Nominations for Citizens of the Year Awards close in two weeks

Esteemed judges for this year’s edition of The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University are, top left to right: Chantal Janneker, senior director: marketing, Nelson Mandela University, Andrew Muir, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation and Rochelle de Kock, editor of The Herald. Bottom left to right: Michael Barry, artist and art educator, Zodwa Dube, board member of PE Mental Health and Monique Fouche, mmarketing manager, Standard Bank Eastern Cape
TOUGH TASK: Esteemed judges for this year’s edition of The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University are, top left to right: Chantal Janneker, senior director: marketing, Nelson Mandela University, Andrew Muir, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation and Rochelle de Kock, editor of The Herald. Bottom left to right: Michael Barry, artist and art educator, Zodwa Dube, board member of PE Mental Health and Monique Fouche, mmarketing manager, Standard Bank Eastern Cape
Image: Supplied

It’s just two weeks to go before nominations close for the 33rd instalment of The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards and then the real work begins for the panel of esteemed judges.

The six individuals are tasked with sifting through dozens of nominees -- no small feat as several inspirational stories will need to be eliminated to crown the 10 category winners for this year’s competition.

Considered one of the most prestigious awards and community social investments in the Bay, The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University (NMU), seek to acknowledge and uplift individuals, businesses and organisations who have gone beyond the call of duty to assist their communities.

This year’s panel comprises industry leaders including: 

  • Andrew Muir, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation;
  • Chantal Janneker, senior director: marketing, Nelson Mandela University;
  • Rochelle de Kock, editor of The Herald;
  • Zodwa Dube, board member of PE Mental Health;
  • Michael Barry, artist and art educator; and       
  • Monique Fouche, marketing manager, Standard Bank Eastern Cape

Muir, who has been a judge for the competition for 12 years, said the province and, particularly the Bay, was fortunate to have residents who truly took doing public good to heart.

“That makes our jobs as judges hard but in a way it is positive because the culture of helping others is how we make our region and country better for all,” Muir said.

“I think it is important to give recognition to those that go above and beyond because it encourages others to strive for that higher ideal to help others.

“Also because of the various categories we have in judging, we are able to reach a much wider catchment of different types of areas that citizens are doing good.

“That collective impact is how you effect change and it starts with individuals and that’s why this competition is so important to highlight and reward those striving to make a positive impact.”

The inspirational stories behind the awards are spread over 10 categories — with this year’s addition of the Standard Bank Youth Category — including Innovation: Water and Environment, Sports, Arts and Culture, Business and Entrepreneur, Education, Community, Civil Society, Gender-Based Violence, Health and Safety.

In 2022, the Sister Ethel Award was introduced, acknowledging an individual chosen by the judges who showcased exemplary community work for more than a decade within Nelson Mandela Bay, and like the late Sister Ethel Normoyle, is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the community.

Nominations will close at midday on Monday July 15, so nominate your local hero by clicking on the link: www.bit.ly/HeraldCitizens2024

For any queries, please contact The Herald marketing manager, Berna Ulay-Walters on ulayb@theherald.co.za

The event partners include: Bronze sponsor: Continental Tyre SA, Support sponsor: Vodacom, Venue sponsor: Sun Boardwalk, Beverage sponsor: Three Peaks Wine, Decor sponsor: JTC Catering & Events.

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