South Africa: 2nd Edition of African Heritage Awards set to host in SA

South Africa’s most vibrant city Johannesburg, has been set to host the 2nd Edition of the African Heritage Awards (AHA) 2024, recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of humanity.

As per a statement released on Friday in Johannesburg by the organizers, Heritage Times HT, the African Heritage Awards (AHA) 2024 is scheduled for April 13, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The ‘City of Gold,’ is set to host the esteemed pan-African event, the second edition of the African Heritage Awards (AHA) following the inaugural ceremony on April 1, 2023, in Kigali, Rwanda. The awards ceremony is strategically designed to celebrate and acknowledge exceptional global achievements of Africans within the continent and the Diaspora, spanning categories such as Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment & Arts, Culture, Science & Technology, and Social Innovation.

The prominent figures headlining this year’s African Heritage Awards include African-American billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith, Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners in Texas, United States; His Excellency Dr. George Weah, former President of Liberia; His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana; Her Excellency Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Founder of Mama Doing Good Organization; and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Other distinguished individuals to be honored at the African Heritage Awards include Mr. & Mrs. Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman of International Technology Groups, Econet Global, and Cassava Technologies; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman/Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners; Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela, Founder of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation; Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo; Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director of the Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited; Othman Benjelloun, Co-chair of BMCE Bank Foundation; and Madam Graca Machel, Founder of Graca Machel Trust, among many others.

As per Heritage Times HT, organizers of the African Heritage Awards 2024, anticipate that this year’s edition will be particularly noteworthy and historic. The event will be chaired by His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, and is expected to draw the attendance of former Heads of States and prominent figures from various industries across the African continent.

The organizers highlight that the acknowledgment and awards play a crucial role in consistently promoting the African culture of excellence, fostering Afrocentrism, and establishing an ecosystem that contributes to retelling the authentic African narrative, ultimately working towards unlocking the continent’s full potential for advancement.

In a distinctive move, this year’s African Heritage Awards is relocating to the southern part of Africa, renowned for Kwaito music and the vibrant sounds of Amapiano. The shift is designed to pay special tribute to distinguished African personalities who have distinguished themselves through notable achievements globally, while simultaneously making a lasting impact to uplift others.

In addition to bestowing international prestige and recognition upon deserving Africans, the African Heritage Awards will emphasize the paramount significance of culture and leadership. The organizers assert that these elements form the core foundation for shared advancements in socio-economic and political development across the continent.

The Awards are poised to shine a spotlight on individuals who, despite facing challenging circumstances, have empowered Africans and made a significant impact within their sphere of influence, thereby contributing to the groundwork for sustainable and equitable development.

Recognizing that Africa is the origin of a diverse global population that continues to thrive and evolve despite stereotypes and challenges, the organizers of the AHA emphasize that the event will significantly contribute to changing the global perception of Africans. Furthermore, they believe it will catalyze the necessary critical mass for cultural evolution and revolution in sustainable development.