Thornhill resident and Kouga Municipality Power(ful) Woman finalist for 2022, Ziyanda Kilimani (26), recently spearheaded the first Kouga Youth Hustlers Awards – uplifting youth, while celebrating and acknowledging their achievements.
Kilimani, a filing clerk at Kouga Municipality, said that the aim of the Kouga Hustlers Awards is to encourage and recognise local youth in their efforts to bring positive change to their respective communities and the region.
The awards will be held annually in June in celebration of Youth Month.
“I have seen many young people in our community that are doing amazing things with their lives,” said Kilimani.
“As our country is faced with a high unemployment rate, the youth of Kouga did not just sit back with folded arms – they chose to hustle to improve their lives.”
The awards consisted of 10 categories, including Small Business, Influencer, Music & Entertainment, Sport, Community Builder, Hair & Beauty, Local Clothing, Tourism, Agriculture, and Non-Profit Organisations.
The public had the opportunity to vote for their favourite nominee through a “wild card” voting system on social media. The top five nominees proceeded to the final round, which involved interviews with a panel of judges.
The winners, which were announced earlier this month, each received a trophy, medal, and certificate.
Small Business: Elevate Photography
Influencer: Sabelo Mathole
Hair & Beauty: Zintle Matyholweni
Sport: Lwandiso Scholtz
Music & Entertainment: Keagan Kock
Tourism: Wayvin Tours
Agriculture: Matyumza Farming
Non-Profit Organisation: Feline Models NPO
Local Clothing: Bayoze Bavume
Community B: Hazel Booysen
Special recognition awards were also awarded to Olwethu Katoo, Bulelwa Dondashe, Hazel Booysen, Asanele Peter, Keagan Kock, and Mziyanda Resha.
The event was sponsored by Kouga Municipality, Crossways Village and Intle Boutique Hotel. The award ceremony was supported by Old Mutual to support youth.
Kilimani, who is also the founder of Thornhill Uprising Stars and the Sisterhood Non-Profit Organisation, is vibrant, energetic, and fearless, always putting others first. She has a strong passion for community development and community engagement programmes.
