By Priya Ranchod
An evening dedicated to recognising talent, celebrating achievements and honouring individuals making a meaningful difference in their respective fields brought together people from across South Africa for the inaugural Industry Recognition Awards 2026.
Held on Saturday, 31 October, at the picturesque Idlewild Country Estate in Irene, Pretoria, the event celebrated the achievements of individuals whose work, dedication and contributions have helped shape their industries and communities.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Karen and Deon Lensing, the awards provided a platform to acknowledge people from different walks of life, each with a story of commitment, perseverance and achievement. There were 54 nominees and 94 entries across the different categories, with 26 ultimately selected as category winners.
The evening was hosted by Marishé Vermeulen and Deon Lensing, who guided guests through the programme and celebrations. The judging panel assessed the nominees based on their full biographies, photographs and certificates before the event, as they were unable to travel to Gauteng for the awards.
With guests and nominees travelling from different parts of the country, the occasion brought together a diverse group of individuals united by a shared appreciation for excellence and the work that often takes place behind the scenes.
The categories reflected the wide range of industries and talents represented, from entrepreneurship, design, photography and the creative arts to humanitarian work, activism, sport, media and community service.
Among the evening's highlights was the recognition of two activists, Eunice Motlhoding and Wendy Pascoe, for their contributions in the field of activism.
The winners across the various categories were:
* Activist: Eunice Motlhoding and Wendy Pascoe
* Designer: Nosipho Sitole
* Digital Creator: Alecia Joubert
* Entrepreneur: Carl van Blerk
* Hair Stylist: Yolandé Henn
* Hospitality: Corne Camacho
* Humanitarian: Anton Siebert
* Industry Icon: Lesley Rae Coetzer
* Instructor / Coach: Myrtle Gray
* Makeup Artist: Alecia Joubert
* Model: Damion Bracks
* Most Influential Individual: Christel Marais
* Motivational Speaker: Lemphane Moeketsi
* Musician: Angelique Greffrath
* Pageant Director: Mohamed Vythilingam
* Pageant King: Marnus Botha
* Philanthropist: Talitha Oosthuizen
* Photogenic: Tracy Smith Hlophe
* Photographer: Elmy Beket
* Social Butterfly: Corne Camacho
* Sports Person: Tariq Klink
* Storytelling and Media Communication: Priya Ranchod
* The Kindness Legacy: Naledi Ramaboea
* Trendsetter: Riana Burger
* Visual Artist: Sonette van der Merwe
* Public Choice: Lee Ferreira
The organisers also acknowledged the importance of the sponsors and supporters whose contributions helped bring the inaugural event to life. Karen and Deon Lensing extended their appreciation to the sponsors, nominees, guests and everyone who attended and supported the occasion.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, the evening served as a reminder that recognition is about more than professional titles or public visibility. It is about acknowledging the time, effort, passion and determination individuals invest in their work, often without expecting anything in return.
For the inaugural Industry Recognition Awards, the gathering was an opportunity to bring these individuals into the spotlight, celebrate their journeys and create connections among people from different sectors.
As the first chapter of the awards came to a close, the achievements of the winners stood as a reflection of the talent and dedication found across South Africa. More importantly, the occasion reinforced the value of recognising people while they continue to make a difference, inspire others and contribute to their respective fields.
An award may recognise an achievement, but the dedication behind it is what makes the recognition truly meaningful.
