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On 16 October 2026, we proudly celebrated a significant milestone in our journey as we gathered with partners, educators, coaches, volunteers, supporters, board members, alumni, and young people to mark 18 years of MOT South Africa. Hosted at the Old Mutual West Campus in Pinelands, our MOT Enthusiasts’ Gathering: 18th Anniversary Celebration Dinner was an evening filled with gratitude, recognition, inspiration, and celebration. Under the theme “Red Carpet Celebration,” we reflected on the impact we have made together over the past 18 years and looked ahead with excitement to the future.
The evening was expertly hosted by our MOT Brand Ambassador, Hlonela Mrwetyana, and our Country Director, Viola Manuel, who guided guests through a memorable programme celebrating the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey.
Our celebration began with a beautiful performance by the Africa Unite Choir Group, setting the tone for an evening that honoured the courage, commitment, and passion of the MOT family.
Our Chairperson, Beryl Kerr Ferguson, reminded us that our work is ultimately about people. She reflected on the countless lives touched through MOT and the importance of continuing to create opportunities that allow young people to grow into confident and responsible leaders.
A proud moment during the evening was reflecting on the fact that, over the past 18 years, MOT South Africa has reached more than 120,000 young people across the country. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our schools, organisations, coaches, volunteers, partners, and supporters who continue to believe in the potential of young people.
One of the highlights of the evening was our Awards and Recognition Ceremony, where we celebrated individuals and organisations whose commitment continues to bring the values of MOT to life.
The School of the Year Award recognises schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the MOT Programme and to the development of young people within their school communities.
🥇 1st Place: Spes Bona High School
🥈 2nd Place: Easter Peak Primary School
🥉 3rd Place: Bonteheuwel High School
These schools were recognised for their valuable contribution to MOT and the positive impact and experiences they have created for young people in South Africa. Through their dedication to implementing the MOT Programme, they have empowered learners, fostered personal growth, and helped create supportive environments where young people can thrive.
We were proud to recognise Amy Foundation as our Organisation of the Year for its outstanding commitment to youth development and its continued partnership with MOT South Africa.
Through their dedication to empowering young people, successful implementation of the MOT Programme with learners, and ongoing support of our mission, AMY Foundation has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the lives of youth in South Africa. Their commitment to creating positive opportunities, enriching experiences, and safe spaces for young people continues to embody the values of MOT and inspires positive change within the communities they serve.
Their partnership and unwavering investment in the development of young people have helped strengthen the impact of the MOT programme and ensure that more young people are equipped with the courage, confidence, and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.
We were proud to recognise Destiny de Louw, MOT Coordinator from Spes Bona High School, as our Coordinator of the Year for her outstanding leadership, coordination, and commitment to the MOT Programme.
Through her valuable contribution to MOT, she has helped create positive and empowering experiences for young people while ensuring the successful implementation of the programme within her school community.
Her dedication to supporting learners and promoting the values of MOT has made a meaningful impact and exemplifies the spirit of youth empowerment that lies at the heart of our work.
We were delighted to recognise three exceptional coaches who consistently go above and beyond for the young people they serve.
🏆 Dalsie Mbuli – Amy Foundation
🏆 Shaheen Daniels-Klaaste – Easter Peak Primary School
🏆 Monique Petersen – Vredenburg Campus, West Coast College
These outstanding coaches were recognised for their valuable contribution to MOT and the positive impact and experiences they have created for young people in South Africa.
Through their dedication, encouragement, and commitment to the MOT Programme, they have helped learners build confidence, make positive life choices, and develop the courage to face life’s challenges. Their passion for youth development and unwavering support of the young people they serve exemplify the values of MOT and the lasting difference that dedicated coaches can make in their communities.
We were honoured to recognise several individuals with the Country Director’s Letter of Appreciation, an award that celebrates those whose dedication, generosity, and commitment have made a meaningful difference to MOT South Africa and the young people we serve.
This special recognition acknowledges individuals whose contributions, often made behind the scenes, have left a lasting impact on the MOT community and helped create opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and thrive.
We were proud to honour:
🏅 Maria van Heerden from Easter Peak Intermediate School, for her enthusiasm, encouragement, and commitment to supporting young people and the MOT Programme.
🏅 Reagon Marsh, for his reliability, generosity, and willingness to always lend a helping hand whenever MOT requires support. His continued commitment and readiness to assist have been greatly appreciated by the MOT team.
🏅 Enrico Hartman, for being a passionate champion for young people and for his ongoing support of the work of MOT South Africa. His dedication to youth development and belief in the mission of MOT have contributed to creating positive opportunities for young people.
🏅 Cherly Martin from False Bay College Mitchell’s Plain Campus, for her many years of dedication to young people and her unwavering commitment to the MOT Programme.
🏅 Nomaswazi Riet, for always going the extra mile in support of MOT through her catering company. Her generosity, professionalism, and willingness to accommodate MOT, often at short notice, have played an important role in the success of many of our events and initiatives.
Each recipient was recognised in appreciation of their dedication, generosity, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on the MOT community and the young people we serve.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the presentation of the Are Hovstad Award, one of MOT South Africa’s mOne of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the presentation of the Are Hovstad Award, one of MOT South Africa’s most prestigious recognitions.
Established in 2018, the award honours Are Hovstad, a founding member of MOT South Africa, for his dedication, support, and commitment to empowering young people. The award recognises individuals within the MOT community who embody the values and spirit of MOT through their leadership, positive influence, and service to others.
This year’s finalists were:
Following the close of nominations, the finalists participated in an interview process conducted by MOT South Africa Board Members Jannie Isaacs and Tendai Rukwava. The interviews provided an opportunity for each finalist to share their MOT journey, reflect on their contribution to their schools and communities, and demonstrate how they embody the values of MOT. The selection panel carefully considered each candidate’s leadership, service, dedication, and impact on the lives of young people.
Following a thorough nomination and interview process, we were proud to announce Geraldene Fortuin, Educator, MOT Coach and Coordinator from Gardens Commercial High School, as the recipient of the 2026 Are Hovstad Award.
Geraldene was recognised for embodying the values of MOT through her leadership, positive influence, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and empowering experiences for young people. Her dedication to the MOT Programme and the lasting impact she continues to make in the lives of learners made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.
We also took the opportunity to acknowledge the legacy of previous Are Hovstad Award recipients, whose dedication and service have helped strengthen the MOT movement in South Africa. Previous recipients include:
Their contributions, together with those of this year’s finalists, continue to demonstrate the powerful impact that committed individuals can have in advancing MOT’s mission of empowering young people and building a warmer and safer society. 💙🧡
The evening also featured an inspiring address by Dr Puni Mamdoo from SPHER3, who reminded us that true impact is measured not only in numbers but in the confidence, hope, and opportunities we create for young people.
Our Youth Address, delivered by Ra-id Williams from the Western Cape Youth Parliament, was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in young people and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and empowered. Drawing from his own journey as a youth advocate and founder of the Peer Educators Foundation, Ra-id encouraged us to continue supporting young people as leaders, changemakers, and active participants in shaping a better future for their communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Old Mutual Wealth, particularly Stephan de Kock, for their partnership, as well as to every partner, volunteer, supporter, service provider, board member, staff member, and MOT enthusiast who contributed to the success of the event.
As we concluded the formal programme with the MOT Song and the South African National Anthem, we were reminded of how far we have come and how much more we can achieve together.
To everyone who has been part of our journey, thank you.
Here’s to 18 years of impact, and to many more years of empowering young people and building a warmer and safer society.