Australian Awards

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural South African of the Year Awards, presented by the SAICA in Australia. These prestigious awards are designed to celebrate and honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of South Africans living in Australia.

The South African of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on excellence across various categories, recognising individuals who have excelled in their respective fields, made significant contributions to the community, and embodied the spirit of South Africa.

We encourage everyone to participate, from professionals and entrepreneurs to artists, athletes, academics, and community champions. Together, let's celebrate the spirit of South Africa and honour those who have made a difference in Australia.

Entry form

Categories

Category	Description
Entrepreneur of the year	Recognising South African individuals who have successfully established and grown their businesses in Australia.
Community champion	Highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to the South African community in Australia through philanthropy, activism, or community service.
Academic excellence	Recognising South African students or professionals who have excelled in their academic pursuits or made notable contributions to their field of study.
Arts and culture	Celebrating South African individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the arts and cultural scene in Australia, including music, literature, visual arts, or performing arts.
Sports achievement	Recognising South African athletes who have achieved outstanding results in their respective sports in Australia.
Innovation and Technology	Highlighting South African individuals who have made ground-breaking contributions to the fields of innovation and technology in Australia.
Outstanding professional	Recognising South African professionals who have achieved excellence and made significant contributions in their respective fields in Australia.
Social impact	Celebrating individuals who have made a positive impact on society through their initiatives or projects in Australia.
Ubunthu	Recognising individuals who actively embrace and promote South African culture, values, and heritage in Australia. This category acknowledges those who embody the spirit of South Africa and contribute to fostering a sense of community and connection among South Africans in Australia.
#DifferenceMaker	An award for a SAICA member who are actively making a difference not only on their business, but also in society through projects they have initiated

Criteria

Category	Description
Entrepreneur of the year	Business growth and success. Innovation and unique business ideas. Job creation and economic impact. Leadership and industry recognition. Social or environmental responsibility.
Community champion	Philanthropic efforts and community service. Advocacy and activism for social causes. Impact on the South African community in Australia. Collaboration with community organisations. Long-term commitment and dedication.
Academic excellence	Academic achievements and accolades. Research contributions or publications. Leadership roles in academic organisations. Impact on the academic community. Mentorship and support for fellow students or professionals.
Arts and culture	Creative accomplishments and recognition. Contribution to the promotion of South African arts and culture. Impact on the local arts and cultural scene. Originality and innovation in artistic expression. Collaboration with other artists or cultural organisations.
Sports achievement	Outstanding performance and results in a specific sport. Representation at national or international levels. Contribution to the promotion of South African sports in Australia. Sportsmanship and fair play. Impact on the local sports community.
Innovation and Technology	Development of innovative solutions or products. Technological advancements and breakthroughs. Entrepreneurial endeavours in the tech sector. Impact on industries or society through technology. Recognition and awards in the field of innovation.
Outstanding professional	Career achievements and advancements. Leadership and professional impact. Industry recognition and awards. Contribution to the professional community. Mentorship and support for others in the field.
Social impact	Demonstrated positive impact on society or a specific social issue. Collaboration with stakeholders and community engagement. Scalability and sustainability of the initiative. Innovative approaches to address social challenges. Tangible outcomes and measurable results.
Ubunthu	Actively promoting South African culture, values, and heritage. Contributions to fostering a sense of community and connection among South Africans in Australia. Involvement in organising or participating in South African cultural events or initiatives. Promotion of South African arts, music, cuisine, language, or other aspects of the country's heritage. Efforts to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding between South Africans and the wider Australian community.
#DifferenceMaker	Actively collaborated with stakeholders, partners, or communities to create a broader impact. Exhibited strong leadership qualities and inspired others to join the cause. Overcame significant challenges or obstacles in the journey of creating positive change. Raised awareness about the cause and actively advocated for change. Empowered individuals or communities, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience.