The annual Lead SA regional winners have been announced for making a positive difference in their communities and inspiring others to do the same.

The event, which took place on August 15, brought together the monthly 2016 Lead SA Heroes and Youth Heroes in Gauteng. Lead SA selects heroes in an adult and youth category each month in Gauteng and in the Western Cape, but it was Gauteng’s turn to shine as they honoured two outstanding individuals.

We are exceptionally thankful to the Dis-Chem Foundation for once again partnering with us on the Lead SA Heroes project. They are donating a whopping R250 000 that will go towards charities of our regional and overall heroes’ choice.

Franck Leya was named Lead SA Youth Hero of the Year 2016 in Gauteng for his involvement in the youth activism group called A Dollar and a Dream. Franck, along with a few others, speak to youth who are staying in safe houses, spreading messages of support that no matter where you come from, you should pick yourself up, keep going and you will become successful.

The group works with children of all ages and by sharing stories and playing games they try and re-imagining the kids’ futures with them.

Then it was on to the Gauteng Lead SA Hero for 2016, which was awarded to Jonathan Maliboho who uses the game of chess to help youth in Alexandra through his Hlalefang Chess Club.

The Chess Club now forms part of Donate a Piece, a non-profit company that uses chess for developmental purposes at schools and in public areas across South Africa.

“When we launched the Lead SA Heroes initiative in 2012, we had a clear vision and purpose – to recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities,” said Terry Volkwyn, Lead SA founder.

During her speech at the event, she said, “The acts of the heroes in this room and the heroes before them continue to cause a positive ripple effect in South Africa.

Now, more than ever, we need to focus on the good in the world, seek out and amplify the people who stand up and make a difference. We need to disrupt the waters of poverty, war and crime with ripples upon ripples of good.”

Both winners are now in the running to win the National Lead SA Hero/Youth Hero of the Year Award and will receive a share of R250 000 from the Dis-Chem Foundation for a charity of their choice. For more information about the Dis-Chem Foundation, visit the The Dis-Chem Foundation Website Here.

The Lead SA regional heroes 2016 will travel via Mango Airlines, the official carrier of our Lead SA heroes to attend the 2nd annual Lead SA Changemakers Conference in Cape Town this weekend.

Lynette Saltzman Founder of the Dis-Chem Foundation, Xolani Gwala 702 Presenter, Franck Leya Lead SA Youth Hero 2016 , Terry Volkwyn CEO of Primedia Broadcasting and Founder of Lead SA and Jonathan Maliboho (in red) Lead SA Adult Hero 2016.​

Submitted by: Romaana Naidoo / Primedia