The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton City set the scene for the announcement of the nominees for this year’s South African of the Year (SATY) Awards.
This year, the awards are set to be bigger and better than ever, and under the theme of reflection and progression, the nominees fighting to win in each category have a lot to prove.
At the nominee announcement ceremony, ANN7’s editor-in-chief, Moegsien Williams, explained the reasoning behind the selection of the theme. “Well, this is the 40-year anniversary of the Soweto Uprising and we’re all made by history,” Williams said.
“We thought it was appropriate, this year, that we set the awards for South Africans to just look back as we look forward. It is important that we know where we came from, but also to reflect on the youth of our nation.”
Maps Maponyane and Hulisani Ravele, hosts of the awards ceremony and the presenters of the daily SATY show where the nominees are interviewed, expressed their excitement at the opportunity to find out more about the interesting people making a difference in the country.
“I am excited to host this year’s SATY shows with Hulisani. I think it is a great way to celebrate the year’s most innovative, inspiring and entertaining work by South Africans,” Maponyane said.
The awards are made up of seven categories, some including music, business and conservation, with a different number of nominees in each category, which will be judged by a panel including former Miss South Africa, Basetsana Khumalo; Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brian Baloyi; Miss Earth South Africa 2015, Carla Viktor; local actress, Sophie Ndaba; legendary musician, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and Sunday Independent senior reporter, Mantombi Makhubele.
Williams explained just how hard it would be for the judges to decide on each category winner, based on the achievements of each nominee. “This year, we have surpassed ourselves. The nominations largely come from the public and I think the calibre of nominations this year is outstanding.”
The SATY’s are known for bringing headlining international acts to South Africa and this year will be no different, but these will only be announced closer to the awards show, which will be held at the TicketPro Dome on 25 November.
Details: For a list of the nominees visit www.saty.co.za
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
