Tutu Fellow Catherine Constantinides has been awarded a South African state award, the Ubuntu Award for diplomacy. Constantinides was one of eight recipients across several different categories, with hers being the youth category. She said that she was truly humbled to be acknowledged at such a level for her work as an international climate activist and humanitarian. The work done through the Miss Earth South Africa leadership platform as well as Generation Earth were highlighted. The award was presented to Ms. Constantinides by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. Her work in the refugee camps in North Africa was also emphasised, as much of that work is recognised as official diplomatic work.
The Ubuntu Awards is an annual event hosted by the department of International Relations and Cooperation to recognise South Africans for their distinguished service and their contribution to promoting South Africa’s national interests, foreign policy and values across the world.
Other recipients were:
- Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award: Standard Bank and Discovery
- Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award: DJ Black Coffee and musician Hugh Masekela
- Ubuntu Social Responsibility Award: Rescue SA and the Motsepe Foundation
- Ubuntu Sport Diplomacy Award: Runner Wayde van Niekerk
- OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award (Minister’s Award): Agnes Msimang and the late Johnny Makhathini for their contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle
- Ubuntu Ambassadorial Excellence Award: Ambassador Bene L M'poko
Constantinides was interviewed on SABC TV the following morning. You can also read more about the awards HERE.
President Jacob Zuma & Catherine Constantinides
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