schools, churches, cancer, HIV/Aids and disability organisations in their region.
