The 2025 milestone event carried the theme, "We Invest in Kindness" — a reflection of the Group's belief that compassion, like capital, grows when it's put to work, says Momentum Group.

"At Momentum Group, we understand that the most worthwhile investments aren't only financial," says Tshego Bokaba, CSI Manager, Momentum Group. "Kindness brings real returns — for the giver, the receiver and the community around them. When our employees give of their time and skills, they help build the social fabric that supports all of us."

"These awards recognise that the value we create as a business is measured not just in rands, but in the difference our people make. Employees are supported and encouraged by the company to give of their time and skills, with volunteer leave, matched funding, peer recognition and these awards that shine a light on the good work they do," adds Bokaba.

Since its inception in 2015, the Lesedi Awards (Lesedi meaning "light" in Sesotho) has celebrated employees who give of themselves to uplift others — through volunteer work, team projects or payroll giving. The initiative forms part of Momentum Group's Staff Volunteerism Programme (SVP) — one of the key pillars of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which also includes Youth Employment and Consumer Financial Education, says the group.

Unlike many corporate programmes, Momentum Group does not prescribe where or how employees should volunteer. Patronella Sono, Staff Volunteerism Specialist, Momentum Group, says, "Our employees are encouraged to support the causes closest to their hearts and communities, ensuring that their contributions meet real needs — whether that's feeding families, mentoring youth or supporting education and shelter initiatives."

The scope of organisations and causes supported over the years is broad. Examples include GBV awareness and care for young women to finish school, sanctuary for abandoned babies, backyard farmers, food security and warmth for vulnerable people, land repatriation, youth empowerment through mentoring or sport (soccer, sailing, cricket, art, modelling) and youth and leadership mentoring, says the group.

Sono says that in the past year, employees racked up a total of 8 692 volunteerism hours dedicated to worthy causes, while the group has set its sights on growing employee participation to 50% of its total workforce by 2027, adds the group.

The Spirit of Volunteering

In a rare occurrence, a team — rather than an individual — was awarded 2025's big accolade of the evening, the Spirit of Volunteering award; the overall event winner taken from the titleholders across all categories and who embodies the spirit of Lesedi. Momentum Group's MMerge team, led by Lynnette Schoeman, scooped up this highly coveted award as well as the Team Award, says the group.

Each year, MMerge Charity Events rallies its community through a winter drive dubbed, "Operation Anti-Freeze", which sees the collection of blankets, food and clothing for families in need. What began as a small community drive has since become a lifeline for many, with Lynette and her team's example inspiring others to give their time and resources too, adds the group.

The 2025 Momentum Group Lesedi Awards Winners

The 2025 judging process placed strong emphasis on sustainability and measurable outcomes, rewarding the volunteers whose endeavours demonstrated impact, ongoing support and sustainability, as well as alignment with the Group's core values of accountability, diversity, integrity, teamwork, innovation and excellence, says the group.

Momentum Group confirms the winners as follows:

  • Lesedi Exceptional Volunteer Champion Award: Mildred Majadibodu, a Senior Business Process Analyst, Momentum Retirement Administrators (MRA).
  • Newcomer Award: Tonia Nel, product modelling and actuarial values testing, Metropolitan Life.
  • Lesedi Individual Award: Josephine Zimri, Internal Service Consultant, Momentum Health Solutions.
  • Lesedi Team Award: MMerge Team, led by Lynnette Schoeman, Executive PA, MMerge (part of Momentum Life).
  • Lesedi International Award: Mathamae Sejanamane, Human Capital business partner, Metropolitan Lesotho.
  • Most Engaged Volunteer on Momentum Group Volunteers: Argentina Makgakga, Engagement Specialist, Momentum Multiply.
  • Lesedi Most Consistent Payroll Giver Award: Remaining generously anonymous.
  • Lesedi Spirit of Volunteering Award: MMerge Team (led by Lynnette Schoeman).

A Decade of Light

Over the past ten years, the Lesedi Awards has recognised hundreds of Momentum Group employees who have volunteered thousands of hours in service of others; from education and youth mentorship to disaster relief, health and social upliftment. Each year, the winning volunteers and finalists' chosen charities and causes receive financial support from Momentum Group as part of their award recognition, donated directly to these non-profit organisations (NPOs) or Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs), adds the group.

"As we celebrate ten years of Lesedi, we're reminded that kindness compounds. It grows through every act, every hour volunteered, every community touched. And the returns — for volunteer, beneficiary and the broader community — are very real. My challenge to all our employees and to everyone is: jump in, invest in kindness and see the return in your lives," concludes Bokaba.

For more information, visit www.momentumgroupltd.co.za. You can also follow Momentum Group on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor