Young activists honoured
HUMAN rights activist Siposetu Sethu Mbuli from 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 Diamond Jubilee Trust in London later this month.
The award will be presented by Her Majesty the Queen.
The 24-year-old student at UCT is one of the two South Africans who will receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award at a ceremony 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.
Mbuli 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 eyecare.
“I found out (about the award) last year in December, and I’m still pinching myself. Receiving this recognition from the Queen’s Young Leaders team has been incredible on its own, but I’m even more grateful for the opportunity to network with fellow Queen’s Young Leaders and gain more insights during the residential programme, which we can use to improve on the work we do,” she said.
Another young South African to be celebrated is Thamsanqa Hoza from 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 the Queen as well as meet my fellow Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth.
“I believe it will be an opportunity to grow as well an opportunity to recognise and celebrate amazing work which young people are doing, and particularly the amazing work being done by young Africans in changing the innovation and entrepreneurial landscape, which is something very close to my heart,” he said.
Mbuli and Hoza were selected following a competitive process involving thousands of applicants from the Commonwealth. Together they join a network of 240 powerful Young Leaders, from 53 Commonwealth countries, who are driving change to make the world a better place.
Dr Astrid Bonfield CBE, chief executive of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, said: “Through selfless determination, the Queen’s Young Leaders of 2018 are dedicating their lives to bring positive change to those around them. Their visit to the UK this June provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with each other and gain valuable lessons from experts and leaders from all walks of life, which we hope will help transform the reach of their endeavours.
“I am delighted that the work they are undertaking is being recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and I look forward to meeting this year’s winners and celebrating the remarkable difference that they have already made all over the Commonwealth.”