The search for South Africa's community builders is on

Says Khehla Mthembu, CEO Gauteng and general manager of corporate affairs for Old Mutual, "Throughout our country there are special people who bring hope to the less fortunate and they do so without any personal reward. People are giving their time and energy to empower present and future generations and are opening their doors and hearts to the desolate and elderly."

The project aims to highlight and honour the courageous and inspiring community builders who have selflessly dedicated their time, lives and resources to improving the quality of life of their communities in areas such as education, business, health, sport and recreation and crime prevention. It also recognises companies which contribute positively to the upliftment of the communities in which they operate.

The national winners in each category will receive R20 000 for investment in their respective projects, as well as a personal cash prize of R5000 and a commemorative trophy.

The categories are:

• individuals - youth, adult and senior - who have initiated community development projects and have been running them successfully for a minimum of two years
• groups, organisations and institutions whose work is aimed at community upliftment
• corporations whose social responsibility programmes are making a visible contribution to the betterment of people's lives, and
• the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund awards projects that uplift the lives of children.

The overall winner of the 2005 award was Ntswaki Agnes Qwabe of project Fanang Diatla ("giving each other hands"). A retired nurse from Ga-Mathabatha in Limpopo, her seven-year old project focuses on HIV/Aids, women empowerment, entrepreneurial development, youth empowerment and training skills.