Nomination call for 2009 Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards

"Thousands of South Africans all over the country are giving back to their communities financially on a daily basis, sometimes sacrificing their own needs in order to ensure that others' needs are met," says Shelagh Gastrow, executive director of Inyathelo - The South African Institute for Advancement.

Inyathelo annually recognises philanthropists through the Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards. The awards recognises South Africans who have made a sustained personal contribution to benefit disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

"These awards are open to South Africans and people living in South Africa and a Review Panel comprised of South Africans who have all been involved in philanthropy for many years makes the final nominations," says Gastrow.

"You get to nominate those people in your community who have made a difference and who, by their giving have achieved an impact and have brought about sustainable change."

Gastrow explains that some people are under the false impression that only the rich are philanthropists, but there are many ordinary people out there who are bringing about social change.

"We're not just looking for those people who have set up foundations or trusts. We're looking for all youth, woman and men who have made a difference through strategic social giving."

Nominations can be submitted in five categories:

• Special Recognition Award for Philanthropy - recognising an individual for exceptional financial commitment to advancing philanthropy and their dedication to social giving to bringing about beneficial change in the South African Community.
  
• Youth in Philanthropy Award - presented to a young person under the age of 35 for pioneering and financing creative ways to address local community issues through direct monetary support, development of charitable programmes and the cultivation of a young generation of philanthropic leaders.
  
• Women in Philanthropy Award - recognising an outstanding woman philanthropist for her leadership and innovation in growing awareness of philanthropy and, through her example and financial contribution, encourages personal social giving.
  
• Community Philanthropy Award - recognising an individual who has worked tirelessly to create a more positive and healthy environment in a particular community, giving of their personal money, their energy and their creativity to build initiatives and to encourage others to give.
  
• Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy - paying tribute to individuals who, during their lifetime, have tirelessly dedicated themselves and their financial resources to bringing about social change.

2008 awardees included:

• Linda Givon, who received the Merit Award, was nominated by the Children's Hospital Trust for her sustained contributions to the trust and her support of the Red Cross Children's Hospital;

• Dr Saleem Badat, who received the award for exceptional philanthropy, relinquished a portion of his salary and certain other benefits when appointed vice-chancellor of Rhodes University, in order to support a scholarship fund established by himself called The Jakes Gerwel Rhodes University Scholarship Fund in honour of the university's chancellor, Dr Jakes Gerwel;

• Grace Mohapi, who received the award for community philanthropy, founded the Usizo Thuso Community Centre with her husband. The centre was started to meet the needs of those infected and affected by HIV/Aids with a special focus on children orphaned through the disease. The community centre provides aftercare for school learners, meals for children in need, craft space for grandmothers supporting orphaned children, and many other community services.

• The Bertie Lubner Family was recognised for its remarkable family philanthropy - the family has a well-established tradition of inter-generational giving.

The awardees will be announced at a gala dinner to be held in Cape Town on 3 November, 2009.

For more information on this year's awards, nomination forms as well as the names of the 2008 award awardees, go to www.inyathelo.co.za or call Gillian Mitchell at Inyathelo - The South African Institute of Advancement on 021 465 6981.