Jabulane Thabethe
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
29
Project Name/Description:
Executive Director – Hope For Africa Foundation
The establishment of Hope For Africa Foundation was inspired by the passing of Jabulane Thabethe’s mother. Through the foundation, Thabethe supports victims of gender-based violence, while advocating for proportional punishment for perpetrators of the crime. During the last quarter of 2023, 1 135 women were murdered, and 18 474 were violently assaulted in South Africa. As an anti-GBV activist, Thabethe understands the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to inequality and injustice. By engaging in community service, he’s able to advocate for marginalised groups and work towards creating a more equitable society. For this work, the 2024 Sunday World Unsung Hero was mentioned as one of the 100 Shining Stars in 2016 and was also honoured as the Best Upcoming Leader of the Year by SA Awards in the same year. In 2023, Thabethe won the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Men of the Year, affirming his imperative record in community service. Outside Hope for Africa, Thabethe is also involved in other community projects, such as donating school shoes to needy children —a total of 12 785 children have benefitted from this initiative so far. Thabethe says the 30th anniversary of freedom calls for honest reflection on the country’s performance. “It’s important for us to reflect on these challenges and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all South Africans.”
