What the celebrities have learnt from our unassuming community development champions:

What the celebrities have learnt from our unassuming community development champions:

"What is most impressive for me - and has been standing out each time during the three years I have been involved with profiling finalists - is the finalists' humility, grittiness and ability to do and achieve so much with so little." - Patrick Shai

"I was most impressed by the preparedness of each finalist to lead by example, share knowledge and expertise with others and how highly regarded they are in their communities, yet they remain focused on just being shining beacons of hope without being filled with any haughtiness." - Michelle Garforth-Venter

"I have learnt that circumstances should not be used as an excuse when we are faced with the challenge of transforming our communities for the better, overcoming odds without complaining about resources and making do with the little they have." - Ntokozo Mbuli

"The first time I profiled the youth category finalists three years ago I realised how lucky I was not to have been exposed to the challenges that these special achievers faced - and overcame. I am humbled each year. This year is no different. I have learnt that it costs nothing to be a community worker. One has to be selfless, humble, focused and love others as you do yourself." - Dingaan Mokebe