PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — The Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation (MNF), in partnership with Mzansi Mail, is proud to officially announce the winners of the uYiNdlovu Community Builder Awards 2026.
Guided by the theme “Building Together: Women, Youth & Creative Enterprise for Community Growth,” the 2026 awards honor selfless leadership, grassroots skills development, cooperative economic participation, and creative social enterprise across South Africa.
Following an open call for nominations, shortlisted candidates across key categories underwent an independent digital adjudication process. We extend our congratulations to this year’s category winners, whose dedication and innovation continue to uplift local communities.
Official 2026 Category Winners
Women in Community Leadership Award
- Winner: Noxolo Sibande
- Location: Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga
- Impact: Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedicated service to community empowerment and women’s development in Nhlazatshe.
Youth Community Builder Award
- Winner: Never Hide Training Centre (Percy Tshabalala)
- Location: Tweefontein A1, Phumula, KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga
- Impact: Honored for creating transformative opportunities for young people through practical skills training, mentorship, and youth development.
Social Enterprise of the Year
- Winner: Sazini Xolile Mashaba ex Makamu
- Location: Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga
- Impact: Awarded for establishing a sustainable, high-impact social enterprise that balances community enrichment with local economic growth.
Creative Artist for Community Impact
- Winner: Me4uTalented Studios
- Location: QwaQwa, Free State
- Impact: Celebrating artistic innovation and creative expression used as a powerful medium for youth development and social transformation.
Youth-Driven Cooperative of the Year
- Winner: Positive Young Minds
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Impact: Commended for driving local economic development, youth mentorship, and socio-economic empowerment programs across schools and communities.
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
- Winner: Thembi Mdluli (Masungulo Youth Development)
- Location: Huntington, Mpumalanga
- Impact: Honored for exemplary entrepreneurial vision, building sustainable youth development initiatives, and creating career pathways for rural youth.
uYiNdlovu Legacy Community Builder Award
- Winner: Thembi Mdluli
- Location: Huntington, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Lillydale, Mpumalanga
- Impact: Bestowed in recognition of long-standing, selfless service to rural communities, including building homes for vulnerable families, establishing preschools, donating essential hygiene products, and providing long-term food security to learners.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Our Esteemed Adjudication Panel
The integrity and success of the uYiNdlovu Community Builder Awards rely on the wisdom, impartiality, and dedication of our distinguished adjudication panel. We extend our deepest gratitude to the leaders, advocates, and experts who gave their time and expertise to evaluate the extraordinary entries:
- Ms. Kedibone Masuku (NYDA NPO Project Manager): A champion of youth development whose visionary work at the National Youth Development Agency continues to build sustainable pathways for emerging non-profit organizations and young changemakers across South Africa.
- Ms. Cynthia Dinalane (GBV Awards Organiser): A tireless advocate for gender justice and human dignity whose steadfast commitment to uplifting women inspires communities to stand firm against gender-based violence.
- Dr. Tembisa Leeuw (South African Human Rights Commission): A defender of constitutional rights and human dignity whose insightful leadership ensures that community development remains rooted in justice, equality, and human rights.
- Ms. Marina Erasmus (SANCA Lowveld): A compassionate community leader whose dedicated work in social wellness and rehabilitation brings hope, healing, and restoration to vulnerable individuals and families.
- Ms. Molta Mavuso (Commission for Gender Equality): A champion of equality whose work advances gender parity and ensures women’s voices are elevated in community leadership.
- Mr. Mekyle Smith (South African Police Services): A dedicated servant of public safety whose commitment to youth intervention and community protection builds safer, stronger neighborhoods.
- Mr. Malesela Sehlapelo (Public Protector Commission): An advocate for good governance and public accountability whose commitment to ethical leadership safeguards the integrity of grassroots development.
- Msizi Mavundla (Mzansi Mail Founder): is a multifaceted South African music producer, entrepreneur, and media founder.
Your shared vision, rigorous evaluation, and commitment to recognizing unsung heroes reinforce the spirit of community growth.
Congratulations once again to all our 2026 winners, finalists, and nominees!
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