GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A George couple have launched a national awards platform to recognise people whose work makes a difference, even when their names rarely make headlines.
Karen and Deon Lensing launched the inaugural Industry Recognition Awards at Idlewild Country Estate in Irene, Gauteng, on Saturday 31 October.
Presented by DK Productions in association with Apex Magazine, the event recognised achievements across business, sports, the arts, media and community service.
According to the organisers, 54 nominees accounted for 94 entries across 26 award categories.
The Lensings said the initiative aims to acknowledge the perseverance, sacrifices and commitment behind people’s achievements, while creating opportunities for participants to connect.
“The award itself is important, but what happens around it is equally important. We want people from different industries to meet, build relationships and create opportunities that continue beyond the gala,” Karen said.
Recognition beyond popularity
The organisers said an independent panel of three judges assessed portfolios containing nominees’ biographies, achievements, qualifications, photographs and supporting documents.
The judges based the awards on merit and supporting evidence rather than social media popularity or public votes. A separate public choice award went to Lee Ferreira.
Among the recipients was Food Sock Meals entrepreneur Carl van Blerk, who received the entrepreneur award. Anton Siebert received the humanitarian award, while Eunice Motlhoding and Wendy Pascoe were recognised in the activist category.
Priya Ranchod, whose work includes involvement with Missing in Southern Africa, received the storytelling and media communication award.
Sports, creativity and service
Race walker Tariq Klink received the sports person award. He was recognised for his sporting career, which began in 2013, his work in sports administration and his efforts to create opportunities for emerging athletes.
Lesley Rae Coetzer received the industry icon award, while Talitha Oosthuizen received the philanthropist award.
Alecia Joubert won both the digital creator and make-up artist categories. Corne Camacho also received two awards, in hospitality and social butterfly.
Other recipients included designer Nosipho Sitole, musician Angelique Greffrath, photographer Elmy Beket and visual artist Sonette van der Merwe. Naledi Ramaboea received the Kindness Legacy Award.
Carl van Blerk (Food Sock founder) won the entrepreneur award.
Anton Siebert (Project Blessings in Mossel Bay) won the humanitarian award.
Yolande Henn from Mossel Bay won the hairdressers’ award.
Deon and Karen Lensing with Cuemi Tsai, a George learner who entertained the attendees with her beautiful opera voice.
Talitha Oosthuizen (Mrs South Africa 1st Princess 2026) won the philanthropist award.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
