Lesedi, which is Sesotho for 'light', is the group's staff volunteerism programme. 

It serves to recognise employees who undertake volunteer work in support of their chosen cause and is regarded as one of the largest employer-driven volunteer recognition programmes in the country.

The awards ceremony recognises employees who go above and beyond in their charitable efforts and are a way for the company to demonstrably show its appreciation and support.

The broadcast gave all nominees and their respective NPOs and communities a chance to tune in and share the celebrations. All winners, runners-up and nominees receive prize money, which is donated towards their chosen non-profit organisation by Momentum Metropolitan.

The 2021 winner of Lesedi's Spirit of Volunteering Award was Reagan Meyer, a management accountant at Metropolitan Health. Meyer is a founding director of training4changeS, a Stellenbosch-based organisation that transforms communities through sporting programmes.

Meyer says that the organisation equips young people with essential life skills and values. Meyer, who was also awarded the Individual Volunteer Award, is one of eight winners across Lesedi's categories.

Meyer also established the Reggie Meyer Education Fund, which helps disadvantaged learners from training4changeS' Futsal Academy attend top schools. In addition, he facilitates financial literacy workshops for unemployed young people, helping them gain a better understanding of important financial concepts and thus reach their full potential.

"I am proud that we can make a difference in these students' lives, and one day they can pay it forward and make a difference in their community," says Meyer.

Dan Moyane, chairperson of the Momentum Metropolitan Foundation — the seat of the group's CSI mandate — says that volunteerism should be an important part of a business' CSI programme as "it supports the company's purpose and thereby gives meaning to employees, helping them feel connected to their own purpose."

"Secondly, it helps to raise funds and awareness for those who are in real need. It also attracts talent, because people want to work for a company that does good, which in turn, encourages employee engagement," adds Moyane.

"People want to know that the products, solutions and services that they are getting are coming from a company that cares," Moyane concludes.

The 2021 Lesedi Awards winners are:

Individual Volunteer Award
  • Winner: Reagan Meyer
  • First runner-up: Marileze Johannes
  • Second runner-up: Mologadi Mathosa
Team Volunteer Award
  • Winner: Momentum Legacy Solutions team, led by Monowarah Gallie
Volunteer Business Leader Award
  • Winner: Lyn Muzondo
  • First runner-up: Seeshin Naidoo
International Volunteer
  • Winner: Kennedy Kwaku Antwi
  • First runner-up: Archibald Ayiteyadjin
Exceptional Volunteer Champion Award
  • Winner; Seema Singh
  • First runner-up: Thelma Scholtz
Most Consistent Payroll Giver Award
  • Winner: Lance Raftesath
Most Active Volunteer on Forgood Award
  • Winner: Karin du Toit
Spirit of Volunteering Award
  • Winner: Reagan Meyer
For more information, visit www.momentummetropolitan.co.za. You can also follow Momentum Metropolitan Holdings on Twitter.