Azwi Development Agency, under the leadership of Mr Jackson Mafunzwaini, has honoured 50 outstanding South Africans during a glittering ceremony held recently in the Thohoyandou Town Hall.

More than 50 personalities, who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of their communities, were given a pat on the back in the form of awards.

Amongst the awardees are people who made their mark in different spheres of life.

They included the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bulelwa Sonjica, MPL in Limpopo Joe Maswanganyi, former Chief of Defence, Gen Constand Viljoen, widow of the former president of the Republic of South Africa PW Botha, Mrs Barbara Botha, Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and former deputy Chief Justice of the RSA, Chief Justice Samuel John Moseneke, who received a posthumous award.

Minister Sonjica said she felt humbled by the award. "It is an indication that we are still on track as the government which is delivering services on the mandate of the people," she said, thanking Azwi Development Agency for organising the honours while the awardees were still alive.

She further urged the company to keep up the good work of honouring people who make a difference to the lives of other people.

Mr Mafunzwaini said his company was development orientated. "We felt we should do something to motivate the heroes and heroines of this country," he said. He said they are touched when some countrymen and women spend sleepless nights trying to improve the lots of our people.

"We do not have cash to thank all of you, but we feel that the little token of appreciation will go a long way to show that we do appreciate your good work," he said.

The recepients were awarded in the fields of politics, administration, traditional leadership, religion, media, music, education, business and community building.