The African Humanitarian Awards 2025, a prestigious celebration of selfless dedication to humanity, kicked off with Humanitarian Day on January 24, 2025, at the iconic National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. Under the theme “United for Change: Empowering Africa’s Communities,” this day-long event convened a diverse array of organizations committed to supporting and empowering vulnerable populations across the continent.

Notably, Cynthia Dinalane and the Nyatee Foundation from South Africa made a significant impact with their joint donation of ₦500,000, providing vital financial assistance to attendees. This selfless contribution brought tangible relief to numerous participants, highlighting the foundation’s unwavering dedication to fostering cross-border humanitarian cooperation and support.

Dumisani “Teddy” Nyathi, a visionary South African philanthropist and entrepreneur, is the founder of the Nyatee Foundation. With a steadfast dedication to empowering marginalized communities, Nyathi has established himself as a champion of social change. Through the foundation, his selfless efforts have transformed countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity across the nation.

To commemorate his 50th birthday in November 2024, Dumisani “Teddy” Nyathi made a remarkable gesture of kindness, donating R150,000 and a taxi to the Tshegofatsa Rona Foundation. This generous act underscored his unwavering commitment to social welfare and community empowerment, aligning with the foundation’s mission to foster growth and development in disadvantaged communities.

Dumisani Nyathi continued his philanthropic efforts in December 2024 by building a fully furnished six-room house for Beauty Jiyane, a 74-year-old, and her family of 16 in KwaZulu-Natal. This selfless act transformed the family’s living situation, providing them with a secure and comfortable home, and marking a significant improvement from their previous substandard housing conditions.

Dumisani Nyathi’s philanthropic endeavors extend far beyond these notable examples. Throughout his life, he has made it a hallmark to leverage personal milestones as catalysts for giving back to the community. This profound commitment to social responsibility and community development underscores his fundamental belief in the transformative power of selfless giving and community empowerment.

The recent surge in gender-based violence incidents during the festive season has sparked a call to action, prompting Tumi Huma to emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing this societal issue. Huma stressed that GBV requires a collective effort, involving the government, private sector, and civil society, to create meaningful change.¹

The proposed conference seeks to shine a light on GBV as a pandemic, providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and raising awareness about the issue. Furthermore, the conference aims to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to combat GBV-related issues.

Some alarming statistics highlight the urgency of this issue. According to recent crime statistics, there has been an increase in crimes committed against women and children, with 67,358 women being victims of selected contact crimes during the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

To address this issue, it’s essential to have a unified and powerful force, such as the National GBV Command Centre, which provides support services for women experiencing GBV. However, even this essential service faced challenges during the festive season, underscoring the need for a more robust and collaborative approach to addressing GBV.

This call to action was prompted by a series of GBV incidents that gained widespread attention during the festive season. Huma emphasized that GBV is a societal issue requiring a holistic approach, involving collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. The proposed conference aims to highlight GBV as a pandemic, provide a platform for survivor stories, and explore collaborative solutions to tackle GBV-related issues.

The Nyatee Foundation’s endeavors demonstrate a profound dedication to cultivating a more just and secure society in South Africa, aligning with the organization’s core values of empathy, equality, and empowerment.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to humanity, the African Humanitarian Awards, proudly presented by Elgee Info Media, celebrate individuals and organizations that have made lasting impacts in vital areas such as education, healthcare, poverty reduction, and environmental stewardship.

The two-day event commenced with the Humanitarian Day fair, a vibrant showcase of community-driven initiatives providing complimentary essential services and resources to marginalized populations. The festivities culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony, honoring exceptional individuals and organizations whose tireless humanitarian efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of others.

The Nyatee Foundation’s participation embodies the ethos of pan-African unity, illustrating the transformative power of collaborative efforts in driving positive change across the continent. By providing financial support, the foundation not only delivered crucial assistance but also catalyzed a ripple effect, inspiring other organizations to join forces in pursuit of a shared vision: empowering African communities and fostering a brighter future for all

The success of the Humanitarian Day and the impactful contributions from organizations like the Nyatee Foundation highlight the importance of unity and shared responsibility in addressing Africa’s humanitarian challenges. As the African Humanitarian Awards continue to recognize and celebrate changemakers, such events serve as a catalyst for positive transformation across the continent.

The resounding success of Humanitarian Day, coupled with the profound impact of organizations like the Nyatee Foundation, underscores the vital role of unity and collective responsibility in tackling Africa’s pressing humanitarian concerns. As the African Humanitarian Awards continue to shine a spotlight on trailblazing changemakers, these events ignite a ripple effect of positive transformation, inspiring a brighter, more compassionate future for the continent.