“Today we honour those who hold our beautiful flag high, and who contribute to not only telling, but demonstrating the good story of the Republic of South Africa,” said President Jacob Zuma at the second Annual Ubuntu Awards held on 13 February in Cape Town.
Hugh Masekela received the Cultural Diplomacy Award at the Ubuntu Awards in Cape Town. Picture: Bheki Radebe/Cape Argus
“The men and women that have been honoured here today are inspirational examples of this. In their various industries they have truly excelled, thus promoting a positive image of our nation across the globe.” The aim of the awards is to recognise organisations or individuals who have, through excellence, innovation, creativity, inventiveness, social responsibility or patriotism, distinguished themselves as true ambassadors of South Africa.
Winners
• Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award: Standard Bank and Discovery
• Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award: DJ Black Coffee and musician Hugh Masekela
• Ubuntu Social Responsibility Award: Rescue SA and the Motsepe Foundation
• Ubuntu Sport Diplomacy Award: Runner Wayde van Niekerk
• Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award: Former Miss Earth, LeadSA executive and Play your Part ambassador Catherine Constantinides
• OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award (Minister’s Award): Agnes Msimang and the late Johnny Makhathini for their contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle
• Ubuntu Ambassadorial Excellence Award: Ambassador Bene L M’poko
Upon receiving his award, Masekela urged the audience to never forget the late Miriam Makeba, the award-winning songstress and icon. She “made everyone know about South Africa”, he said, when she performed in foreign countries during the days of the struggle.
