Embassy Activities
Ubuntu Awards 2018
Ubuntu Awards 2018: “Honouring Madiba: A Global Champion of Human Rights, Peace and Reconciliation”
South African Embassy in Ankara, Turkey
In March each year, the South African Embassy in Ankara Turkey commemorates Human Rights. In 2018 the month was commemorated under the theme: “The Year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: Promoting and Deeping a Human Rights Culture across society”. The theme is in line with the celebration of the centenary of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
The Centenary, which will be held under the theme “Be the legacy”, is an opportunity to honour Mandela’s memory by striving to ensure his vision of human rights and dignity for all South Africans is realised.
In honour of this, the Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu hosted the 4th Ubuntu Awards, at which President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address, on 22 March and presented the Awards under the theme “Honouring Madiba: A Global Champion of Human Rights, Peace and Reconciliation”.
Launched in 2015 by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Ubuntu Awards celebrate South African citizens who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally through diligent service in their respective fields.
Speaking at the glittering event, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, President Ramaphosa thanked the nominees and recipients of the Ubuntu Awards 2018 for being ambassadors and keeping South Africa’s flag flying high. He said the work of the award recipients was very important as it kept the legacy of the late former statesman Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart Albertina Sisulu alive.
"President Nelson Mandela spared no energy in pursuit of a just and equitable world.
"We have gathered here today to honour those who have distinguished themselves in pursuit of Madiba's dream and those who have received these awards must pride themselves in knowing that whatever award you received, it is an honour that is being bestowed on those of you who have received in remembrance and in pursuit of Nelson Mandela's dream.
"We are proud of all the nominees because their efforts resonate with the commitment of maSisulu to improve the living conditions of the people of our country and our continent," he said.
This year’s winners were:
- Ubuntu Social Responsibility Award: Jam Foundation
- Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award: Thato Kgatlhanye, founder of Repurpose School Bags
- Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Africa): Aspen Pharmacare
- Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Global): Standard Bank and Old Mutual
- Ubuntu Sport Diplomacy Award: Amanda Dlamini
- Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Youth) – Public Vote: Siba Mtongana
- Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Veteran) – Public Vote: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- The Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Diplomacy: Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza
- R. Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award: Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.