The Heroes of Hope Excellence Awards, hosted by Ladles of Love at Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard, took place today in Cape Town. Held during Women’s Month, the event was a beautiful celebration of preschool principals who dedicate their lives to creating safe, nurturing and inspiring spaces for young children.
The awards recognised the remarkable work being done by preschool leaders in communities where poverty, hunger and other challenges can make childhood uncertain. These principals are much more than educators; they are caregivers, protectors, organisers and community builders who often go above and beyond to ensure that children are fed, cared for and given the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Through Ladles of Love’s Nourish Our Children programme, preschool children receive two healthy meals a day, while preschool teams receive nutrition support, training and guidance. One of the highlights of today’s event was hearing how many principals started their centres because they saw a need in their communities and were determined to provide children with a safe place to grow.
The Heroes of Hope Excellence Awards celebrated excellence in areas including child nutrition and wellness, inclusive education, digital innovation, enterprise development and exceptional leadership.
The award recipients included:
Kids Ministry – Bulelwa Vanqa, Delft: Child Nutrition and Wellness – Winner
Lelothando Educare – Lydia Majezi, Delft: Child Nutrition and Wellness – Runner-Up
Thabelang Kgotso – Wendy Ramogole, Alexandra: Hero of Hope – Winner
Drie Beertjies – Monica Abrahams, Fisantekraal: Hero of Hope – Runner-Up
Hope of Africa – Monica November, Delft: Inclusive Education – Winner
Emmanuel Daycare – Joyce Anderson, Atlantis: Inclusive Education – Runner-Up
Angels Daycare – Berenice Johnson, Delft: Digital Innovation – Winner
Kidz Kingdom – Venessa Mhlungu, Kuruman, Northern Cape: Enterprise Development – Winner
Little Conquerors – Andiswa Ncamiso, Joe Slovo, Milnerton: Enterprise Development – Runner-Up
Today was a reminder that real heroes are often found quietly serving their communities every day. These preschool principals are nourishing children, creating safe spaces and building brighter futures for children across the Western Cape.
