There is still time, albeit a few days, to nominate the region’s unsung heroes for The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University.
Nominations for worthy recipients of what is considered one of the most prestigious awards and community social investments in Nelson Mandela Bay will close on July 14.
The 34th instalment of the awards — that seeks to acknowledge and uplift individuals, businesses and organisations who have gone beyond the call of duty to assist their communities — has been brought to fruition through thorough planning and with the help of a host sponsors.
Among them is SPAR Eastern Cape, which has continued to show support for the awards which it says align with SPAR’s identity as a community-centred retailer.
SPAR Eastern Cape managing director Solly Engelbrecht said supporting this campaign allowed SPAR to actively champion the values of service, kindness and community engagement in two key areas, namely community first and a people-centred culture.
“Supporting the Citizens of the Year Awards helps to strengthen local community engagement, it amplifies positive social impact and shows long-term commitment.
“This is more than a sponsorship, it is part of a broader effort to promote social cohesion and resilience in the regions where SPAR operates.
“It reflects what SPAR stands for, being there for the community not just as a store but as a trusted support.”
With hundreds of annual entries competing across 10 categories, a panel of judges will whittle down the nominations to the top 10, who will be celebrated during a glitzy honorary gala awards ceremony on September 19 at the Sun Boardwalk Convention Centre — tickets for which have since gone on sale.
They will be vying for the respective category titles which include: Environment, Sports, Arts and Culture, Business/Entrepreneur, Education, Community, Civil Society, Gender-Based Violence, Health and Safety as well as the Standard Bank Youth Category known as “Make your Mark”.
In addition to the category winners, the Sister Ethel Award will be presented to an individual, voted for by the six judges, who has showcased exemplary community work in the region for more than a decade.
Engelbrecht said they hoped award recipients would inspire others to “step up and not stand by” and that their contributions would implore the broader community to prioritise purpose over prestige.
“The awards serve as a mirror and mould for community values.
“They embody what matters most and set a standard for the broader community to rethink what it means to be impactful.
“It serves as a reminder that change starts locally and that every effort matters. More than that it honours grassroots contributions.
“We trust that the recipients will inspire people to apply their talents, skills and resources to serve others and in doing so they will be the change they want to see,” he said.
If you know of anyone who exemplifies the true meaning of upliftment and positive change, let’s honour them.
Nominate your local hero on this link: www.bit.ly/HeraldCitizens2025
For any queries, please contact The Herald marketing manager, Berna Ulay-Walters on ulayb@theherald.co.za.
The event sponsors are: Co-title sponsors: Nelson Mandela University | Gold sponsor: Standard Bank | Silver sponsor: SPAR I Bronze sponsor: Continental Tyre SA | Support partners: Vodacom, Three Peaks Wine, Capsicum Culinary Studio and JTC Decor Events | Venue sponsors: Sun Boardwalk.
The Herald
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