United Nations Brand Ambassador and Sallies Village resident Lerato Maris has once again been recognised for her dedication in making a difference in South Africa. The 31-year-old has bagged a nomination in The FreeSA Young Leader Awards in the politics and government category.
“South Africa needs change, and change begins when we, the youth, rise up for what is fair and just,” said Lerato.
“Advocacy is the cornerstone of what ignites politics and responsible governance as it is our collective duty to lead and give accountability to leaders who are paving the way for future leaders to come.”
She believes in transformative change and that for youth and individuals, who have given up hope, the lack of access to resources and mediums to survive and grow are gaps that need to be fulfilled.
Lerato is confident this can be achieved by empowering and equipping individuals through mentoring and leadership that enforces a dynamic of engaged youth in politics and governance in acting and highlighting on issues that affect them the most.
“I hope the youth of Brakpan can be inspired to rise up for new norms and transformative change as they are the next set of future leaders,” she said.
Lerato serves the United Nations with pride and honour, aligned with the UN’s sustainable development goals.
She is Global Peace Chain Ambassador, building and forming an attitude of acceptance and interfaith harmony, hosting peace talks and camps, while petitioning for peace institutions to be formed.
She is also an International Honour Golden Key Ambassador, noting the key to success is the need and right to education for all. As a means of personal development, Lerato hosts workshops and seminars, and works with students in local NPOs.
In addition, she is a practitioner at SaferSpaces South Africa where she deals with civic and social rights movements and matters that pertain to issues that affect women and children.
Lerato is also a Greenpeace activist, who is a strong believer in just and fair environmental protocols that safeguard nature and Mother Earth.
“The art of conservation in practicing and protecting our lands, oceans and wildlife is critical,” she said.
Furthermore, Lerato is an author who believes in intellectual discussions and narratives which can be brought forth though creative pieces.
Her holistic approach to an ever dynamic and constant changing economy has been her drive and strength that self-determination, resilience and hard work pay off for a greater good than just her own.
This nomination is one of many accomplishments under her belt. Last year, she was an award recipient and a national delegate in the Global Youth Leadership Summit & Award 2024 in Georgia (Eastern Europe).
She was also the recipient of the award for Most Influential International Peace and Security Organisation 2024 in the African Excellence Awards by MEA Markets.
Lerato was also nominated in the DearSA Young Leader Awards 2024. Her nomination was in the Civil Society category as she was celebrated as a young South African who is making a significant contribution to society.
Lerato also walked away as a winner at the The Future is Female & Men Champions Awards 2023. She was nominated in the 2023 Most Influential Youth Award category and placed first in the subcategory, The Most Gender-Focused Youth for 2023.
Residents can vote for Lerato at www.freesa.org.za/young-leaders-awards-2025/#politics-government
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