British monarch will honour two young SA leaders
HUMAN rights activist Siposetu Sethu Mbuli, of Kayamnandi in Stellenbosch, will be recognised for her work on behalf of people living with albinism in South Africa when she receives an award from the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Trust in London.
The award is to be presented by the British monarch.
The 24-year-old student at the University of Cape Town is one of two South Africans who are to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on June 26.
The annual award is given to young people from across the Commonwealth in recognition of the work they are doing to transform lives in their communities and beyond.
Born with albinism herself, and mindful of the misconceptions about the condition, Mbuli is determined to develop new ways to end the stigma associated with albinism.
She co-founded Love, This Skin – an organisation that assists, supports and educates young people with albinism and their families. It works with more than 100 people, the majority of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and provides them with necessities such as sun protection and eye care.
“I heard about the award in December, and I’m still pinching myself. Receiving this recognition from the Queen’s Young Leaders team has been incredible.
But I’m even more grateful for the opportunity to network with fellow Queen’s Young Leaders and gain more insight during the residential programme, which we can use to improve on the work we do.”
Another young South African to be celebrated is Thamsanqa Hoza of Welkom. He will receive the award for his work to help young entrepreneurs and innovators achieve their goals. He is the co-founder of HN Innovate, an organisation that encourages and inspires young people to explore entrepreneurship.
“I am very excited to meet her majesty, as well as my fellow Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth.
“I believe it will be an opportunity to grow, as well as recognise and celebrate the amazing work that young people are doing. And particularly the amazing work being done by young Africans in changing the innovation and entrepreneurial landscape, which is something close to my heart,” he said.
Mbuli and Hoza were selected following a competitive process involving thousands of Commonwealth applicants.