JOHANNESBURG, 29 September 2025 – For 15 years, the Siyabakhumbula Awards have stood as one of South Africa’s most profound cultural tributes — a bridge between the memories of those we have lost and the voices of those shaping our present. True to its name, Siyabakhumbula — “we remember them” — the awards immortalise legacies while uplifting contemporary heroes who continue to inspire.
This year’s ceremony carries the theme: “People forget what they should remember, and remember what they should forget.” It is both a caution and a call to action — to preserve the stories of our trailblazers and to recognise the living legends who walk among us.
A Legacy of Remembering
Founded in 2010 by renowned poet and activist Mzwakhe Mbuli, the Siyabakhumbula Awards were born from a desire to ensure that those who shaped South Africa’s history are never relegated to the footnotes.
“The Siyabakhumbula Awards exist to honour those who made remarkable contributions during their lifetimes and have passed, while also celebrating those who continue to make a meaningful impact today,” said Mbuli. “Over the past 15 years, this platform has grown into a cultural institution — a place where we remember, recognise, and pay tribute.”
From musicians to athletes, activists to community leaders, the awards celebrate figures whose legacies extend beyond their own lifetimes — and whose influence still reverberates in the present.
Honouring the Icons We’ve Lost
The 2025 Siyabakhumbula Awards will posthumously recognise a distinguished group of icons whose impact spans culture, sport, and society:
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Bhodloza Nzimande – broadcasting pioneer
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Don Mattera – poet and activist
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Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala – boxing champion
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Gloria Bosman – celebrated musician
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Clive Barker – legendary football coach
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Vuyo Mokoena – gospel music giant
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Thandie Klaasen – jazz icon
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John Lesiba “Shoes” Moshoeu – football star
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Alan Toweel – boxing promoter
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Dorothy Masuku – music legend
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Sammy Malete – cultural contributor
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“Sipho Jambo” Johnson – community leader
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Junald Ahmed – activist and changemaker
Together, their lives and work form the threads of South Africa’s cultural and social fabric.
Celebrating Living Change Makers
Equally important is the recognition of individuals who are actively shaping South Africa today. From arts and sports to social justice and public service, these honourees prove that Siyabakhumbula is not only about looking back — it is about celebrating the ongoing work of building a better future.
2025 Ceremony: A Gathering of Memory and Hope
The 15th edition of the Siyabakhumbula Awards will take place at the Gold Rush Dome on 4 October 2025, drawing together community leaders, artists, athletes, and members of the media. It will be both a tribute and a celebration — a night where the past and present converge to remind us that while lives may end, legacies endure.
Why Siyabakhumbula Matters
In a world where memory fades quickly and attention shifts even faster, the Siyabakhumbula Awards remain a powerful anchor. They challenge us to remember what matters, to ensure that those who built, shaped, and inspired our communities are never forgotten — and that those continuing the work today are recognised in their time.
South Africa’s story is not complete without its heroes. And thanks to Siyabakhumbula, their names, deeds, and legacies are forever etched into our nation’s collective memory.
