2014 Mkiva Humanitarian Awards announced

Honourable Jidi Majia of China to receive an International Accolade and Dr Saeb Erakat of Palestine to be honoured as the Global Champion.

The 2014 edition of the prestigious annual Mkiva Humanitarian Awards ceremony will be held at the Walter Sisulu University Butterworth Campus on 10 October, under the theme “Celebrating 20 Years of Freedom”. The event promises to be more spectacular than ever.

The Mkiva Humanitarian Awards celebrates the efforts and successes of African and International leaders who have made an impact on local or international communities. They were established in 1999 by the Mkiva Humanitarian Foundation, predominantly through the Chairperson of the Imbongi Yesizwe Trust, His Royal Heritage, Zolani Mkiva.

Poet Laureate to Madiba and a revered Poet of the Nation, Zolani has impacted South Africa as a lecturer, recorded musical artist and defender of African culture. He established the awards as a tribute to his late grandfather, Richard Mkenke Mkiva, who was a community activist and fighter for the rights of rural communities.

“Bearing in mind that 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, we have a reason to celebrate and salute our leaders and icons,” he says. “These awards afford those who make a humble contribution to the development of humanity the opportunity to be recognised for their resilience.”

Many acclaimed personalities have been previous recipients of the awards, including former President Nelson Mandela, President Fidel Castro, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Lebo M, Mbongeni Ngema and Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa.

This year’s recipients include:

– Dr Saeb Erakat of Palestine: As Chief Negotiator of the PLO, Minister and member of the National Executive in the State of Palestine, renowned freedom fighter and peace maker, Erakat will be honoured as the Global Champion for the People’s Freedom.

– Jidi Majia, Vice Governor of Qinghai Province of CHINA: A prominent Chinese cultural practitioner, progressive poet and published author, Majia will be awarded for his outstanding contribution to arts and cultural education as the Champion for People’s Culture.

– Dr Rebecca Malope: Celebrated South African gospel singer and talk show host with multiple platinum albums.

– Mzimasi Mnguni: A veteran sports administrator, renowned for making East London famous as the City of Champions.

– Mthetheleli Ngumbela: This African philanthropist, businessman and sports benefactor has dedicated much of his life to the upliftment of rural communities of the Eastern Cape.

– Queen Best Kemigisa of Uganda: Queen Mother to the Toro Kingdom, Kemigisa is a patron of rural development and the upliftment of women.

Imbongi Yesizwe Trust, in partnership with Amathole District Municipality, and supported by the Office of the Premier and National Government, will host this ceremony. Apart from all the mentioned recipients, Her Worship, Cllr Nomasikizi Konza, Executive Mayor of Amathole District Municipality, will be among the other esteemed dignitaries in attendance.

The proceedings will commence at 6pm in the Great Hall of the Walter Sisulu University.

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Adilia Teixeira
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Mkiva Humanitarian Awards

Source: https://www.artlink.co.za