The Calvary Christian Church under the stewardship of Pastor Maxwell Masakona honored several people last Saturday night who contributed most to the development of South Africa.

Among them were Kaizer Chiefs Midfielder Doctor “16V” Khumalo, Joe Mafela, Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, Michael Tshiovhe, Florence Masakona, Mr Tom Muofhe, Mrs Joyce Budeli, Commissioner Watson Tshivhase, Mr Robert Mulaudzi, Mayor Sam Moeti, Mr NL Nemukula, Dr Nditsheni Herman Netshidzivhani, Mrs Merriam Nikiwe Khangale, Dr Moses Rathando, Mrs Christina Ratshitanga, Mr Nndwamato Mugovhani, Phalaphala FM station manager Mr Victor Ravhuanzwo, and the Deputy Editor of City Press, Mr Khathu Mamaila.

Pastor Maxwell Masakona of the Calvary Christian Church said the main reason for rewarding community builders is to encourage them to keep on developing the country.

Doctor Khumalo of Kaizer Chiefs Development said the church must keep the youth off the streets and they must be involved in sports. “If the youths are determined, I will come back to select them to join the development team of Kaizer Chiefs.” Khumalo further said God has given him a second chance, as a stray bullet injured him in 2002.

Joe Mafela said the youth have potential that should be unleashed. Mafela said it was not easy for him to act as comedian. “My father, who was a Zion Church priest, didn’t appreciate comedians, as he said I was insane,” Mafela said. He encourages parents to give chances to their children.

The Deputy Editor of City Press, Khathu Mamaila, said he was happy to be one of the people selected to receive the honorary award, as that will encourage him as a journalist.

Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase was honored for promoting cultural dances. He is also well known in the development of education in the Tshivhase area by having introduced the Tshivhase Foundation Development Trust.