Leader of the Soweto June 16,1976 uprising, Seth Mazibuko and renowned attorney Zola Mbatha will be presented with the Leader of Influence and Rights Activist of the Year Awards at the South African Heroes Awards 2025 ceremony.

Seth Mazibuko led a group of students at Orlando West Secondary School (now known as Phfeni Secondary School) into boycotting classes on the 28th of April 1976 against the Continuing use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction at Soweto schools, particularly Orlando West Secondary School. As a representative of the June 16 Foundation Mazibuko is Passionate about motivating the youth and has over the years mentored and influenced many.
Zola Mbatha is an admitted Attorney of the High Courts of South Africa, and Founder of Founder of Legacy Yezibaya and Community Legal Clinics among many of her Accomplishments. Through her National Legal Clinic, Mbatha reminds people of their right To effectively plan for as well as to protect their family legacy. The clinic has been targeting The elderly as well as all individuals who had no previous knowledge of the legislation and Legal processes that affect their families the most.

Zola Mbatha: “I’m grateful to the South African Heroes Awards for this amazing and Empowering honour. I cannot express with sufficient words my gratitude for this and look Forward to enjoying this journey”.
Seth Mazibuko: “I’m humbled and grateful to be honoured with this award. In preserving the Legacy of 1976, I work with young people through the June 16 Foundation.”
The foundation Also tackles issues affecting young people focusing on education, economic participation And social cohesionSA Heroes Awards Founder, Amanda Matshaka: “The vision for the awards is to Celebrate people who are doing extraordinary things for their communities. We celebrate Unsung heroes, who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them in their communities.”
The 7th instalment of the South African Heroes Awards will take place on the 29th of November 2025, at M1 Studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
The Prestigious awards will be hosted by astute media personality Samora Mangesi and Accomplished actress and singer, Gabisile Tshabalala. Performances will include Brenden Praise, Khanyo Maphumulo, Gab & Mo, Ndo Dlakadla, and Lungi Shezi with special Appearances.
Tickets to the awards are available at web tickets for R450: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1574984210The SAHAs are proudly sponsored by Cure Day Hospitals, LaGrace Properties and Murunwa Communications.Issued by Murunwa Communications on behalf of SA Heroes AwardsFor more information and interviews contact:
mokgaetji@murunwacommunications.co.za or Call Mokgaetji Papo on +27 67 069 4668/ +27 11 318 2005 or Amanda Matshaka on 079 831 8759
Soweto Sunrise News