​MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, recognized legends and men who continue to serve as beacons of hope in society at the 10th Annual 365 Men of the Year Awards held at Wits University's Parktown Education Campus in Johannesburg last Friday, 15 November 2024.

These are positive male role models who are doing extraordinary work to break the cycle of violence and other social ills in a bid to bring about positive change in South Africa.

MEC Mazibuko honored legends such as Dr. Pali Lehohla, who is a former Statistician General, Dr. Jiyane Mbere - Soweto's first specialist in Gynaecology, and Archbishop Bheki Lukhele.

Prof Naude Malan, an Associate Professor in Business Management at the University of Johannesburg, was also honored with a 365 Men Award. Prof. Malan played a key role in food security, having served at the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa.

Prof. Malan convened the multi-stakeholder engagement project iZindaba Zokudla that aims to create opportunities for urban agriculture in a sustainable food system in Soweto. The project engages with and links urban farmers, entrepreneurs, academics, civil servants, and other stakeholders and aims at participatory technology and enterprise development.

Another notable recipient of the prestigious 365 Men of the Year Award was celebrity influencer and DJ, Karabo Mokgara, popularly known as DJ Karri.
 
Mokgara was bestowed the award for his leading role in community development, having taken people from the streets to rehabilitation centers, and launching careers for others in the music industry.
 
"This is a very special recognition," said Mokgara, dedicating the award to his wife for her endless support, which saw him using family resources to help others.
 
Thato Mbha, known as TT Mbha, was also recognized. The social entrepreneur and real estate mogul, who hails from Pimville in Soweto, was awarded for his role in running a campaign that donates suits to underprivileged boys in an effort to restore their dignity.Mbha took the opportunity on the stage to thank his family, as he believes families are the backbone of every community.
 
Addressing guests, who were largely men, MEC Mazibuko acknowledged all the nominees for playing an important role in shaping society and Gauteng.
 
"We believe if we recognize and empower men, we will have a better and sober younger generation that will learn from them. We have a big problem of drugs in our province, and it needs each and every one of you to roll up your sleeves and help us to sort this problem."
 
"Currently, we have a waiting list of more than 35,000 men and boys that want to go to drug rehabilitation centers. You go to parks and places where there are homeless people, you will find men and boys there smoking all kinds of drugs."
 
"Through you, we will win this battle. We will see a brighter and better Gauteng where young boys participate in scouts, sports, and other developmental programs that will shift their minds from taking drugs," added Mazibuko.
 
The following men were awarded the prestigious Men of the Year Awards:
Bulelani Balabala
Prof Naude Malan  
Karabo Mokgara 
Herman Sekoele 
Jabulani Mendu 
Jabulani Nkabinde
Jabulani Selbi Sibanyoni 
Lungelo Mdletshe 
Neville Booysen
Njabulo Sibusiso Mabuza 
Nkosinathi Moshoana 
Sibusiso Cyril Sizani 
Vuyolethu Sibiya
Thato Mbha
 
The 365 Men of the Year Awards coincided with International Men's Day, observed annually on November 19, to honor the contributions of men to the world, their families, and communities.
 
They honored men positively promoting transformation in society and bringing about change in the areas of Community Development, Education, Health, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Science and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Youth Development, and Media.