Siyabakhumbula awards to honour South Africa’s fallen heroes

Various South Africans will be honoured at the upcoming Siyabakhumbula Tribute Awards to be held at the Midrand based Gallagher Convention Centre, on June 4. The Siyabakhumbula Tribute Awards are received by family members of the honourees who have contributed in the journalism, arts, sports, education; or any relevant field. Now in their second year of running, the awards were established after Vhutsila Arts Ensemble’s  Mzwakhe Mbuli saw a need to pay homage to those South Africans who have played an important role in creating and building a democratic South Africa.

Among those being honoured are Film and Television personality, Sam Williams; Acclaimed actor of Shaka Zulu fame, Henry “Black Cat” Cele; Alfred Nokwe – Veteran actor and Popular radio and television presenter Cyril “Kansas City” Mchunu. Other honourees include Dr Allan Paton, novelist and author of Cry, The Beloved Country; Moffat Zungu, a photographer whose works shaped the way the world perceived South Africa and Elliot Makhaya – entertainment journalist and editor.

The 2011 Siyabakhumbula Awards honourees :

·        Solomon “Sticks” Morewa  - SA soccer administrator

·        Dr. Allan Paton - Novelist, author of Cry, The Beloved Country

·        Henry “Black Cat” Cele - Acclaimed actor, of Shaka Zulu fame

·        Zodwa Mshibe - Journalist

·        Jacob Morake - Former boxing champion

·        Dr David Webster - Anthropologist

·        Cyril “Kansas City” Mchunu - Popular radio and television presenter

·        Paul Ndlovu - Tsonga disco king

·        Matthews “Loop en val” Motshwarateu - Gold medal winning long distance runner

·        Mad Joe Sennakgomo – Tap dancer

·        Sam Williams – Film and television personality

·        Zakes Nkosi – Saxophonist

·        Ndaba Mhlongo – Comedian

·        Elliot Makhaya – Entertainment journalist and editor

·        Scarra Sono – Soccer maestro and father of Jomo Sono

·        Theo Mthembu – Boxing trainer

·        Alfred Nokwe – Veteran actor, father of Tu and Marilyn Nokwe

The Siyabakhumbula Awards are also being used to highlight the challenges faced by South Africa’s physically disabled citizens. Presenters, performers, and honourees will demonstrate the fact that disabled individuals have as much a role to play in South Africa’s society as the able-bodied.