Social Justice Champion Awards 2025

Prof Thuli Madonsela

Professor Thuli (Thulisile) Nomkhosi Madonsela is the director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University (CSU) where she occupies is the Law Trust Chair Professor of Law in Social Justice Studies. She currently teaches on Constitutional Law, Social Justice, Administrative Law, Constitutional Governance and Ethical Leadership. She holds eight honorary law doctorates in addition to two law degrees, a Harvard Advanced Leadership Certificate and other post graduate qualifications. She is also an advocate of the High Court of South Africa.

The former Public Protector of South Africa and full-time Commissioner in the South African Law Reform Commission, Prof Madonsela is a member of the African Academy of Sciences and the Scottish WS Society. She is the Chairperson of Cities Alliance and a member of the UN Scientific Advisory Board, International Anticorruption Conference Coordinating and the International Council for Arbitration in Sport (ICAS).

She was one the 11 technical experts who helped draft the South African Constitution and is a co-architect of several constitutionally mandated laws, including the Equality Act, Employment Equity Act and Promotion of Administrative Justice Act. A regularly sought keynote speaker, Prof Madonsela has written, taught, presented papers and published for decades on these matters.

Prof Madonsela helped draft several international human rights instruments at UN, AU and SADC level and country reports on such matters. She is an author of two books on Gender Mainstreaming (2002) and Gender Management (2002) and a core author and architect of the inaugural Benchwork for Equality Courts and Resource Book for Equality Court Clerks.

Named one of Time 100 most influence persons in the world in 2014 and Forbes Africa Person of the year in 2017, Prof Madonsela's global recognition includes over 70 awards, that include Rotary's Paul Harris Award, Commonwealth Lawyers Truth and Justice Award, and the global ACFE Cressy Award. Prof Madonsela is a mother of two, a philanthropist and avid mountaineer who has summited Mt Kilimanjaro twice under #Trek4Mandela-#Caring4Girls and #Action4Inclusion. She was a monthly columnist for the Financial Mail, remains one for the City Press and occasionally writes for other newspapers. This lecture was made possible by social justice research funding provided to the Chair and CSJ by the Vice-Chancellor's Strategic Fund at SU.

Ashraf Garda

Ashraf, founder of Champion South Africa, is a household name known for using storytelling and incisive questioning to create impactful conversation. As the host of the National Pulse on SAfm Radio, he engages the nation daily, breaking down complex issues into relatable narratives. His mission is to inspire "champion people" to build a champion South Africa, driving a movement for national purpose and unity.

As a highly sought-after speaker and moderator, Ashraf has taken centre stage at prestigious global events, including serving as Programme Director for the BRICS Summits in South Africa (2018 and 2023) and moderator at the 2023 One Young World Summit in Montreal Canada. His ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue has made him a trusted voice at high-profile gathering like the Intra-Trade Fair (IATF) 2023 IN Cairo and the 2024 Annual Social Justice Lecture delivered by Public Protector Adv Kholeka Gcaleka.

Through Champion South Africa, Ashraf launched the #WeChampionsSouthAfrica campaign in April 2025, rallying 100 influential South Africans to share how they have contributed to nation building. As member of Counsel of Champions at the Centre for Social Justice chaired by Prof Thuli Madonsela and a judge for the Social Justice Champions Awards, he continues to drive change. Ashraf was also recognised as 2023 Treeshake change maker for his work that continues to inspire united, purpose driven change.

John Kani

John Kani is an actor, a director and a playwright. He was born in New Brighton Port Elizabeth, in 1943, where he started his career with the Serpent Players Drama Group. He joined the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in 1986. As well as acting in SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD and THE ISLAND, John also co-wrote the plays with Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona. John won the 1974/75 TONY AWARD On Broadway for Best Actor for his performance in the productions he also received an Obie Award in New York for the Island. Returning to South Africa he was detained and kept in solitary confinement by the South African Security Police and was only released because massive demonstrations around the world demanding his release. In 1981 the survive an assignation attempt by the Secrete Police which left him eleven stab wounds. In 1985 he was harassed by the secrete police for kissing a white actress on stage while performing Miss Julie by Johan Strindberg. The same-thing happened in 1987 when he played Othello by William Shakespeare for kissing Desdemona (white actress).

In 1989 together with the late Barney Simon, co- founder of the Market Theatre, he founded the Market Theatre Laboratory, a drama school for young black people who would not be able to study at universities through lack high school education and financial resources. The school has now become the crucible of new talents and new works with an extensive outreach program. The school celebrated 30 years in 2019 and has produced more than 300 actors working in the Theatre, film and Television Industry in South Africa.

In 1995 John was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Durban Westville and in April, 1998 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from Rhodes Rhodes University, Grahamstown.

In June 2006 John received an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from the University of Cape Town. John received the Olive Shriner Prize Award for writing Nothing But The Truth from the English Academy of Southern Africa. Just recently the play was made into a film, directed by John Kani and has a number of awards including the SILVER STALLION at FESPACO, Burkina Faso March 2009, Best Film in the Milan International Film Festival and also Best film at the Cameroon Film Festival 2009. John was awarded the inaugural Ousmane Sembene Award at FESPACO 2009 for his contribution to the African film industry.

On the 27th September2005 John received the Order Of IKamanga Silver from the President of the Republic of South Africa Mr. Thabo Mbeki recognising his contribution in the struggle for the liberation of his country through his work in the arts especially his contribution to a free, non racial non sexist and democratic South Africa. Subsequently John was appointed by the President to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council of National Orders and Awards.

The Nelson Mandela University awarded him a PhD honorary for his contribution to the arts and to the struggle for the liberation of his country. In June 2015 the Market Theatre Foundation honoured him by naming the Main Theatre- The John Kani Theatre. In 2017 the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Council of Port Elizabeth renamed Whites Road in the city centre to the John Kani Road in honour of his contribution to the liberation of his country.

On the 29th March 2018 John Kani was awarded the JOHN F KENNEDY GOLD MEDAL AWARD for his contribution to Humanity and Excellence in the Arts. On the 3rd December 2018 he received the SOTIGUI HONOR CINEMA AFRIQUE AWARD in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso for his contribution to the advancement of the African Film Industry.

In 2019 he received the VOICES OF FREEDOM in New York for his contribution to peace through dialogue, previous recipients include Nelson Mandela, Bishop Tutu and Harry Belafonte Prof Thuli Mandonsela.

His latest play, KUNENE AND THE KING ,which he wrote and performed in it with Sir Antony Sher opened at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford and the West End to the Ambassador Theatre in London in January 2020. Kunene opened at the Joburg Theatre and toured theatres around the country. Wits University has awarded him with Doctorate in Literature honoris causa for his contribution to the Arts 2021 He was awarded the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award for making Shakespeare accessible to broader Communities. Audiences. His latest play Kunene and the King was included in the ten highlights of the 60th Anniversary of the Royal. Shakespeare Company.

2024 he was warded the Ubuntu Cultural Award- Legend as a Cultural Ambassador by the Department of International Relations and Cooperations. 2023 King Charlse the Third bestowed upon him the The Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire- OBE- for his contribution to the Arts. In 2024 at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival in San Jose together with Souleymane Cisse from Mali he was awarded the Cultural Icon Award for their contribution to the African Film Industry.

Dr Louise Van Rhyn

Louise is a visionary leadership and original development consultant, renowned for her commitment to fostering impactful sustainable change in South Africa and beyond. She is the founder of Symphonia and the designer of the globally recognised Partners for Possibility (PfP) program, a pioneering initiative that brings together business leaders and school principals to transform under resourced schools. Under her leadership, PfP has been acknowledged as one of the world’s best social-change initiatives, earning numerous accolades, including recognition by WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education). With a doctorate in complex systems from the University of Hertfordshire under Professor Ralph Stacey. Louise has deep expertise in understanding organisations as a dynamic responsive process of relating. She has applied her expertise to lead large-scale, systemic change, blending academic rigour with hands-on experience. Driven with her belief that South Africa is "Alive with Possibility”. Louise is passionate about leadership as a force for societal transformation. She integrates neuroscience, psychology and human-centred approaches to create environments where people can flourish and contribute their best. An inspiring speaker, mentor and community builder. Louise continues to work tirelessly to advance her vision of a more equitable and thriving South Africa rooted in purpose, partnership and possibility.

Basetsana Kumalo

Businesswoman, Author, and Philanthropist. The Founder and CEO of Basetsana Women Investment Holdings (BWIH) Pty Ltd, a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio in fintech, media, mining, travel and tourism. Over three decades, the serial entrepreneur has created thousands of jobs through her various companies. In every industry she has entered, each platform she has made an indelible impact on the lives of women in South Africa.

She is the Chairperson of the Business Women's Association of South Africa (BWA), the largest business women's network in the country, which was established 40 years ago. This organization has made a tangible impact in the advancement and empowerment of women so that women become part of the mainstream of the economy. Across diverse industries such as media, real estate, technology, and mining a career spanning 30 years has seen Basetsana lead, collaborate, and fight tenaciously to build a legacy that has been recognized by UNICEF, the World Economic Forum, Stellenbosch University and the Nelson Mandela Institute for Rural Education and Development.

Bassie's memoir, My Journey of Hope, received rave reviews countrywide and made it one of the best sellers. Bassie chronicles the story of a young girl thrust onto the world stage when she became Miss South Africa in 1994, 1st runner up in Miss World 1994. That opportunity led to a television career whose highs include interviewing music legends Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross, talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, including all the South African Presidents including Nelson Mandela.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and women's development and building the next generation of leaders, she has directly mentored and educated many young people, the bulk of them women, who have gone on to excel in their respective fields.

She is the Patron of IamtheCode, the first African-led global movement to mobilize governments, the private sector, philanthropic foundations, investors, and civil society to advance STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Design) education. Its goal is to mobilize these groups to invest in future technologies that can drive sustainable development for women and girls in marginalized communities. The wife and mother of three sits on various boards among them the Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development, which fights for the education of children from some of South Africa's poorest communities.

She serves as Co-Chair of the Council of Social Justice Champions, Stellenbosch University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Politics and Communications) from the University of South Africa, a Certificate in Executive Education on Global Leadership from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and a Certificate in Leadership and Decision Making from Yale University. She is currently doing her Doctorate with Middlesex University in London.

Zinzi Mgolodela

A Champion of Corporate Social Justice. Director of Corporate Social Justice at Woolworths Holdings Limited – a JSE listed Company with operations in Africa and Australasia. Zinzi Mgolodela's work focuses on systemic inequality. She leads the Inclusive Justice Initiative (IJI) to foster social justice for inclusive workplaces, value chains, customer experience and impactful community development.

Previously, as Director of Corporate Affairs, she built value creating partnerships with stakeholders across Africa. A member of the Council for Social Justice Champions. Appointed in 2020 to the Commission for Employment Equity. Serves as Chairperson of the Restitution Foundation. A mother of three, she champions social justice both professionally and personally.

Thembalethu Seyisi

Thembalethu Seyisi is a multifaceted individual who has dedicated his life to making a positive impact in society. As an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa and a Research Officer at the Centre for Social Justice, Stellenbosch University, he is at the forefront of driving social justice reforms in the academic field and beyond. Thembalethu's leadership qualities were evident from an early age when he was selected as the Head Prefect at Oaklands High School, where he excelled academically.

From 2018 to July 2021, he served as a Board Member at Salesian Life Choices, a non-profit organisation focused on disrupting inequality through youth empowerment. In this role, he ensured good governance and accountability. In 2020, Thembalethu co-founded the Black Lawyers Association Stellenbosch University Student Chapter (BLASC), aimed at transforming legal education, enhancing the student experience and advancing human rights. He is also a Director of Academic Inclusion Drive (AID), a non-profit organisation in support of the #Action4Inclusion campaign, a Stellenbosch University crowdfunding initiative dedicated to alleviating student debt for the 'missing middle' students.

As a Values20 (V20) Solidarity Stream Lead for Advocacy, Thembalethu continues to make contributions to the advancement of equality, solidarity and sustainable development on a global stage. His advocacy is evident in parliamentary submissions and opinion articles for prominent news platforms, such as Mail & Guardian, News24, Network24 and Daily Maverick.

At the young age of 21, Thembalethu became a self-published author of a book titled 21 Life Lessons (@ 21, in which he asked successful people he admires to share insights they wished they had known at 21. The book features contributions from prominent figures including Justice Edwin Cameron, Professor Madonsela, Zelda la Grange, Sandra Prinsloo, and former UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng.

Thembalethu's dedication and achievements have been recognised through numerous accolades, including the Stellenbosch University Rector's award for excellence in social impact (2021), News24's 30 Young Mandelas (2022) and being listed in the Mail and Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans (2023). As a young leader, Thembalethu embodies the values of social justice, leadership and advocacy. As a Master's student investigating the role of the South African Human Rights Commission in championing social justice, his multifaceted contributions to society serve as an inspiration to many and pave the way for a more just South Africa.