The winners will be announced at a hybrid physical-virtual ceremony, which will broadcast to all South Africans on Monday, 22 November.

The event will be hosted by Kaya FM's Gugulethu Mfuphi and attended by various stakeholders, including non-profit organisations, media, employees and executives.

Lesedi, which is the Sesotho word for 'light', is one of the largest employer-driven volunteer recognition programmes in South Africa. It aims to serve as the annual apex of the volunteerism efforts facilitated by Momentum Metropolitan's staff volunteer programme.

Patronella Sono, CSI specialist for the staff volunteerism portfolio, says that the purpose of the programme is to encourage all staff to support those causes closest to their hearts — while creating opportunities for them to do so.

"From payroll giving and on-the-ground volunteering, to virtual or skills-based volunteerism — we exist to facilitate our staff members' volunteer efforts, helping them achieve fulfilment and a sense of purpose while making a difference in their communities," adds Sono.

Sono says that in the context of South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, which sees unemployment skyrocketing while poverty deepens, there is a dire need for support across the country's disadvantaged communities.

"While Momentum Metropolitan continues to focus its CSI efforts on the upliftment and empowerment of youth, we also recognise that our employees are individuals, with different things that are important to them," adds Sono.

"Truly engaged employees are those who feel valued and seen, as they are given resources and opportunities to contribute to their communities as official representatives of the business," Sono says.

The Lesedi Awards feature a number of categories such as Individual, Volunteer Business Leader and Exceptional Volunteer Champion. This year saw 278 entries and 19 finalists, from which eight winners will be chosen. Momentum Metropolitan makes donations on behalf of each winner, runner up and nominee to their chosen NPO.

"The Lesedi Awards are dedicated to recognising and celebrating those who have remained connected in kindness by standing together with their communities and making a real positive difference. Ultimately: We. Stronger than Me," Sono concludes.

The 2021 Lesedi Awards nominees include:

Lesedi Business Leader Award
  • Seeshin Naidoo
  • Lyn Muzondo
Lesedi International Award
  • Kennedy Kwaku Antwi
  • Archibald Ayiteyadjin
Lesedi Exceptional Volunteer Champion Award
  • Seema Singh
  • Thelma Scholtz
Lesedi Team Award
  • Legacy Solutions Team (Monowarah Gallie)
Lesedi Individual Award
  • Rowan Burger
  • Marileze Johannes
  • Linette Van Tiddens
  • Derelene Motse
  • Reagan Meyer
  • Liz Browne
  • Hope Nyalungu
  • Lesego Godana
  • Mologadi Mathosa
  • Seema Singh
For more information, visit www.momentummetropolitan.co.za. You can also follow Momentum Metropolitan Holdings on Twitter.