On Saturday 8 February Adv Shameemah Salie, MP was invited by the Department of International Relations as a guest at the Ubuntu awards 2025.
These awards recognize South African industry leaders, eminent persons and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution in promoting South Africa’s national interests and values across the world, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation annually hosts these awards.
The event takes place after the opening of Parliament and brings together captains of industry, leaders from civil society, members of Cabinet and eminent persons, in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.
This year’s Ubuntu Awards ceremony was held under the theme “South Africa G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, aligning with South Africa’s G20 Presidency this year.
Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It is often described as reminding us that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are. Both in terms of Ubuntu and in Islam we emphasize the importance of community, caring for others, and social justice.
We recognize that in South Africa we have many citizens who display ubuntu in their service to the community and this service should be recognized and applauded.
The 2025 recipients of the awards Ubuntu awards were:
Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy award: Wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane
Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy award: Global youth empowerment activist, Tara Roos
Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Veteran): World renowned artist, Lebohang ‘Lebo M’ Morake
OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award: Ambassador Thenjiwe Mtintso
Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award: Airlink
Commendable Recognition Ubuntu Economic Award (Africa): Bernika Health
Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy (Global): Sanlam
Ubuntu Social Responsibility Award: Nkosinathi Foundation
We extend our congratulations to all the recipients of the awards
