The 21st annual national awards banquet of the Hamlet Foundation were held at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg on 6 November, hosted by popular TV personality, Ms Sonia Sedibe. Sonia is recognized from her role as Ntombi from the SABC 1 soapie Generations.
Over 500 guests attended the event including Dr. Ayanda Ntsabula, Chairman of the Board of Clinix Health Group, Zanele Motlana – wife of the late Dr. Motlana, Mrs Sharon Marsay, Deputy Chairperson of Hamlet Foundation and Dr. Peter Matseke, CEO of Clinix Health Group.
Sponsored largely by the Clinix Health Group, the national awards celebrate the work and achievements of all the brave men and women that have triumphed in spite of their disability and provide a meaningful tribute to the dedicated men and women that have given their time so tirelessly to assist those with intellectual disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Nosimilo Mabuza, Clinix Group Marketing Manager said, “Clinix is extremely proud to be one of the main sponsors of this event. As the first black-owned private hospital group we provide quality healthcare to previously disadvantaged communities and part of our strategy is to give back to the communities which support us. Nine years ago, we saw the impact that the Hamlet Foundation was making in the lives of the intellectually disabled and knew we had to step in to provide support in any way we could. This decision resulted in a growing and positive relationship between Hamlet and ourselves. Through our sponsorship of this annual event Clinix has had the privilege of hearing remarkable stories of the awards nominees,” notes Mabuza.
Commenting on the awards Segri Subrumuny, CEO of Hamlet, Place of Hope said, “These awards serve primarily as a vehicle to create awareness and promote the care and development of the intellectually disabled”.
The 2015 winners:
Merit awards which are only awarded in the case of an exceptional nominee or achievement went to:
- Challenge Training Academy “Siyathuthuka”
- Bridgette Benzile Kabini
- Debbie Dolphins Swimming School
- Thinandavha Samuel Maduwa
The Outstanding Award winner was the Cape Mental Health Training Workshop Unlimited Life Skills Programme and the President’s award, which goes to the nominee who has shown exceptional excellence went to Caroline Jeanne Mignolet.
This year funds were raised not only through ticket sales but also through the sale of paintings that children from the centre had created. The funds raised will all go towards the Hamlet Foundation which assists 450 intellectually disabled children and adults on a daily basis. Facilities include a school where children are taught life skills, a sports programme, an adult residential centre where residents live semi-independently and an assembly and packaging workshop where intellectually disabled people earn an income and become self-sufficient. “Our focus is to empower these individuals so they may achieve their maximum potential and lead a normal life,” concludes Subrumuny.