Hall of Fame
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Ester Sibanyoni, Woman of the year 1997
Esther was awarded the overall Shoprite Checkers / SABC 3 Woman of the Year and Arts & Culture category title holder in 1997. The Award paid tribute to her contributions to her community which included raising funds, developing literacy training for adults and single-handedly establishing a library in Shoshanguve. Today, thanks to her efforts, Shoshanguve boasts two public libraries which has brought development and knowledge to the lives of all.
Sibanyoni says the poor often despair and give up hope. She believes, however, that one must never take no for an answer if you want to change your circumstances. “I plan ahead to achieve what I want”! She says that being what she calls “steady” gets her to where she wants to be.
When asked by the judges what kept her going through these and various other development projects, she said she believed that someone had to start somewhere, and that it might as well have been her! Described by the judges as a dynamo with a heart big enough for the whole world, Sibanyoni was a worthy winner of the 1997 award.
Since winning the Award she has been invited to Denmark, the USA, Britain and Namibia to speak at seminars and conferences and she still don’t know what an air ticket to one of these countries would cost me.” However, for Ms Sibanyoni it isn’t the international acclaim that gives her the most joy and satisfaction. Her greatest reward is derived from the contribution she still makes each day towards uplifting her community. Ten years after winning the Award, Esther says she is getting younger and growing stronger by the day. She can’t stop talking about how the Award has positively affected her life.
The Award paid tribute to her contribution, which included raising funds and single-handedly establishing a library in Shoshanguve. Today, thanks to her efforts, Shoshanguve boasts two public libraries. She is also actively involved in youth programmes, has been instrumental in establishing five youth clubs for skills training and her work includes literacy courses for the elderly, run from her home three times a week.
Currently Esther is actively involved in promoting the well-being of the Aged. Her work includes literacy courses for the elderly, distribution of information on health, physical training and organising tours for them.
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Esther Sibanyoni from Soshanguve has had a long history of bringing art and cultural development to her community, with a particular interest in the youth and the aged. At a time when South Africa’s different communities had no contact, Sibanyoni got the youth of all races together to address the desperate need for an arts centre in her community, enriching the lives of young and old.