16 November 2023
Established in 2016, the Lesedi (Sesotho word meaning light) was created to recognize our employees who have taken ownership of the responsibility we all have to work for the betterment of less fortunate communities. We wanted employees to know that we recognise the things that are important to them, and support them as people who care for and are concerned about the well-being of their communities.
Lesedi is our proof point that we are geared to purposeful volunteer work, which supports people from all walks of life to reach their goals and life aspirations, notwithstanding the many challenges they might face. Every year, nominees for these awards demonstrate their commitment to work that speaks to the needs of people, as opposed to volunteer work done for own personal gain.
There are eight categories within which nominees are evaluated on the extent to which they give life to the Momentum Metropolitan values of teamwork, integrity, diversity, accountability and Innovation, as well as its impact and sustainability. Because we believe we learn while we serve, the extent to which personal growth occurred because of the volunteering is also being taken into account. All the nominees receive a contribution to the causes where they have volunteered.
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Connecting and cultivating purpose
Sharon collaborated with her team to come up with solutions for packing nappies for children and adults at the Ekukhanyeni AIDS Centre, which they executed with precision.
This prompted further ideas on how to support the centre, which led to the cultivation of a vegetable garden for more nutritious meals. Leading by example, Sharon’s hard work has brought both joy and purpose to her team, in contributing to opportunities and assistance for people with disabilities.
Imparting valuable advice and assistance for jobseekers
Ayanda’s role in the Mandela Career Day, organised by the Momentum Metropolitan Foundation, revealed the power of personal connection in community work. The event, focused on guiding unemployed youth, providing financial literacy, imparting essential skills and a sense of purpose.
Ayanda led the charge to position financial education as a valuable tool in the pursuit of success. Ayanda’s relatability and advice encouraged many to seek her help for CV and LinkedIn profiles, a contribution above and beyond expectations.
A garden of well-being and income for Haven of Rest
Committed to community improvement, Sanesha rallied her team to participate in the Feeding and Veggie Garden project with Haven of Rest.
The vegetable garden aims to support their income while providing healthy food for the community. Her experience was profoundly rewarding, witnessing the flourishing garden and the positive impact on Haven of Rest’s inhabitants.
Sanesha’s leadership tells a story of dedication, kindness, and the ongoing impact of community service.
Vital lessons and life skills to uplift a community
Natasha and her team offer skills development in Blikkiesdorp. From learner tutoring to women’s sewing lessons, the project enhances academic performance and equips adults with vital life skills.
Natasha aims to create a legacy of kindness. Collaborating with the community, she tailors solutions to their pressing needs and challenges, focusing on mental and physical well-being, cooking and more.
Mobilising others to make a meaningful contribution
Seema is a catalyst for kindness, mobilising her team to make a meaningful difference. From collecting sanitary pads, to assisting staff affected by flooding, and organising clothing collections for youth, Seema gets things done.
On Mandela Day she helped to secure funding for a vegetable garden at the Ekukhanyeni AIDS Centre, rallying team participation and management support. As liaison for CANSA Shavathon, Seema passionately shared how the funds support cancer survivors. Moreover, Seema manages staff requests for personal volunteering, lending her ideas and support, and facilitating participation in MM Volunteers.
Powering waves of positive actions and impact
Mildred is driven by a genuine passion for creating waves of change in others’ lives. She plays a pivotal role in events like CANSA Shavathon, encouraging volunteers to get involved.
She was also a key player in Casual Day sticker sales and a finalist team for the Cube Challenge, helping NPOs in solving their challenges. On Mandela Day, she collected clothing donations from our regional offices. She also rallied staff to contribute pre-loved clothing and books, donated to various charities through the MM Volunteers platform.
Championing footballers, learners and volunteer work
Patrick is a champion of many projects and to many people, particularly within the Eersterust Football Association. Serving as the head referee, he plays a valuable role in developing the junior, ladies’ and men’s teams.
Patrick also provides essential resources for Poort FM NPC, a local radio station learnership project, and he assists Streetwise Transport Upington, a taxi service assisting disabled learners. From the Dream to Thrive career day and CANSA Shavathon, to Rally 2 Read, Patrick has been a champion volunteer and an asset to our CSI initiatives.
Instilling confidence, skills and future- readiness for employment
Clinton’s passion for community service focuses on enriching young minds for a brighter future. On Mandela Day, he set up youth workshops, offering financial literacy, CV building, and work interviews to help students secure jobs.
On Dream to Thrive career day he helped to sort and steam attire for youth to ‘dress for success’. Clinton also helped establish our volunteer committee in Gqeberha, whilst promoting volunteerism across our offices. He excels at creating networks, communicating with volunteers, and preparing future projects.
Compounding the reach, impact and success of our CSI efforts
Zandile believes in the power of positive and compounding change.On Mandela Day, she collected clothes for Pretoria’s Dream to Thrive career day. At the Cube Challenge, Zandile prepared gifts for the NPO workshop. During CANSA Shavathon, she encouraged staff donations.
Zandile prepares food for old age homes, supporting each home via door-to-door deliveries. Thanks to her and Tshegofatso Rasemane, Tswelelopele High School students received math study guides... a triumphant year in bettering lives.
Grooming and guiding the youth for the world of work
On Mandela Day, Berenice rallied her Dev-Ops team to help Bless-A-Baby, where they sewed bags and sorted clothes. During Dream to Thrive career day, she assisted Taking Care of Business, an NGO empowering youths to “dress for success” for interviews.
Leading a team of 8 in the Cube Challenge, Berenice helped a Philippi NGO for two months, to prepare young people for the world of work, while addressing data accuracy issues and ultimately, earning an invitation to pitch at the Cube Challenge finale.
Rallying greater contributions and compassion for every project
Sanesha epitomises compassionate and inclusive leadership in all her initiatives. During Mandela Month, she ran an event for Haven of Rest, persuading staff and leadership to engage in the project through digital and personal interactions, to ensure a resounding success.
Sanesha mobilised employees across offices for CANSA Shavathon; sheled a collection of maternity sanitary towels on Casual Day as well as hygiene products for the Touch of Pink Project during Women’s month, and arranged a donation of 92 Christmas hampers for cleaning and security staff.
A Guiding Lion and humble leader to serve humanity
Archibald has dedicated 28 years to the Accra Premier Lions Club, of Lions Club International, and embodies their mission of serving humanity by helping the blind and underprivileged.
As Past President and Guiding Lion, he leads by example, creating a culture of service and commitment. His legacy of giving includes fundraising for health screening, food donations, financial aid to patients, and securing a life-saving incubator.
Building brighter futures through the beautiful game
Fernando’s dedication to the Polaris Soccer Team has fostered an extraordinary family of boys seeking opportunity through the beautiful game. For six years, he has been their coach and second father, dedicating his after- work hours to provide crucial guidance. His efforts have found employment for 5 soccer players.
The team has donated clothing, toys and books for Megameno Orphanage, creating fond attachments and an annual soccer event for all the boys. With tireless dedication, Coach Fernando continues to better lives and secure brighter futures for all.
Igniting a love for learning and reading in the community
Mompati’s determination to set up a library for his village in Bethel, with the Village Development Community, comes from a deep commitment to community development. He believes that knowledge is the foundation of growth, and his project aims to reignite a passion for traditional reading practices, offering a safe space for learning and keeping children off the streets.
Not only does the library serve to improve the lives of locals, but by training others to manage it, Mompati has fostered a sense of community ownership.
Mentoring youth to mine meaningful opportunities
Sadat is a mentor for the “Change4Impact” project in collaboration with the Coalition of Zongo Youth (GH). Along with mentorship, Sadat equips the youth with post-training success skills, and formalising their ventures for meaningful opportunities.
His active support in public awareness campaigns extends the project’s reach, covering sports and apprenticeship training in various fields. Sadat’s efforts have left an indelible mark on the community, creating ripples of positive change beyond what he could have imagined.
Cultivating income and nourishment for the community
On Mandela Day, Durban CSI Team Volunteers joined forces with Ekukhanyeni Aids Centre, a beacon of hope in KwaZulu- Natal for those affected by HIV/AIDS.Their contributions were diverse: they donated seedlings and started a vegetable garden, cleared overgrown bushes, cleaned windows, tidied the centre and spent quality time with patients.
They also shared valuable social media management skills to help them maintain the organisation’s outreach. These collective acts of kindness provided a positive experience and lasting benefits for patients and the community.
Collective action and compassion for Blikkiesdorp
Human Capital CSI exemplifies the power of collective action by embracing the Ubuntu philosophy. They set out to uplift the community through the Blikkiesdorp Community Project.
Partnering with the Love Way Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the team has created initiatives like the Back-to- School Drive, Mobile Libraries book sale, Women’s Day celebrations, hygiene courses, and a winter clothing drive. By actively empowering and including the community, Human Capital CSI contributes to a brighter future for Blikkiesdorp.
Fostering a love for learning and family time
Project Literacy, a leading NGO in education, provides essential learning for disadvantaged adults, youth, and children. The Investo team’s commitment to this cause shines through their Charity Drive, spanning three months, over Youth Day, Mandela Day, and Women’s Day.
This year, the team donated pre-loved toys, books, school uniforms, and food parcels, leaving a heartfelt impact on underprivileged communities. Their hands-on involvement has transformed educational centres into resource-rich libraries and strengthened parent-child bonds.
Hearty helpings with Ladles of Love for learners
In a show of collaboration, MMerge South Social Committee and Ladles of Love, launched a series of projects in 2023, following their annual Santa Shoebox drive for Elonwabeni Orphanage.
They donated blankets and snack packs for pre-school learners, collected personal hygiene products for teen girls and supplied hearty meals for the hungry, touching so many lives with care and kindness. Their experience has not only been humbling but has also created a legacy of positive change that comes from shared efforts.
Warm bodies, full tummies for underprivileged communities
MMerge North Social Committee North brings warmth, nourishment, and hopeto underprivileged communities in the Ekurhuleni Districts. Partnering with Operation Anti-Freeze, their initiatives began with a winter blanket drive, donating 67 blankets, gloves, scarves, and beanies to local schools.
Their impact gathered momentum with non-perishable parcels for hungry children in July and hygiene products for school girls in September. Volunteering has left a lasting impact on their team members, and their dedication sets an inspiring example for others to follow.
A dynamic reporting dashboard to keep students on track
The Moment of Hope team partnered with Hope Africa Collective in an initiative to offer students assessments, job placement support and coaching. They created a dynamic reporting tool to measure student progress, track attendance and identify recruitment opportunities.
This future-readiness system keeps students on track by offering them support when needed. A digital company in India was also secured to ensure their sustained success. Despite working in different locations, the team showcased extraordinary teamwork, integrity, diverse contributions and excellence in achieving this goal.
A mobile learning centre for youth upskilling and support
Team S’Hero, our winning 2023 NPO business challenge team, partnered with the Frida Hartley Shelter aiming to enhance the centre’s functionality, accommodate more youth and plan for future obstacles.
Their solution involved acquiring a mobile space to convert into a learning centre, offering valuable skills training and a library for research and education. Despite challenges as their team dwindled, they remained resolute, raising R99 926 to date for the Skills Training and Development Centre.
A true treasure for underprivileged girls and women in need
Karuna is a powerhouse of positive change in her community. Leading the Ramadan Treasure Box drive in KZN, she secures sponsors and brings warmth to underprivileged schools with winter clothing, toys, and sweets.
What started with sponsoring one box evolved over 6 years into coordinating provisions for an entire madressa (class) at Masjid Usmania School. Karuna extends her impact to women’s groups, contributing to hamper drives, medical appliances and financially supporting a local community centre.
A big heart, hope and helping hands for vulnerable lives
Seema, the heart behind The Aryan Benevolent Home’s transformative journey, brings hope to over 610 vulnerable lives. From revitalising fundraising strategies to streamlining processes, she ensures sustained impact for this 101-year-old institution.
Her hands-on involvement and heartfelt compassion for the frail, and her life lessons to children are inspiring. Beyond this selfless service, she creates a ripple effect of good by collaborating with local businesses for fundraising.
Providing sustenance, shelter and self-worth for people in need
Linette, a dedicated volunteer at Jesus in Action, has become a beacon of kindness in her community, addressing food security, employment and housing to empower people in need. She manages a community food garden that not only feeds families, but generates funds for a drug rehab programme.
Linette involves the whole community in daily operations, upskilling members, and encouraging a “hands-up” approach. Her work reminds her that treating people with respect and kindness helps to restore a sense of self-worth during difficult times.
Helping youth find their potential and follow their dreams
More than just a mentor, Nompi is a catalyst for positive change, helping young people to transform their lives. Volunteering at the Siphosethu Art Project since 2018, she helps youth discover their potential, build self-esteem, and break free from stereotypes.
She is actively involved in grooming future Mr. & Miss South Africa candidates and renowned fashion models and dancers. Nompi possesses a special ability to connect with the youth and works with members from diverse backgrounds to collaborate for change.
Healthcare, compassion and Seva for underserved areas
A loyal member of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation for 14 years, Losheni epitomises their mission of recognising inherent divinity through community service (Seva). She actively contributes to medical camps, eye clinics, and breast examinations in underserved areas, extending her support through blood pressure and sugar testing, and health education.
Her compassionate contributions extend to feeding people with disabilities, aiding flood victims and beach cleanups, Santa Shoebox donations and crocheting for moms at Merebank Well Baby Clinic.
Education and enrichment for marginalised students
Marileze, a devoted volunteer at San Michelle Independent School in Atlantis, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that marginalised students receive high- quality education. Her many contributions include securing donations for nutritious meals, organising enriching field trips, and integrating dance into the curriculum.
This year, Marileze surpassed expectations by raising R180 000 in donations, showcasing her proactive collaboration with local stakeholders and commitment to sustainability. Volunteering has given Marileze a sense of purpose and gratitude.
Powering waves of change through mentorship and education
Reagan, a volunteer at training4changeS, has been instrumental in the NPO’s growth, empowering young boys with education and experiential opportunities. He continues to fund bursaries, offer mentorship, and create networks for experiential days, emphasising the importance of teamwork and family.
He instils in the boys a responsibility to impact others in their communities. Reagan’s contributions, including the Reggie Meyer Education Fund, have positioned training4changeS as a global leader in using sports for education.
Extraordinary acts of kindness for the frail and vulnerable
Driven by love for her community, Faeeza changes lives through extraordinary acts of kindness. Her compassionate work at The Marshman Foundation spans raising funds, operating feeding schemes, and providing educational support to violence and drug abuse victims.
She courageously intervened in a child abuse case by relocating the children to a safer environment. With remarkable generosity, Faeeza stepped up to financially support The Jordan House Old Age Home during a three-month crisis.
Compassionate service to feed souls and reduce suffering
Abdul is a devoted community volunteer engaged in various initiatives to serveand uplift his community through Musjid ul Osmaniya. From fundraising for the completion of the Islamic Institute and Community Centre to preparing and distributing hot meals, Abdul plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustained success.
Abdul tirelessly contributes to monthly hamper deliveries, job creation opportunities, and compassionate burial services for the underprivileged.
Lifeskills and love for women in need from Pretoria to Lesotho
Lehlogonolo, a volunteer with the Rotary Club of Pretoria, is making a big impact on Pretoria communities as the project coordinator and leader of their Life Skills programme. Her impact stretches to Lesotho with an annual outreach to community schools.
Her commitment to community well- being produced a heartfelt Women’s Day initiative at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre to recognise caregivers’ tireless efforts in crisis work for victims of rape and abuse. Organising a special pamper session, Lehlogonolo secured sponsors like Bio Sculpture, who now wish to aid this initiative annually.
A champion of athletes with disabilities in the Western Cape
As Vice Chairperson of the Western Cape Sport Association for the Physically Disabled and Visually Impaired (WCSAPD), Sanet has been actively involved in disability sports since 2017.
This year, she was involved in the Toyota SASAPD National Championships for the Physically Disabled and Visually Impaired. In addition to coordinating athletics events, Sanet managed the Nerve Centre during the competition, providing guidance for athletes to excel. Her devotion to athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers makes her an invaluable asset and champion of can-do for disability sports.
Mentorship and masterclasses to empower the next generation
Joseph generously volunteered his time and expertise in several impactful ways. He taught art with Play Africa, and mentored young entrepreneurs at Junior Achievement South Africa. In a 3-hour virtual session with Girl Code, Joseph led an entrepreneurial masterclass for over 30 young girls, preparing them for their future careers.
His commitment to empowering the next generation through education and mentorship shines as a beacon of inspiration.
Giving kindness and contributions through thick and thin
The winner is committed to contributing a portion of their own salary to various causes and NPOs every month. Even with steep increases in food and fuel costs,
The winner has not wavered in their support of those in need. They also volunteer time for Wim Els Diversity Fund, investing their time and funds into giving back in every way.
Faeeza cares for the poor, the elderly, abused women and children at her own expense, in Bosmost and Riverlea. She is critically involved with local government to help resolve community issues; her latest focus being self-funded crime prevention measures to protect the community.
Involved in community work from a young age, Natasha helps Blikkiesdorp, one of Cape Town’s poorest settlements, with funding and donations for a programme that feeds over 250 residents. She has now also partnered with a hairdressing academy to upskill women.
This team is a force for meaningful change, embracing the concept of #ThinkHumanFirst and “we are here.” For the past year, they have helped the impoverished Blikkiesdorp settlement community, by helping to make a difference in their lives.
Petronela is a volunteer mentor, leader and facilitator at The Booming Empowerment Project, which educates over 260 youth about health issues, HIV prevention, GBV awareness and essential life skills. The programme offers psychological support, yoga and meditation courses.
Over the past 3 years, Seema has embraced virtual volunteering as the force behind the Mandela Day activation, supporting the KZN flood initiative, assisting with Holiday Drive pledge posters, preparing and distributing Food for Life parcels and uplifting the Women & Child Community Group.
Clinton is a dedicated supporter and highest rated volunteer on our online platform, forgood.co.za. During 2021, Clinton volunteered online to help 9 NGOs…raising awareness for Rare Diseases SA and Feed a Child, developing online training for Lesedi La Batho and Fisantekraal.
At the Momentum Metropolitan Foundation, we host numerous events geared at doing good in our communities. We also run awareness campaigns centered around important themes and commerative days in our country.
A group of people who could be from different business areas but work together as a team on volunteer initiatives, and whose contribution best aligns with our approach of purposeful community-centred volunteerism.
This special award is dedicated to the business leader who consistently shows support for staff volunteer efforts and who leads by example by volunteering on their own.
For a team or individual who does not reside in South Africa and volunteers in their own time out of their own accord and whose work best aligns with our approach to volunteerism.
This award is dedicated to the volunteer champion who goes above and beyond what is required of him or her.
For the highest and most consistent payroll giver between August 2019 and July 2020.
This award is handed to an individual or a team that has best exemplified all of the Momentum Metropolitan volunteering values.
For an individual registered on the Momentum Metropolitan Forgood platform who has the highest completed actions from the platform and who is rated above average by the causes he or she volunteered with.
The individual whose involvement in volunteer initiatives best aligns with our approach to volunteerism. In other words, purposeful community-centred volunteerism.
This special award will be dedicated to the business leader who consistently shows support for staff volunteer efforts and volunteers on a regular basis. This person leads by example.
A team or individual who does not reside in South Africa and volunteers in their own time out of their own accord and whose work best aligns with our approach to volunteerism.
This award will be dedicated to the volunteer champion who goes above and beyond what is required.
Momentum Metropolitan Forgood is our online volunteering platform.
The highest and most consistent payroll giver between July and August the previous year.
This award will be given to one of the winners of the above-mentioned nine categories.
A group of people who could be from different business areas but work together as a team on volunteer initiatives, and whose contribution best aligns with our approach of purposeful community-centred
Over the years the awards saw exponential growth since its inception in 2016. On average 25 non-profits receive support annually as nominees are recognised for their work with these organisations.
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