Do you know someone who works hard to make a positive difference in South Africa? Is there a bridge builder in your community who actively tries to heal divisions of the past? Two special awards recognising change makers are now open for nominations. 

Prof Thuli Madonsela, Director and Law Trust Chair at the Centre for Social Justice, Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Council of Social Justice Champions are calling for public nominations for the Social Justice Champion of the Year Award, as well as the Bridge Builder Award.  

These prestigious awards aim to recognise and honour individuals who have made remarkable contributions to social justice and unity within South African communities. The initiative is part of the fourth Annual International Conference on Social Justice and the fifth Annual Social Justice Summit that will be held at the Artscape Theatre Centre on 11 and 12 October. The theme of this year's conference and summit is the role of business and civil society in advancing social justice.

Social Justice Champion of the Year Award 

The purpose of the annual Social Justice Champion drive is to identify an individual that is making a positive difference in the lives of others. A worthy Social Justice Champion is someone who has shown a commitment to justice for all, while also inspiring others to pull together to bring about positive change.  

Last year Lorenzo Davids, a leader and veteran in the social development space, was celebrated as Social Justice Champion of the Year for his tireless community work and activism. In 2021, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers received the same honour.  

Bridge Builder Award 

The award was established last year in memory of the late Dr Beatrice Wiid, a Council of Social Justice Champions Member known for her efforts in fostering understanding and unity among diverse communities. 

This award aims to honour individuals who have displayed exceptional dedication to healing historical divisions within South African society. The Bridge Builder Award recognises those who have used their influence and social capital to break down walls between historically divided groups and promote social cohesion.  

Partners for Possibility (PfP, founded by Dr Louise van Rhyn who is also the CEO of Symphonia) the flagship programme of NPO, Citizen Leader Lab, was awarded the 2022 inaugural Bridge Builder Award in recognition of its efforts to foster social cohesion in South Africa. Citizen Leader Lab's current focus is strengthening and increasing leadership development and support within the education ecosystem.

Do you know deserving nominees?  

If you know someone who embodies the principles of social justice and unity, you're encouraged to nominate them for these awards. A Social Justice Champion is an individual who tirelessly works to provide access and opportunities to marginalised communities, while a Bridge Builder is a leader committed to building bridges of understanding and shared prosperity across historically divided groups. 

How to nominate 

To nominate an individual for either the Social Justice Champion of the Year Award or the Bridge Builder Award, simply complete the nomination form available at the following link: Nomination Form or visit the website: https://socialjustice.sun.ac.za/conference-summit-2023/   

Scroll down on the form and select for which award you want to make a nomination. You can make more than one nomination for both awards.  

• Nominations will close on Wednesday 20 September 2023, at 23:59. The winner of the Annual Social Justice Champion of the Year Award as well as the Bridge Builder Award will be announced and celebrated during the 4th Annual International Conference on Social Justice, scheduled for October 11. SU's Centre for Social Justice and the Council of Social Justice Champions are looking forward to the opportunity to recognise and celebrate those who are actively working towards a more just and united South Africa. 

ABOUT THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND SUMMIT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE:Over two days, national leaders drawn from academia, government, business, civil society, the diplomatic community and experts from around the world will meet in Cape Town to shed fresh light on the role of business and civil society in advancing social justice. The fourth Annual International Conference on Social Justice and the fifth Annual Social Justice Summit are hosted by the Centre for Social Justice at SU and the Council of Social Justice Champions. 

The programme director of the International Conference will be Songezo Mabece, a lawyer with specialisations in legal advisory and research, public policy and regulatory work. Well-known media personality and entrepreneur Basetsana Kumalo will facilitate the International Summit where the keynote addresses will be delivered by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola. The Summit welcoming address will be presented by Busisiwe Mavuso, Chief Executive Officer of Business Leadership South Africa. Prominent SU academics such as Prof Stan du Plessis (Chief Operating Officer), Prof Nicola Smit (Dean of the Faculty of Law) and Madonsela will also feature on the distinguished speakers list. 

• Conference and summit dates: The interdisciplinary fourth Annual International Conference on Social Justice will be held on 11 October, followed by the fifth Annual Summit on Social Justice on 12 October 2023. 
• Venue: Both the conference and summit will take the form of an in-person event with the option of attending either online or in person at Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town. 
• Registration link: http://forms.office.com/r/ykWAebEkve
• For more information, including information on registrations and other matters, please contact Fanelesibonge Ndebele at [email protected] or +27(0)21 808 9734.Issued by the office of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University.