Afeefah Patel – Award for Children in Philanthropy MyZA

8-year-old rhino campaigner Afeefah Patel from Johannesburg is the recipient of the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Children in Philanthropy.

Afeefah Patel

Afeefah is the youngest recipient of an Inyathelo Philanthropy Award. She is also the youngest person to be awarded the prestigious SANParks Kudu Award for her work to protect rhinos from poachers. In early 2013, Afeefah wrote a letter to The Times newspaper asking President Zuma to “look after the rhinos”. Her letter prompted a response from President Zuma and gave impetus to a national anti-poaching campaign to protect South Africa’s dwindling population of rhinos.

Afeefah donated part of the funds she received from SANParks to the Unite Against Poaching Fund, an initiative which supports the efforts of SANParks Honorary Rangers in their fight against poachers.

Both Afeefah and her sister, Aminah, have both been recognised as Rhino SA “Little Champions” at their Robertsham Primary School, south of Johannesburg.

Afeefah’s commitment to protecting our rhinos and her courage to speak out has helped raise awareness across South Africa and encouraged the broader public to get involved in the fight against poaching.

A total of eight exceptional South Africans have been honoured at the prestigious 7th annual Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards this evening. The annual gala event, which took place at the Cape Town City Hall on Tuesday 5 November 2013, was initiated by Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement to acknowledge, celebrate and honour those whose personal giving has contributed towards sustainable social change in our country.

The following individuals were presented with awards:

8-year-old rhino campaigner Afeefah Patel received the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Children in Philanthropy.
Chairperson of the Zip Zap Circus School in Cape Town Victoria Nel received the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Youth Development.
Founder of the Sedikong sa Lerato feeding centre for vulnerable children in Polokwane Mavis Mathabatha received the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Food Security.
Founders of the Lungisani Indlela Village for vulnerable children in Verulam KwaZulu-Natal Tich and Joan Smith received the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Community Development.
Founder of the Care-Net Development and Support Centre for vulnerable children in Winterveld outside Pretoria Mmatsatsi Mokgohloa also received an Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Community Development.
Founder of the Hope Warriors Children’s Charity in Soshanguve north of Pretoria Patrick Mashanda received the 2013 Inyathelo Philanthropy Award for Youth in Philanthropy.
Leading businessman and founder of the Riverlea Development Trust in Eldorado Park outside Johannesburg Jeffrey van Rooyen received the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.
And for his tireless work over many years to uplift the Westlake community in Cape Town James McGregor received the 2013 Inyathelo Award for Lifetime Philanthropy.