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Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards 2008
The South African Institute of Development (Inyathelo) recently held its annual celebration of
South African philanthropists at Ratanga Junction in Cape Town. Accor Services was a sponsor.
Accor Services sponsored R40 000 towards the Awards Ceremony, and donated a further R40 000 towards
the benefit of the organisation chosen by each awardee. In the spirit of philanthropy, each awardee
could choose to donate the R5000 loaded on a Phalala Card (Accor Services' Social Benefits Card) to
any organisation that would benefit the community.
The gala awards event, with the keynote speaker Niall Mellon from the Niall Mellon Township Trust
and Cheryl Carolus CEO of Peotona Group, awarded eight remarkable South Africans who are doing what
they can to build our young democracy and to ensure sustainable social development.
In the current economic climate, giving selflessly is more than charity - it is essential to our
society. Shelagh Gastrow, executive director of Inyathelo, "It is of utmost importance that we
recognise and honour those individuals who, through a commitment to really building South Africa,
give back and encourage others to give."
The awardees of the 2008 Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards are:
The Inyathelo Merit Award for Philanthropy: Linda Givon, ex-Goodman Gallery
The Inyathelo Award for Youth in Philanthropy: Braam Hanekom, People against Suffering, Suppression, Oppression and Poverty (PASSOP)
The Inyathelo Award for Exceptional Philanthropy: Dr Saleem Badat, vice-chancellor of Rhodes University
The Inyathelo Award for Exceptional Philanthropy: Norton Tennille, South African Education and Environmental Project (SAEP)
Inyathelo Award for Women in Philanthropy: Lynette Finlay, Nurturing Orphans of Aids for Humanity (NOAH)
The Inyathelo Award for Community Philanthropy: Grace Mohapi, Usizo Thuso Community Centre
The Inyathelo Award for Family Philanthropy: The Bertie Lubner Family
The Inyathelo Award for Lifetime Philanthropy: Prof Rashid Bhikha, Ibn Sina Institute of Tibb
South Africa has an urgent need for the generosity of all citizens. It is important to move away
from the idea that only the wealthy can give back to the community - philanthropy is for everyone,
includes giving of one's time, talents and love and every South African needs to be aware of what
they can do to take responsibility for growing a strong democracy.
"We believe that everyone can be a philanthropist by contributing where they can, with what they
have, to ensuring the sustainability of our civil society sector. As South Africans, we need to take
on the challenge of supporting our own civil society," commented Gastrow.
Look out for the follow up on how each of the awardees spent their R5000 to the good of others in the
next issue of Incentives@work in January.
Click here more to find out more and get in touch with us.
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