Local Heroes

Local Heroes

‘Selfless and generous woman making a valuable contribution’

In the farming community of Lilyvale near Kidd’s Beach, 50-year-old Vathiswa Mazolwana is working to support children and families living with poverty, unemployment and ...

Local Heroes

Lilly Oliver continuing in mom’s selfless work caring for strays

In a quiet corner of East London, Lilly Oliver, 29, is carrying on a family tradition rooted in compassion and care for animals. What began in ...

Local Heroes

NPO founder turns her pain into helping other women rise again

After losing her mother during the Covid-19 pandemic, 35-year-old former teacher Sisanda Kopolo turned her pain into purpose by starting nonprofit ...

Local Heroes

Football club founder changing young lives, one ...

Shooting Stars Football Club founder Zolani Manziya, 47, has become a pillar of hope for young people in Nxarhuni, East London, through his dedication and personal sacrifice. He uses football as a tool to steer youngsters away from crime and ...
Local Heroes

Knowing how it feels to go without, entrepreneur ...

Mlindelwa “ManB” Tyekana, 47, is changing lives through the Man B Foundation, an organisation he founded in 2021 to uplift communities and inspire the youth.
Local Heroes

Foundation works to uplift people in rural communities

Driven by a passion to support rural families overlooked by the system, 52-year-old Nosintu Gwebindlala, wife of Chief ...

Local Heroes

Mdantsane man committed to creating opportunities for those who need it most

Mdantsane’s Elihle Yiliwe has a powerful impact on young lives across the Eastern Cape through education, mentorship ...

Local Heroes

Retired principal continues his passion for helping others

Retired John Bisseker Senior Secondary School principal Raman Khandoo dedicates his life to helping others, from ...

Local Heroes

Mission to help people reclaim their stories, culture and knowledge

Odwa Bungu from Mdantsane is helping change lives in townships and rural areas through the power of reading, writing ...

Local Heroes

Turning grief into grace: Myrtle Fleming’s lifelong mission of healing

After losing her 21-year-old son in 1990, Myrtle Fleming could have been broken by grief. Instead, she chose to turn ...

Local Heroes

Young athlete’s remarkable feats not about self-glory but bigger purpose

East London resident Joel Smith, 20, dedicates his free time to raising funds for vulnerable children at the Kings ...

Local Heroes

Round Table gives back to community with meaningful events

A group of dedicated East London men, members of Round Table East London No 1, spend their year turning compassion ...

Local Heroes

Boxing academy founder’s influence stretches far beyond the ring

From the village of KwaMekeni in Ngqamakhwe to the heart of Mdantsane, 58-year-old boxing and fitness coach Zolani ...

Local Heroes

Lusikisiki massacre sparked mission to uplift community

Lwandile Gcume was moved by the Lusikisiki massacre, which claimed 18 lives in 2024 in the crime-ridden Ngobozana ...

Local Heroes

Intertown patrollers founder tireless in efforts to help communities

Intertown patrollers, led by founder and chair Anele Mkhangelwa, are driving the mandate to restore safety in metro ...

Local Heroes

Lilly of the Valley NPO brings fragrance of hope, compassion to the vulnerable

Shaped by her mother’s selflessness and kindness, Rochelle de Klerk has become a beacon of hope in her community.

Local Heroes

Inga Mkalali has unwavering commitment to uplift others

At just 19 years old, Inga Mkalali proves dynamite truly comes in small packages. A Local Hero nominee and rising ...

Local Heroes

Lungiswa Rhumsha on a mission to create jobs and develop skills

After completing her studies and facing challenges in finding a job, Willowvale-born Lungiswa Rhumsha took matters ...

Local Heroes

A guardian angel for autistic youngsters

Unathi Ndzube, founder of the Our Legacy in Art, Modelling and Beauty Academy, is a shining light for young people ...

Local Heroes

Community coach helps youth keep eye on the ball

In the heart of Parkside, East London, one man is making a big difference in the lives of young people. Benjamin ...