At a recent black-tie gala at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) at Stellenbosch University (SU), in collaboration with Champion South Africa, honoured the country’s unsung champions of equality and social impact with its annual Social Justice Champion Awards. The event, part of the sixth International Social Justice Conference and the seventh Social Justice Summit, brought together dignitaries, academic leaders, corporate partners and civil society for a stirring celebration of progress in the fight against injustice.

From feminist lawyer Dr Sheena Swemmer to community educator Sonja Cilliers and youth leaders Chevano Frans and Lesego Louw, the evening shone a spotlight on individuals whose courage, compassion and commitment are transforming lives. Their stories of advocacy and innovation reminded guests that the pursuit of justice is not only a moral duty but a collective act of hope.

Entertainment by celebrated musician Solomon Mathipa and spoken-word artist Bulelwa Basse set the tone for an evening of reflection, inspiration and collective resolve. Programme directors Nosipho Nzube, Cape Town Branch Chairperson of the Black Management Forum, and environmental activist Catherine Constantinides echoed the event’s central theme: social justice is not a spectator sport.

In her opening address, Prof Thuli Madonsela, Director of the CSJ and holder of the Law Trust Research Chair in Social Justice in SU's Faculty of Law, invoked World Food Day, which coincided with the gala, to underline a key message: “Food security is not just a national or continental imperative, but a global one. True social justice ensures every person’s dignity and the fair distribution of opportunities, resources, privileges and burdens,” Madonsela said.

She reminded the audience that celebrating champions of social justice has never been more vital. In a world of abundance yet deepening division – where algorithms amplify hate and inequality widens – Madonsela said it is crucial that these champions are seen, heard and recognised so their example can inspire others.

Quoting the preamble to the South African Constitution, she recalled the country’s commitment to healing the wounds of the past and building a united future. “The people we recognise tonight make sure social justice isn’t a passing trend, but the heartbeat of our humanity,” Madonsela noted.

Co-chair of the Council of Social Justice Champions, businesswoman and philanthropist Basetsana Kumalo defined social justice as “every person’s humanity realised through the just and equitable sharing of society’s benefits”. She highlighted the crucial role of inclusive dialogue and the importance of recognising contributions to equality and justice.

Delivering the keynote address, Woolworths Group CEO Roy Bagattini reflected on the paradox of progress in a fractured world and the moral responsibility of business to help bridge widening social and economic divides. He warned that inequality, disinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions threaten democracy and human dignity. Justice, he said, is not an abstract ideal but a daily act of courage that demands empathy, inclusion and moral conviction – especially in times when compassion is too easily dismissed as weakness.

“Laws alone don’t build justice, people do,” Bagattini stressed. “So, the onus is on us as individuals and as companies to make social justice in our society a reality.” He detailed Woolworths’ commitment to social justice, adding: “Human dignity is not negotiable. How we treat our people – employees and customers alike – reflects our commitment to social justice. Our journey is ongoing, uncomfortable, yet profoundly necessary.”

Bagattini also announced that Woolworths will provide financial support to the CSJ for key appointments in support of the Musa Plan for Social Justice. “The collaboration reflects our belief that advancing social justice demands more than statements. It requires investment, partnership and resolve, and we’re honoured to be part of this important work,” he stated.

Central to the evening were the presentations of the awards recognising those making extraordinary contributions to advancing equality in South Africa.

• Social Justice Champion of the Year
  Dr Sheena Swemmer, feminist lawyer, activist, and head of the Gender Justice Programme at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, was named Social Justice Champion of the Year. The R40 000 prize was sponsored by the Black Management Forum. Swemmer’s work – challenging violence against women and reimagining legal frameworks for consent and accountability – was praised as transformative. She dedicated her award to the people who courageously defend the human rights and dignity of ordinary South Africans in courtrooms and communities.
• Bridge Builder Award
  The Bridge Builder Award – named in memory of Dr Beatrice Wiid, a pioneer in bridging divides – was conferred upon Sonja Cilliers, Executive Director of MathMoms NPC. Her organisation empowers mothers from under-resourced communities to improve numeracy skills and confidence among young learners through mentoring and community-based maths support. “Justice does not only happen in courtrooms,” Cilliers reminded the audience. “Justice is how we look at each other, how we talk to each other – the kindness that becomes healing.”
• Social Justice Rising Star Awards
  Two dynamic young leaders, Chevano Frans and Lesego Louw, received Rising Star Awards – each accompanied by a R25 000 cash prize sponsored by the National Youth Development Agency. Frans, a community development professional and TSIBA Business School graduate, was recognised for initiatives such as Chev’s Kitchen – a community soup kitchen – and his leadership with Rotaract Waterfront. He has also been named among the “100 Young Mandelas” for his humanitarian work. Louw, a Youth Rights Associate at the United Nations Human Rights office, was celebrated for her advocacy against student homelessness, her #DemocracyWeek campaign, and her dedication to women’s and youth rights. Quoting political activist Charlotte Maxeke, she said: “This work is not for yourself… If you rise, bring someone with you.” Louw added: “This award has my name on it, but it belongs to all the strong women who came before me.”

Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths’ Director of Corporate Social Justice, closed proceedings by reminding guests that social justice work is hard. “But when we align our efforts with conviction, we can transform lives and leave no one behind.”

The event, sponsored by partners including the Black Management Forum and Makwanda Empowerment Trust, ended with a rousing call to action for all in attendance – and for all South Africans – to help build a fairer, more compassionate society.

• The judges for the 2025 Social Justice Champion Awards were Prof Thuli Madonsela, Thembalethu Seyisi (Research Officer at the CSJ), Ashraf Garda (broadcaster and founder of Champion South Africa), celebrated actor John Kani, Dr Louise van Rhyn, Basetsana Kumalo and Zinzi Mgolodela.