When the doors of the Atteridgeville Community Hall swing open this festive season, they will reveal a scene straight out of a living‑canvas masterpiece.
The Pheli Awards, a newly‑minted initiative dedicated to honoring the relentless spirit of Tshwane’s (Phelindaba’s) entrepreneurs, artists and innovative youth, is set to make history with a partnership that feels nothing short of magical.
The iconic South African artist Dr Esther Mahlangu will serve as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award presenter at event.
The Pheli Awards are set to be bathed in a dusted‑pink theme and guests dressed in formal‑attire or tradition wear only (no jeans or T‑shirts allowed), will culminate in a gala dinner that promises to be the cultural highlight of the season.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Dr Esther Mahlangu, a true legend whose bold, large‑scale works have put South Africa on the global art map,” said Ofentse Sean Lewis, Director of the Pheli Awards.
Furthermore Lewis added that, “Her Ndebele‑inspired canvases embody the very essence of creativity we aim to nurture in our youth of Tshwane.”
The prestigious awards will be held on Saturday December 13 at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Tshwane are a vision that’s rooted in community uplifting founded to spotlight hard‑working, self‑motivated individuals from the age of 13-years upward, the Pheli Awards seek to turn the spotlight on emerging talent while paying tribute to those who have already blazed trails.
Sharing her excitement Dr Mahlangu said, “My purpose in this country is to serve at a shining light that empowers, educates and pass knowledge to upcoming generations of artists,” she said with pride and dignity that even at the age of 90 she’ll continue doing the lord’s work.
This year’s lineup features a roster of young artists, musicians and entrepreneurs features 40 categories that credit residents using a fair, points‑based system, and it will present three Lifetime Achievement Awards for those whose work resonates with the same daring spirit that defines Dr Mahlangu’s career.
“We are currently outsourcing sponsorship, assistance and donations to ensure the success of our event. From merchandise and stock to the latest appliances, hampers, food vouchers, beverages, toys and gifts and every contribution to helps us create a memorable day for our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and for the budding creators of Tshwane,” said Lewis pleading with potential sponsors.
The Pheli Awards are already forging powerful alliances. In partnership with Safari Investments (Pty) Ltd, the event will leverage the reach of major retail hubs such as Nkomo Village, Atlyn Shopping Centre and Mnandi Mall. “We see a synergy between the vibrancy of these malls and the creative energy of our youth,” Lewis explained, adding “by collaborating with Safari Investments, we can bring the awards into the everyday spaces where our community lives and shops.”
A special invitation has been extended to local DJ sensation “DJ Sub,” whose presence is expected to energise the evening and underscore the awards’ commitment to celebrating artists who are on the cusp of mainstream success—just as Dr Mahlangu has done for decades.
The organisers are actively pursuing CSI (Corporate Social Investment) programme funding, Seed Funding and the SED (Social Enterprise Development) programme to solidify the event’s impact. “Our goal is to make this a day that will be remembered for a lifetime—not just for the award, but for the doors it opens for young creators across Tshwane,” Lewis said.
For those interested in sponsoring, donating or partnering, the full proposal—detailing the Pheli Awards’ background, marketing strategy and letters of collaboration from donors is available upon request.
An SMS voting system, set up and administered by Logic SMS, ensures transparent results that are fully audited by the same system. Winners are honored with a trophy and a certificate as tokens of appreciation for their participation and support throughout the planning process.
Tshwane Community are urged to secure their spot at Computicket at R50.
For sponsorship, media inquiries, and interviews please contact Ofentse Sean Lewis at [0815601854]
Email: newsworldwide.media@gmail.com
