By Xoliswa Manzana
Basadi Awards took place, hosted bt the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Hosted at the Legislature Precinct
building, the prestigious event paid tribute to women across various sectors, recognising their outstanding contributions in leadership, community building, education, philanthropy, and innovation. This milestone year marked a decade of honouring women who continue to shape society, inspire the next generation, and drive empowerment in SouthAfrica.
In her keynote, Madam Speaker Hon. Morakane Mosupyoe reflected on the significance of Women’s Month in August, reminding attendees that it is a special period to celebrate women because they deserve recognition in all spaces they occupy.
She emphasised that cultural attire at the ceremony symbolised the celebration of heritage and identity, while also affirming the importance of teaching young men to respect and acknowledge the role of women in society. “Women, both young and old, are capable of anything they put their minds to,” she affirmed, highlighting empowerment as the driving force behind the awards.
The award ceremony was marked by an afternoon of recognition and heartfelt tributes.
Awards were presented by members of the the Gauteng Provincial Legislature alongside respresentatives from partner organizations and sponsors. Performances by Nicholas Nkuna and Sasa Yende added a vibrant musical flair, complementing the atmosphere
of celebration. Recipients included Naquida, a Grade 5 learner who scooped the Young Dignitary Junior Award; Reantwe Lebeko, winner of the Young Dignitary Senior Award; Busisiwe Mahoko, who earned the Outstanding Creative Award; Thabisile Mahuwa, crowned the Outstanding Youth Philanthropist; Robyn Le Roux, winner of the Community Heroine Award; Nozipho Nyawo, awarded Community Builder of the Year; and Dr. Ruth Apostolov, who walked away with the Woman of Honour Award. The night also celebrated icons such as Johannah Moloto (Unsung Legend), Ignicia Melebolehlo (The Guardian Award), Dr. Lee Ann Modley (Innovative Educator Award), and the legendary actress and singer Abigail Kubeka, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award with a standing ovation.
The Vita Basadi Awards recognise ordinary women in our communities under the different categories. These nominations are open to the public every June and July each year. Any Gauteng citizen can nominate a remarkable woman in the community to be recognised in next year’s awards. Roll of Honour – 2025 Vita Basadi
Awards Young Dignitary Award (Junior Phase) Winner: Andronique Hassin Young Dignitary Award (Senior Phase) Winner: Reantwe Lebeko Outstanding Creative Award Winner: Busisiwe Mahoko Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Award Winner: Thembisile Mahuwa Community Heroine Award Winner: Robyn Le Roux
Community Builder of the Year Award Winner: Nozipho Nyawo
Woman of Honour Award Winner: Dr. Ruth Apostolov Unsung Legend Award Winner: Johannah Moloto The Guardian Award Winner: Ignitia Malehlohonolo Motsamai Innovative Educator Award Winner: Dr. Lee-Ann Modley Speaker’s Special Award
Recipient: Dipou Beauty Thlole Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: Abigail Kubeka Celebrating a Decade of Women’s Excellence Gauteng Legislature Hosts 10th Annual Vita Basadi Awards
