RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
AFRICOLA won the 2025 Africa Day Restaurant of the Year award at Prospect Town Hall in South Australia. Africola is run by Duncan Welgemoed, a hardworking South African-born Australian chef. He has a great multi-award-winning restaurant located at 4 East Terrace, Adelaide South Australia. For more about his business check the following website http://www.africola.com.au . Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, The Republic of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi who is also the African Union Dean of Heads of Missions in Canberra, Dr Joseph Masika, Councillor for Woodlands Ward City of Marion and Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Hair Cut, Tawakyl and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2026, send an email to awards@africaday.biz or send a request message on www.africaday.biz.
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
Restoration Life Church won the 2025 Africa Day RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR award at Prospect Town Hall at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. Restoration Life Church is headed by Reverend Zipporah Mwikya and Pastor Stephen from the Kenyan Community in South Australia. For more about Restoration Life Church and their programs kindly visit their website: https://www.restorationlifechurch.com.au/. Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, The Republic of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi who is also the African Union Dean of Heads of Missions in Canberra, Dr Joseph Masika, Councillor for Woodlands Ward City of Marion and Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Hair Cut, Tawakyl and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2026, send an email to awards@africaday.biz or send a request message on www.africaday.biz.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The South African Place won the 2025 Africa Day Business of the Year award at Prospect Town Hall in South Australia. It is run by Wilna Banks-Baird, a hardworking South African-born Australian. The South African Place is located at 670b North East Rd, Holden Hill 5088, South Australia. Visit them for your groceries. For more about his business check the following website http://www.thesaplace.com.au . Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, The Republic of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi who is also the African Union Dean of Heads of Missions in Canberra, Dr Joseph Masika, Councillor for Woodlands Ward City of Marion and Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Hair Cut, Tawakyl and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2026, send an email to awards@africaday.biz or send a request message on www.africaday.biz.
ACADEMIC & RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
Dr Yangama Jokwiro won the Academic & Researcher of the Year award at the 2025 Africa Day Celebrations Awards held at Prospect Town Hall in the City of Prospect, South Australia.Dr Jokwiro is an Associate Professor at La Trobe University, Rural Health Sciences, Bendigo, Australia and he is also the founder and Executive Director of Vaka Health Foundation (https://vakahealthfoundation.org/ ). Giving the award were: Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, The Republic of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi who is also the African Union Dean of Heads of Missions in Canberra, Dr Joseph Masika, Councillor for Woodlands Ward City of Marion and Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African StyleHair Cut, Tawakyl and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2026, send an email to awards@africaday.biz or send a request message on www.africaday.biz. To be an event partner email admin @africaday.biz or call Vicky Kenny, the Director of Gaval Community Services on 0451161977.
BUSINESS OFTHE YEAR
Inside Africa won the 2025 Africa Day Business of the Year award at Prospect Town Hall in South Australia. It is run by a hardworking South African-born Australian. Visit their website below for all your online groceries; https://inside-africa.com.au/ . Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, The Republic of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi who is also the African Union Dean of Heads of Missions in Canberra, Dr Joseph Masika, Councillor for Woodlands Ward City of Marion and Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Hair Cut, Tawakyl and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2026, send an email to awards@africaday.biz or send a request message on www.africaday.biz.
AUTHOR/PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
Dr Betty-Jean (B-J) Dee-Price won the Author/Publisher of the Year award at the 2025 Africa Day Celebrations Awards held at Prospect Town Hall in the City of Prospect, South Australia. Dr Betty-Jean (B-J) Dee-Price is a disability health researcher with expertise in communication disability, patient and clinician communication self-efficacy, augmentative and alternative communication, social identity and disability, mental health and disability and inclusive research methodologies. B-J is located with the Justice and Society Unit of the University of South Australia and is the chief researcher on a project titled 'Talking Scrubs' with Phase 3 funding provided by a UniSA Slingshot grant. B-J is also a senior researcher with Lived Experience Australia working on mental health projects. Giving the award were: Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, The Republic of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Joe Tapera Mhishi who is also the African Union Dean of Heads of Missions in Canberra, Dr Joseph Masika, Councillor for Woodlands Ward City of Marion and Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African StyleHair Cut, Tawakyl and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2026, send an email to awards@africaday.biz or send a request message on www.africaday.biz. To be an event partner email admin @africaday.biz or call Vicky Kenny, the Director of Gaval Community Services on 0451161977.
Sports Person of the Year
Panashe Madanha of Adelaide United Football Club won the 2024 Africa Day Sports Person of the Year at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. Panashe Madanha is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Adelaide United. Born in Zimbabwe, he represents Australia at youth level. He is the first Zimbabwe-born player to feature in the A-League. Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP - Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Ramsay; Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, City of West Torrens mayor Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is sponsored by Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Haircut (ADELAIDE) and Aussizz Group.
Business of the Year
SA in SA won the 2024 Africa Day Business of the Year award at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. They are a family-owned business with a passion for providing quality African and South African goods. Their mission is to make you feel at home by offering you those familiar products you always crave to have from Africa. For more about SA in SA check their website www.sainsa.com.au . Their address is Shop 1/233 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Cowandilla SA 5033. Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP - Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Ramsay; Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Haircut (ADELAIDE) and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz. For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz
Excellency In Philanthropy
Dorinda Hafner won the 2024 Africa Day Excellency In Philanthropy award at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. Dorinda Hafner is a Ghanaian-born Australian author, actress, dancer, philanthropist, choreographer, public speaker, writer and television chef. She is also an optician and registered nurse. For more about Dorinda check her website https://www.dorindahafner.com/ . Giving the award were: Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, Tom Tekle and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz. For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz
Friends of Africa Award Winner 2024
Josh Pittavino won the 2024 Africa Day Friends of Africa award at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. Josh Pittavino is a lovely Phillipino-born Australian who supports all African programs in South Australia. Giving the award were: Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens , Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, Tom Tekle and Aussizz Group To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz. For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz
Media Personality/Media Outlet of the Year
Michael Nketiah Boakye of MANET TV won the 2024 Africa Day Media House/Personality of the Year award at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. Giving the award were: Zoe Bettison MP who is also Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Tourism, Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, Tom Tekle and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz . For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz
MULTICULTURAL ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
Study Adelaide won the 2024 Africa Day MULTICULTURAL ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR award at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. Study Adelaide have excellent programs that help international students get closer to success in study, work and life in Adelaide. This award is given to a distinguished organization that embraces or seeks to embrace people of African origin. Study Adelaide has been a pivotal organisation for students coming to study and find a new home in Adelaide, South Australia and Australia. For more about Study Adelaide, follow their website https://studyadelaide.com/. Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP - Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Ramsay; Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Haircut (ADELAIDE) and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz. For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Dr Daniel Dzimano won the 2024 Africa Day PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR award at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. This award is given to an individual whose work, and conduct is valued and described positively by employers and work colleagues. Dr Daniel Dzimano is an Australian-based health professional. Daniel is trained as a GP (General Practitioner) and practices in Gawler South. Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP - Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Ramsay; Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Haircut (ADELAIDE) and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz. For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz
EXCELLENCY IN GOVENANCE AWARD
City of West Torrens Councillor Surrendar Pal won the 2024 Africa Day EXCELLENCY IN GOVERNANCE AWARD at Thebarton Community Centre at the Africa Day Awards & Dinner Gala. This award is given to a person who has excelled well as a political leader. Giving the award were: Hon Zoe Bettison MP - Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Ramsay; Zambia's High Commissioner to Australia Dr. Elias Munshya who represented the African Union Dean of Missions in Canberra, Michael Coxon - MAYOR of West Torrens, Africa Day-Inc Chairperson Carolyn Omenda and Africa Day-Inc Director Ankia Swart. The event's major sponsor is Gaval Community Services. Other sponsors to be appreciated are African Village Centre Restaurant, African Style Haircut (ADELAIDE) and Aussizz Group. To nominate an award winner for the year 2025 email admin@africaday.biz. For more information about Africa Day in South Australia check our website www.africaday.biz