KZN learner-heroes awarded for inspiring peers

Twenty-seven pupils were recognised in the 2023 annual Pick n Pay Hero Awards for fostering excellence amidst adversity and inspiring community upliftment. Winners were selected from over 1, 000 primary school pupils, who participated in the Hero Awards programme throughout the year.

The programme is an embodiment of perseverance and inspiration which honours young minds, who have demonstrated excellence in the face of personal challenges or have spearheaded transformative initiatives within their schools, among peers, in the environment, or throughout their communities.

Pupils are recognised by teachers and receive a ‘hero’ certificate and badge for their positive actions, this then accumulates in the annual Hero Awards where winning pupils receive a share of R35, 000 in Pick n Pay vouchers.

Apart from the recognition, the vouchers assist winning learners’ parents in purchasing clothing and stationery for the coming school year or food over the festive season.

The Pick n Pay School Club, SA’s largest brand-funded educational programme, which provides free curriculum-compliant educational support to a network of 3, 280 schools, launched the Hero Awards programme 14 years ago as a platform to recognise children, who make a positive impact in their community, overcome hardship or display teamwork.

“Every year, we have more heroes we can celebrate, which means a greater positive impact in communities. It is so important that our youth- ultimately our leaders of tomorrow- have other learners to look up to in their communities. These awards do just that and help inspire their peers to do good- whether it is at home, in school or in their community,” said Vaughan Pierce, executive for ESG at Pick n Pay.

Pierce stated that the programme is so well loved by schools because the categories align with their goals on how they want to teach their learners to behave, and treat others and their communities.

Pierce continued, “Teachers have seen how the Hero Awards programme improves behaviour and attitudes in schools by raising the importance of recognising acts of kindness and community-mindedness.”

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The 2023 Pick n Pay Hero Award competition had seven categories: courage, selflessness, kindness/ caring, respectfulness, honesty, team player, and environmental awareness. 

The KZN winners include:

Kindness/caring (to/ for people, animals and the world/ supportive of others)- Luyanda Banele Madondo (grade seven) from Esselen Heights Primary School in Phoenix (R5, 000 voucher)

One afternoon after school, Luyanda was awaiting his transport home. When their taxi arrived, four-year-old Aphelele, ran across the road without looking and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Luyanda threw down his school bag and ran to assist her, speaking in calming tones. He did not leave her side for a moment- a commendable trait for a first respondent. Aphelele’s siblings (aged 10 and 13) were in a state of shock. Luyanda also comforted them saying that everything was going to be all right. When a few teachers, the principal, the police and medical services arrived at the scene, Luyanda left for home, knowing the child was now in the care of adults.

Selflessness (putting others first)- Abenathi Msomi (grade seven) from Evergreen Primary School in Chatsworth (R2, 500 voucher)

Abenathi is a kind, gentle, humble child with an interest in, and love for others. He is known as a ‘gentle giant’, among friends, first for his size and for his nature. When school is dismissed, pupils congregate to take buses and taxis in a crammed-up space. In the resultant rush to go home, many pupils spill onto the road unknowingly. Abenathi, in his own free will, directs children off the road, holding the hands of the little ones as he assists them safely to their transport. As a result, he leaves for home much later after his friends have already left. He was honoured with the award due to his caring, selfless attitude in sacrificing his time for the safety of others.

Honesty- Olonathando Nzama and Lonathemba Simelane (grade four) from Union Park Primary School in PMB (R1, 000 vouchers)

Lonathemba and Olonathando found a wallet in school which they handed in. When asked if they had opened it, they said no. The wallet contained a large sum of money, and when the owner was found, they confirmed that nothing was missing. The girls were rewarded for their honesty and integrity.

Team player- Iviwe Chiliza (grade six)- from St Patricks Primary School in Umzinto (R1, 000 voucher)

Iviwe has the humanitarian qualities of a true leader and has helped the learners of St Patrick’s learn how to play chess and challenged past convictions and mindsets that judge at-risk, rural learners as learners who cannot excel in chess. He has championed an inclusive practice at our school where learners from all grades play chess through an outdoor mural that he has designed. His humble nature and selfless actions make him a hero with a difference. Providing opportunities and changing the climate of our school through his hard work and determination shows how one can break the stigma surrounding rural schools.