Gospel Awards promise glamour and recognition
The second Southern Cape Gospel Awards (SCGA) is due to take place on 29 October at the Far Hills Country Hotel, where renowned gospel artists Sipho Ngwenya, Thinah Zungu and Lusanda Mcinga will add glamour to this prestigious event. The awards aim to give exposure to up-andcoming gospel artists and to honour community leaders who do good work in the community. Last year's awards was covered by the SABC.
The SCGA was founded by Andile Xelegu (37) and his team after he saw a need to develop our communities. Proceeds go to organisations identified by the team to meet needs as indicated by the organisation's directors or supervisors.
SCGA Public Relations Manager Khonzeka Dywili says, "When you think of gospel, you think of people who do good for their communities. That is why we involve schools and religious organisations. We call community leaders, pastors and religious organisations, artists and schools to tell them about what we are doing and how participating in this project will benefit the community.
“If they nominate themselves or someone from their group, they fill in the entry forms (a fee of R150 per entry is payable). A panel from the SCGA then contacts the community to verify the information and the details of the finalists are made public so that members of the community can vote for their choice. The aim behind getting community leaders involved, is to get the people to appreciate and show gratitude for the good work they do in our communities."
The SCGA has 15 categories. The Director's Award is for people who started a business or a project, are running it well and making a difference in the community, people who are role models in their communities. It is the only category where the winner is chosen by Xelegu himself.
Other categories are the Elite Sponsor award (for the sponsors the SCGA have worked with this year), Community Radio Station, Most Influential Young Person, Best Educator and Man and Woman of the year.
The event is sponsored by Far Hills Country Hotel, Insomniac Party Bus and Tavcor Volkswagen George.
To nominate or vote for someone, visit their website www.southerncapeawards. co.za/about. Tickets can be obtained at any Computicket outlet at R150 (single) and R250 (double). The price includes a three-course meal during the awards, and transport to the venue for those who need it. People who want to make use of this service must indicate it at info@ southerncapeawards.co.za or phone Xelegu on 078 9184 859 a week in advance of the event. They will be picked up at their respective stops.
The aim behind getting community leaders involved, is to get the people to appreciate and show gratitude for the good work they do in our communities.