THORNHILL – Maria Pennacchini’s journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a champion for children in Thornhill has earned her the Kouga Municipality’s StrongHer International Award 2026.
Pennacchini was announced as the winner on 31 August during a special ceremony celebrating the eight finalists in the StrongHer Award.
The eight finalists were Pennacchini, Leonie Plaatjies, Andiswa Qhoboshiyane, Nicole Moos, Maryke Pretorius, Lésa Seeney, Angela Hendriks and Elsa Senekal.
According to the Kouga Municipality, the award recognises women whose often-unseen contributions strengthen their communities and bring hope to others.
It forms part of the international partnership between Kouga Local Municipality and the City of Birmingham, Alabama, in the United States.
A childhood marked by hardship
For Pennacchini, the recognition comes after years of working with children and creating opportunities for them through Maria se Leesklas and Maria se Stasieskool.
Her own childhood was marked by hardship.
Born in Thornhill, Pennacchini said her mother struggled with alcohol abuse, resulting in her living in various places before her aunt took her in.
She said her father later took her to a farm when she was four years old, but left her there after running away with another woman.
“When the farmer chased me away, I lived in a horse stable. I kept warm with a sail because there were no blankets,” said Pennacchini.
Her aunt was eventually called again and took her in, but Pennacchini said her mother later took her back and sold her when she was 11.
Her aunt once again came to her aid and took her to a psychologist, where she was told that she was “not normal” and would never progress like other children.
“They said my brain was like that of a seven-year-old child, but I was 16 years old,” said Pennacchini.
Finding support in Thornhill
Back in Thornhill, she found support at the Needlework Centre, where she said Joan Puttergill and Katie Rossouw taught her how to work.
“They were like mother figures to me,” said Pennacchini.
She later taught herself to read and write using the Bible.
Today, Pennacchini describes herself as a strong woman who has refused to allow her past to determine her future.
“I am now a strong woman because all the bad memories never got me down. I don’t look back; instead, every day I continue to persevere,” said Pennacchini.
“I want to encourage other women. They must not let the past hold them back. That is what made me the woman I am today.”
Pennacchini said she learnt not to allow her past to determine her future, nor to be defined by what others said about her. Instead, she chose not to remain trapped by her past.
Turning her experiences into action
To assist the children in her community, she started helping them when she was 16 years old and has never stopped.
Pennacchini also said her own childhood continues to motivate her work.
“I don’t want the children of Thornhill to have to go through the same childhood I had. Everything I do is to change their lives,” said Pennacchini.
Her love for children inspired the creation of Maria se Leesklas and Maria se Stasieskool, which she dreamed would provide a safe after-school environment where children could access opportunities she never had.
“I dreamed of a place for children to come to after school where they are safe and are provided with opportunities I never had,” said Pennacchini.
The programmes extend beyond reading to activities including dancing, kickboxing, rugby and recycling.
Pennacchini said these activities are intended to give children more choices to build a good future and to be happy.
Creating opportunities for children
For her, seeing children who may otherwise feel overlooked find support and a sense of belonging is at the heart of her work.
“That is everything I want. I want the children to be happy and to know that there is someone who cares about them,” said Pennacchini.
Reflecting on her younger self, she said the child she once was played an important role in shaping the woman she has become.
“I am strong today because of you, little Maria. I am proud of you because you did not give up. Thank you for allowing me to climb out of the box,” said Pennacchini.
According to a Kouga Municipality Facebook post, Pennacchini was recognised for her commitment to children and young people through Maria se Leesklas and Maria se Stasieskool, where children are given opportunities to learn, grow and discover their potential through reading, dancing, kickboxing, rugby and recycling activities.
Award brings further opportunities
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said choosing a winner had been exceptionally difficult because all eight finalists were worthy of recognition.
“Choosing one StrongHer from among these remarkable women was incredibly difficult. Each of our finalists is a winner in her own right. They do amazing and selfless work in our communities, often without asking for recognition or expecting anything in return,” said Bornman.
According to the municipality, as the 2026 winner, Pennacchini’s story and community project will be featured in the City of Birmingham’s StrongHer publication.
A team from the Grace Klein Community in Alabama will also visit her project and facilitate a connection with an expert working in a similar field, creating opportunities for mentorship, guidance and growth.
Pennacchini will further receive funding from the Mayor’s Office through the Mayoral Fund to support and strengthen her community initiative.
Reflecting on her experience of the award, Pennacchini said she was surprised to have been nominated and enjoyed hearing about the work of the other finalists.
“It was a wonderful experience, and I was so surprised when I heard that I was nominated! I truly did not expect it at all,” said Pennacchini.
“It was so inspiring to hear what the other nominees were doing in their communities, and it was a privilege to be part of such a wonderful occasion.”
ALSO READ: Youth learn farming skills through Ocean View garden
