Celebrating ten years of shining a light on volunteerism, the 2025 Lesedi Awards honoured Momentum Group employees whose kindness and generosity continue to uplift communities across South Africa.

Under the theme “We Invest in Kindness,” the evening recognised individuals and teams for giving their time, skills and heart to causes that matter.

theSQUAD Creative helped to deliver an experience that honoured the volunteers, amplified their stories and crushed the ordinary, in true theSQUAD style.

EVENT AT A GLANCE

• CLIENT: Momentum Group
• EVENT: Lesedi Awards 2025
• FORMAT: Face-to-face
• THEME: We Invest in Kindness
• VENUE: Langhams, Johannesburg
• DATE: 12 November 2025 | 18:00–23:00
• GUESTS: 140 attendees
• AWARDS: Individual, Team, Champion of Change, International, Newcomer, Payroll Giver, Most Engaged Volunteer, Spirit of Volunteering

EXPERIENCE DESIGN

The Lesedi Awards focused on dignity, celebration and humanity — values shared by Momentum’s volunteerism programme and theSQUAD’s approach to doing good while doing good business.

DESIGN AND DECOR

A refined visual language of navy, gold and warm candlelight set the tone, with LED-lit entrance moments, photographic installations and a curated gallery wall showcasing volunteer stories. Modern décor and natural accents added a final layer of understated elegance.

ARRIVALS

Guests were welcomed with roaming canapés and pre-poured wines, accompanied by a live violin performance from Maremo. Personalised calligraphy name tags offered a thoughtful and warm touch as guests moved into the main venue.

CULINARY EXPERIENCE

The menu featured flavourful arrival bites, followed by a plated main of slow-cooked lamb shank or a Levantine-inspired vegetarian parcel. The evening closed with roaming desserts, including chocolate opera cake slices and deconstructed pavlovas.

PROGRAMME

The formalities were led by MC Lerato Ditshego, followed by a CEO address from Jeanette Marais and a keynote by Dr Koffi Kouakou. Awards were presented across key volunteer categories, supported by performances from Zoë Modiga and Keenan Meyer. A spotlight on Phakamani Young Minds Academy highlighted the impact behind the celebration, before Nontokozo Madonsela closed the proceedings. The night ended with an afterparty set by DJ Maria McCloy.

ENTERTAINMENT SHOUT-OUTS

• KEENAN MEYER, the SAMA-nominated pianist, composer and producer, delivered a standout performance with his band.
• ZOË MODIGA wowed the guests with her world-chart-topping artistry.
• MARIA MCCLOY brought the fire to the afterparty with her signature DJ style, setting the perfect tone for celebration.
• LERATO DITSHEGO, a sought-after corporate MC, guided the ceremony with professionalism and warmth.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Aligned to the theme We Invest in Kindness, the awards recognised employees who exemplify volunteerism:

• Spirit of Volunteering: MMerge Team
• Individual Award: Josephine Zimri
• Team Award: MMerge Social Committee
• Champion of Change: Carol Atkinson
• International Award: Mathamae Sejanamane
• Newcomer Award: Tonia Nel
• Most Engaged Volunteer: Argentina Makgakga
• Most Consistent Payroll Giver: Anonymous

A DECADE OF LIGHT

As Tshego Bokaba, Group CSI Manager for Momentum Group Holdings, said:

“Kindness brings real returns — for the giver, the receiver and the community around them.”

theSQUAD’S ROLE

As lead production agency, theSQUAD Creative delivered a full-scale experience built on respect, kindness, ownership and calm — the same principles that guide how we how up for every event we do.

Precision with heart. Creativity with intention. Leaving people feeling better for having worked with us.

SCOPE OF DELIVERY

• Full event production and show management
• Creative direction of décor, staging, lighting and atmospheric design
• Technical oversight including LED screens, audio, lighting and performance support
• Supplier management across décor, AV, catering, entertainment and photography
• Registration experience with bespoke calligraphy
• Coordination of trophies, certificates and printed assets
• Hospitality rider management
• Medics, compliance and risk oversight

See more of our work here: 2025 Momentum Group Leadership Summit.