Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE search for Southern Africa and East Africa’s most impactful changemakers has officially begun following the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of The List Awards.
The awards platform, which celebrates individuals whose work is transforming communities through service, leadership, innovation and humanitarian action, opened nominations on June 15 and will accept entries until July 26.
Founded by Identities Media Holdings, The List Awards seeks to recognise and amplify individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed despite their profound impact on communities and society.
The awards are inspired by the African philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu, which emphasises shared humanity and collective responsibility in building stronger and more compassionate communities.
This year’s edition will focus on honouring individuals who have demonstrated sustained impact over time, with nominees required to have at least five years of verifiable service, leadership or contribution within their communities, sectors or areas of influence.
Speaking on the launch of nominations, Board Chairperson Pastor Philani Nyatsanza said the awards were created to celebrate individuals whose contributions rarely receive public recognition despite changing lives and communities.
“Behind every thriving community is someone whose name may never make the headlines, yet whose contribution changes lives. The List Awards was created to honour these individuals, the quiet leaders, the innovators, the community builders, and the champions of humanity whose impact deserves recognition. As we open nominations for 2026, we invite the region to help us uncover and celebrate the extraordinary people shaping our collective future,” said Pastor Nyatsanza.
The awards will recognise excellence across a broad range of categories, including Business Impact, Humanitarian Impact, Social Impact, Youth Impact, Poverty Alleviation Impact, Climate and Environment Impact, Human Rights Impact, Sports Impact, Entertainment Impact as well as Storytelling and Journalism.
Selected regional impact categories will also be presented.
Organisers said the awards seek to celebrate meaningful and lasting impact at a time when public visibility is often mistaken for contribution and service.
Since their inception, The List Awards have also provided winners with prize money and other forms of recognition as part of efforts to support and amplify the work of changemakers.
The platform operates under an independent governance structure comprising a Board of Advisors, Selection Committee, Jury and adjudication processes aimed at ensuring transparency, integrity and public confidence in the awards process.
Nominations are open to individuals aged 18 years and above, with both self-nominations and third-party nominations accepted at no cost.
Organisations, institutions, communities and members of the public have been encouraged to nominate individuals whose work is making a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Organisers said the awards remain committed to celebrating impact, honouring unsung heroes and inspiring future generations of leaders and changemakers across the region.
