IT came as no surprise that Ridgeway’s Catherine Constantinides was honoured at the annual Ubuntu Awards at Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday, February 13, for her work around the world.
In order to recognise South African industry leaders and eminent people for their distinguished service and their contribution in promoting South Africa’s national interests, foreign policy and values across the world, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mme Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, hosted the annual awards.
Captains of industry, leaders from civil society, members of Cabinet and eminent people, in addition to all the ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to South Africa, were brought together at the event, with President Jacob Zuma giving the keynote address.
Awarded for being a South African ambassador through excellence in all she does, innovation as a social entrepreneur and her social responsibility, the award again highlights her patriotism for our country and she has distinguished herself as true ambassadors of South Africa.
Announced as the Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award recipient, Catherine was one of eight award-winners from across different categories ranging from cultural, economics, sports and CSI.
She said: “I’m truly humbled and overwhelmed to be recognized and acknowledged at such a level for my work as an international climate activist, social entrepreneur and humanitarian. The work done through the Miss Earth South Africa leadership platform over the past decade, as well as Generation Earth, was highlighted at the awards and is a powerful endorsement of our passion and pursuit to building a sustainable future where there is enough, for all, forever. Additionally I am truly humbled that my work for the plight of the Western Sahara was given this platform as well as diplomatic support.”
In 2015, Catherine stayed in a refugee camp in Algeria with the Sahrawi people, and has done extensive work ever since to fight for the rights, self-determination and a referendum for the people of the Western Sahara.
“I humbly thank everyone for their support and belief in me and my work,” she added. “I come from a community that I am truly proud of and that I believe is a reflection of what is indeed possible in our country and continent. I am proud to be from the heart of the South and my humble beginnings are certainly where my roots are firmly based, in the community of Ridgeway and Mondeor. I am proud to fly our flag high and will continue to be an ambassador for our country and the causes close to my heart, as we build the South Africa and Africa we believe is possible,” she said.
Follow her journey on social media @ChangeAgentSA or her Facebook page: Catherine Constantinides
