Uncategorized
By Johannah Malogadihlare and Akani Nkuna
100 of South Africa’s Shining Stars are looking ahead with optimism, believing in a promising future filled with opportunities and progress. These influential individuals see potential for growth, innovation and positive transformation in the country.
Although they come from diverse fields, the Shining Stars share a unified goal – to make a positive impact in their communities and uplift underprivileged youth. Their collective vision focuses on creating meaningful change, providing opportunities and improving lives to ensure a brighter future for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
They were recently honoured at the 100 South African Shining Stars 2024 awards ceremony hosted by the Inside Education Foundation at Sci-Bono in Johannesburg.
Dr Maurine Musie, who is a leader in the field of midwifery, said the initiative was important as it unearthed young pioneers from all corners of the country and made them feel appreciated and recognised.
University of Pretoria senior lecturer Dr Maurine Musie. Picture: Eddie Mtsweni
“As an advanced midwife and medicine lecturer, this encourages me to continue doing more and more for the field of maternal and child healthcare to make sure that we contribute to [the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she told Inside Education.
She recently attended the BRICS Summit in Russia, where she presented her ongoing project – a mobile health app aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency through innovative digital solutions.
“[I am currently working] to develop a mobile heath app, which is designed to assist women during pregnancy ensuring that women in such conditions are addressed and attended to swiftly and on time, especially for obstetric emergencies.”
Education category Shining Star Shadrack Mlambo, who is the co-founder and president of Project 2023 that trains and develops 10 professionals annually in the fields of law, accounting, medicine and engineering, remarked that the world was tough, and recognition of one’s efforts was essential.
His goal is to uplift his community through education, ensuring that every child has access to learning.
“We want no child left behind due to financial barriers, whether for university or information access, so they can achieve their full potential.
“This year we have planned for camp for mathematics, physical sciences and accounting between June and September, a career exhibition and a training programme for tertiary students to do job shadowing,” Mlambo said.
Kwazini Zulu, who is the founder of Take-A-Bite Biscuit and Kulisha Consulting, said these types of events were important for networking and finding the right people to collaborate with and build partnerships. Networks were important for growth, innovation and new opportunities.
Zulu, who was recognised in the business category, also said that South Africa “needs an active engaged and committed youth population, both economically and otherwise, so that we can really just shift the country forward”.
Limpopo-based educator and founder of Stophespot Youth Organisation, Ramaphalalani Messie, was nominated for her exceptional work in education.
“My award is going to inspire other educators out there, or young people who are into education, to take education seriously,” she said.
A young leader who is driving change in civil society, Kaylen Healy, told Inside Education that collaboration with other individuals was a reason for his nomination, saying this was a win for him and his team.
“Sometimes we do what a we do out of the love of it, but reality is sometimes it gets exhausting, so I think that recognition motivates you and I think it shines a light on people’s work,” said Healy, who is deputy national director of African Emerging Leaders Network.
Despite the hard work, Healy said he was looking at expanding the NGO so that it reached more young people.
Entrepreneur Makenyana Maledimo, who is the chief operating officer of the luxury wellness brand Tshepiso-entle SelfCare said: “Being recognised for your hard work, blood sweat and tears gives me strength to continue and that what I do matters and I feel seen and appreciated.”
She said she wanted to create more job opportunities for young people and be a mentor.
Siphesihle Ndwandwe, the founder of Elam Empowerment, who was nominated under the philanthropy category, described the recognition as testament to her dedication to uplift and empower communities through her initiatives.
Elam Empowerment founder Siphesihle Ndwandwe. Picture: Eddie Mtsweni
The non-profit organisation empowers marginalised groups, particularly the homeless, incarcerated women and unemployed youth.
“I think it’s an important event to celebrate the work young people are doing and to create a platform for young SA changemakers to network,” said Ndwandwe .
She said the NPO was expanding its operations to a few more cities, with Durban up next.
In the future, she wants Elam Empowerment to also work with other disenfranchised groups.
Inside Education Foundation chairman Matuma Letsoalo told the winners that they were being celebrated because they represented the best of the future of South Africa,
“The work that you do will unlock solutions to many challenges we face as a society,” he said.
The 100 recipients were awarded under 12 categories, including education, philanthropy, health, civil society, science and technology, sports, politics and governance, business, arts and culture, environment, transport and tourism, and justice and law.
The event, now in its 6th year, is held annually.
Video By: Kgalalelo Setlhare Mogapi
INSIDE EDUCATION
