South Africa's young heroes shine at the 2025 Pick n Pay School Club Awards

The heartwarming tales of young South African learners taking extraordinary steps to make the world a better place were celebrated at this year’s 2025 Pick n Pay School Club Hero Awards.

These awards highlight that heroism often lies not in grand gestures, but in the daily acts of kindness, bravery, and environmental stewardship exhibited by children in our communities.

Established 16 years ago, the Hero Awards programme aims to foster self-awareness and social consciousness in primary school learners.

As one of the largest brand-funded educational initiatives in South Africa, the Pick n Pay School Club supports over 3,175 schools nationwide, providing free, curriculum-compliant educational resources.

This aligns with the company’s philosophy that ‘doing good is good business’.

“These young learners’ stories are truly inspiring and sometimes heart-wrenching, as many have faced hardships and health challenges yet continue to uplift others and protect the planet,” said Catherine Bothma, the Manager of Pick n Pay School Club.

“The Hero Awards programme not only celebrates their remarkable qualities but also serves as an inspiration for others to emulate their actions, aiming to educate the future leaders of our nation.”

Throughout the year, teachers at participating schools identify students who have shown remarkable courage, kindness, or environmental responsibility, awarding them certificates and button badges to recognise their positive actions.

This culminates in an annual competition where students across seven categories compete for a chance to win a share of R35,000 in Pick n Pay vouchers, awarded at various schools throughout the year.

The categories for the Hero Awards include:

• Courage (being brave in the face of difficulty)
• Selflessness (putting others first)
• Kindness/Caring (toward people, animals, and the world)
• Respectfulness (honouring others and treating them with dignity)
• Honesty (speaking the truth and owning up to mistakes)
• Team Player (working well in teams and playing fairly)
• Environmental Awareness (displaying care for the environment)

This year’s winners embody the spirit of these awards, demonstrating that heroism is often found within the everyday actions of individuals committed to making a difference:

• Motjatji Senwamadi, Grade 6, from Refitlhile Primary School in Hammanskraal, was awarded first place in the Honesty category for her diligent management of school administrative duties.
• Learner bus conductors from Abinala Primary School in Johannesburg excelled in the Team Player category for their quick actions during a recent bus accident, helping ensure their peers received prompt medical attention.
• Goitsemang Mabotja, Grade 4, from Phalesane Primary School in Pretoria, took second place in the Courage category, attending school regularly despite health challenges.
• Bandile Skhosana, Grade 6, from Ezazi Primary School in Pretoria, came second in the Team Player category for leading a soccer team, motivating his peers to participate in the sport.
• Oratile Ntloana, Grade 5, from Glenstantia Primary School, invented a litter picker, receiving third place in the Environmental Awareness category for his initiative to keep the school clean.
• Sonia Mahlabane, Grade 6, of Ezazi Primary School, founded a dance group, earning third place in the Team Player category for her leadership and community engagement.
• Omphemetse Tshirwa, Grade 7, from Refitlhile Primary School, demonstrated selflessness by assisting with water transport during the local water crisis, earning second in the Selflessness category.
• Mbali Mahlangu, Grade 7, from Ezazi Primary School, revealed her compassionate spirit by supporting the vulnerable in her community, receiving third place in the Kindness/Caring category.
• Tumelo Nkosi, Grade 7, from Forest Town School, showcased respectfulness by exhibiting exceptional self-control during a provocation, earning third in the Respectfulness category.
• Jody Mailula, Grade 5, from Alston Primary School, was highly commended in the Selflessness category for her brave act during a classroom incident.
• Olwenkosi Madida, Grade 7, from Eastleigh Primary School, was recognised for his environmental efforts with a commendation for maintaining cleanliness in school.
• Ndumiso Dasi, Grade 7, from Vukauzenzele Primary School, was commended for his motivational leadership on the soccer field.

These remarkable learners not only exemplify the spirit of South Africa’s future leaders but also remind us all that small efforts can make a significant impact. Their exemplary actions encourage us to strive for a culture of kindness and respect, which is so essential in our communities today.

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