Latest news with #LeratoMaris
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Youth leader inspires change through global platforms
Lerato Maris, a Brakpan youth leader and proud UN Brand Ambassador, continues her upward rise with a nomination for the SA Forty Under 40 Awards and a host of global recognitions. The South African Forty Under 40 Awards are curated to identify, honour and celebrate the nation's most influential and accomplished business leaders under the age of 40 from a wide range of industries who are committed to business growth, professional excellence, community service and have risen up the ranks of their companies or industries. Lerato, a Sallies Village resident, takes the pride of the United Nations as she has embedded her stance that no good work goes unnoticed, placing her in the category of philanthropy and charity. 'Brakpan is the chronicle of who I am, it has been my biggest supporter through my journey and I am so grateful and honoured to be part of such an amazing community,' she said. 'To the youth, always remember it takes courage, determination, belief and dedication in turning your dreams into a reality. 'Work with good intentions and always pay it forward, because that is the key for transformative change we want to see in our communities.' Lerato was also a guest of honour at a Women's Day event in Brakpan on August 8 organised by Brakpan SAPS, where she gave a motivational speech commemorating the day. She spoke about why women should lead by example, and also highlighted the outstanding work of local police. 'It was a blessing and honour to be part of this amazing ceremony. I am so proud of my heroines in blue for keeping Brakpan safe and also acknowledging their acts of service to our country. Their efforts do not go unnoticed,' she said. 'We have powerful women who are rising and flourishing in service and leadership roles and it was an honour and a humbling experience to be one with such amazing women,' she said. ALSO CHECK: Embrace the twists and turns of your learning journey Lerato is also set to embark for the Youth Leadership Certification programme in Sydney, Australia, to be held from November 24 to 28. She also recently won second place in the FREESA Young Leaders Awards in the Politics and Government Category, and extended her international relations through the Journalist and Writers Foundation in New York, as a 2025 cohort in the Media and Journalism webinars in inspiring journalists as advocates of press freedom. Residents can vote for Lerato in the Forty Under 40 Awards by clicking here. Further honours recently received by Lerato include being an international delegate and award recipient at the Global Youth Leadership Summit and Award 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal from June 20 to 24. She also bagged a nomination and was shortlisted in the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards 2025 in the Public Sector category. ALSO CHECK: Nkambule family receives washing machine donation after house fire, plans laundry business
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sallies Village resident to represent SA at Global Youth Summit in Nepal
Sallies Village resident and United Nations Brand Ambassador Lerato Maris (31) has been selected as an international delegate and award recipient at the Global Youth Leadership Summit and Award 2025, taking place in Kathmandu, Nepal from June 20 to 24. The summit aims to gather young leaders, innovators, peacemakers, youth activists and civil society pioneers from around the world in a single forum to share their contributions, experiences and knowledge on pertinent global issues. 'It is truly an honour to know that a small-town girl from Brakpan can have a major impact internationally through sheer passion and dedication in being a leader and mentor, and also holding up the pride of the United Nations in everything I do in effecting transformative change,' she said. The political activist and influencer also bagged a nomination and was shortlisted in the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards 2025 in the Public Sector category. These awards, now in their 11th year, continue to spotlight the achievements of women, showcasing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders. ALSO READ: WATCH: Kwa-Thema's Deep Level residents face danger as housing structures collapse Lerato was also shortlisted for the 2025 Southern Africa OSPAs (Outstanding Security Performance Awards) in the category Most Outstanding Female Security Professional. These awards recognise and reward outstanding performance across the security sector. 'The OSPAs are based on identified factors which contribute to security excellence and are designed to promote the security field and show the world that security is a fundamental and vitally important factor in business success,' explained Lerato. 'The United Nations is a massive organisation when it comes to security. Its crucial roles in addressing threats to international peace and promoting peaceful conflict resolution through international co-operation are all executed through mechanisms of diplomatic efforts, sanctions and regimes. 'It is my honour to be a nominee recipient for the UN through these awards.' According to Lerato, her dreams of being a global leader, philanthropist and mentor, all stem from her pride and hometown. 'To the youth and future leaders rising up from Brakpan – if your dreams don't scare you, then they are not big enough,' she said. 'We possess so much more than we credit ourselves, and it is time to show the world that as much as we aim for the moon, we definitely will land amongst the stars.' In addition, Lerato is also currently nominated for the FREESA Young Leaders Awards 2025 in the Politics and Government category. This category recognises young leaders who are actively engaged in politics and government affairs, demonstrating a commitment to improving their communities and the nation as a whole. Nominees in this category may have initiated positive policy changes, advocated for democratic rights, or shown exceptional leadership within political or governmental institutions. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
