Johannesburg, South Africa – 17 July 2026 – South Africa’s corporate social investment community gathered at 22 On Sloane in Johannesburg on 16 July 2026 for the fifth annual CSI Legacy Awards, celebrating eight outstanding organisations and leaders whose work continues to create meaningful and lasting change across the country.
Held as the closing celebration of the inaugural CSI Indaba, the CSI Legacy Awards brought together leaders from business, civil society, academia and the development sector. The event was completely sold out, with additional seats brought into the venue to accommodate more guests and fill the room.
The extraordinary turnout reflected the growing stature of the CSI Legacy Awards and the sector’s commitment to recognising organisations and individuals who are moving beyond charitable interventions towards sustainable, systemic and community-led change.
PinkDrive, led by founder and Chief Executive Officer Noelene Kotschan, received the award for Best NGO. The organisation was recognised for its continued commitment to improving access to cancer education, early detection and healthcare services, particularly among communities that remain underserved by South Africa’s healthcare system.
The Best Woman in CSI award was presented to Juanita Pardesi of the Seriti Institute. Pardesi was honoured for her leadership, dedication and contribution to building stronger communities through inclusive and purpose-driven development. Her recognition celebrates not only her professional achievements but also the important role women continue to play in shaping South Africa’s social investment landscape.
Family Life Centre, represented by Jennifer Papers, was named Best Rising NGO. The award recognises an emerging organisation demonstrating significant potential, strong community relevance and a growing ability to respond to the social challenges facing families and communities.
Martin Sweet of Primestars South Africa received the Best CEO award. Sweet was recognised for leadership that has consistently placed young people, education and economic opportunity at the centre of business purpose. The award celebrates a chief executive whose leadership demonstrates that commercial success and social impact can reinforce one another.
PETCO, represented by Samu Mkhize, was awarded Best Green Impact for its contribution to environmental sustainability, recycling and the advancement of a circular economy. The organisation’s work demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry, communities and environmental stakeholders in addressing South Africa’s waste challenges.
UR Global, represented by Luleka Mkhuzo, received the award for Best Rural Community Project. The organisation was recognised for its commitment to bringing meaningful development opportunities to rural communities and ensuring that people living beyond the country’s major economic centres are included in South Africa’s development journey.
The Best Corporate award went to Oceana Group, represented by Zodwa Velleman. The award acknowledges the company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and its investment in programmes that contribute to social development, food security and stronger communities.
Taking Care of Business, represented by Tracey Chambers, was named Best Social Enterprise. The organisation was recognised for combining an entrepreneurial model with a clear social mission, creating pathways to economic participation, dignity and independence for people who have historically been excluded from opportunity.
The 2026 CSI Legacy Awards formed part of a broader week of reflection and action hosted through the CSI Indaba, under the theme: “The Inequality Mandate: Rewriting South Africa’s Social Contract through Transformative Corporate Social Investment.” The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate those already demonstrating what purposeful, accountable and transformative social investment can achieve.
The organisers of the CSI Indaba and CSI Legacy Awards extend their sincere gratitude to every guest, finalist, winner, presenter, speaker, partner and member of the CSI community who contributed to the success of the evening. The sight of a completely full room—with additional seats being brought in to accommodate more guests—was a powerful affirmation that South Africa is ready to celebrate impact, learn from excellence and build a stronger social investment movement.
Congratulations to all the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards winners. Their work reminds the country that lasting change is possible when leadership, purpose and community come together.
Simphiwe Mtetwa would like to thank 22 on Sloane, Heineken and Lubner Family Foundation for being the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards partners.
Leave a Reply