UK: South Africans celebrate their first Achievers Award in London
High praise has been given to the South African Achievers Awards committee for pulling off their first awards evening and Gala dinner on 13th April 2013 in London, UK.
Dikgacoi, Conrad Mwanza and Gola
Balayi, Gqirana and Sompeta
Guests arrived at the luxurious Cumberland hotel in Mayfair to a champagne reception, red carpet and a fashion show by Chelline, who was showcasing her 15 piece African inspired collection. The sold out evening then officially commenced with the national anthem, led exceptionally well by SA baritone Njabulo Madlala.
Among the nominees who were awarded for their outstanding achievement in their respective field, Struggle Stalwarts were honoured on the night for their contribution and efforts to the South African Community in the UK.
The keynote speaker of the night Avrom Lasarow shared stories of his rise to success and inspired the audience to reach for their dreams and goals despite the circumstances and barriers.
In between all the awards and speakers the crowd was well entertained with some stellar performances by classically trained soprano Joyce Moholoagae who sang accompanied by Alison Blackhall on the harp, Njabulo Madlala, house vocalist Lebo Mdluli and UK Factor finalist LeAnne Dlamini who did a wonderful rendition of Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special that got everyone dancing. A surprise appearance by SA comedian Loyiso Gola who popped into the event after his gig in London had people in uproars of laughter and was a great addition to the evening’s entertainment.
These are the first awards of their kind in the UK for the South African Diaspora , that recognise and reward UK based South Africans excellence in all areas of life – from business to sport, entertainment, public service, the arts to charitable good works. It really is a unique platform from which to showcase the valuable and distinctive contribution made by members of the UK based South African community. They were fully supported by the community and in South Africa, so much so that some guests flew to London especially for this event, including the guest speaker Avrom Lasarow and the host, SA personality and face of ‘Black like Me’ Sisanda Gqirana, who did a fine job presenting for the evening.
“The food was great, the champagne reception, the artists, everything was just lovely, I had a thoroughly good time” noted one of the guests.
The SAAA committee have been commended for bringing together the community in such a glamorous fashion that is rarely seen and experienced, and many are looking forward to the next awards in 2014.
The committee would like to thank the sponsors Moneygram & Global Career Company, BrandSA, all the partners, nominees, the judges, and everyone involved who made this a successful first event, we really appreciate your invaluable support.
The official winners of the first annual South African Achievers Awards 2013
The Struggle Stalwarts
The late James Philips, represented by his wife and daughter Maud and Mary Philips
Mrs Saro Naicker
Mama Thembi Nobadula
The late Percy & Sheila Cohen
SAAA Honoured Achievers
Friend of South Africa:
Kathi Scott
Chairman’s Honorary Award:
Mrs Thuthukile Skweyiya
Lifetime Contribution Award:
Pastor Nguta
Elliot Ngubane
The winners:
Outstanding Achievement in Business:
Legacy Ventures
Corporate Achievement:
Peter Maila
South African Restaurant of the Year:
Meat & Wine Co.
Community Organisation:
Breadline Africa
Community Champion:
Sthembiso Mkhize
Outstanding Achievement in Health Sector:
Karyn Moshal
Personality of the Year:
Pily Mirazi
Outstanding Achievement in Sports:
Ernst Joubert
Outstanding Achievement in Music:
Njabulo Madlala
UK Based DJ of the Year:
Voo C
Outstanding Achievement Arts & Culture:
Luyanda Jezile
Outstanding Achievement Visual Art:
Vee Art Media
