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Absa launches inaugural Social Impact Awards
Absa recently unveiled its inaugural Social Impact Awards, a landmark platform that celebrated colleagues who advanced the bank’s purpose of being a force for good through their commitment to volunteering across the continent. The awards recognised individuals and teams who dedicated their time, expertise and resources to deliver lasting, inclusive impact in the communities Absa serves.
Designed to highlight colleagues’ individual and collective journeys toward social impact, the initiative reinforced Absa’s commitment to responsible citizenship and its ambition to empower Africa’s tomorrow, together one story at a time. The awards also highlighted the strength of the bank’s partnerships with non-profit organisations, where employees played an active role in delivering high-impact volunteer programmes.
Category 1: Colleague as a Force for Good
Samalie Ainebyona took first place for her outstanding commitment to community upliftment in Uganda. Over the past three years she dedicated 135 volunteer hours to environmental conservation, financial empowerment and youth development. Her leadership and consistency have helped drive sustainable change and reflect the true spirit of responsible citizenship.
Category 3: Leading Country Volunteering Efforts
Colleagues in Seychelles were recognised for their strong commitment to environmental protection and community wellbeing. Their involvement included coastal clean-ups, support for conservation partners and participation in social outreach programmes. Their consistent presence strengthened community relationships and demonstrated a culture of care and stewardship.
Category 5: Best Performing Business Unit / Corporate Function
Personal and Private Banking colleagues were celebrated for their broad contribution to community development through partnerships with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, schools, youth programmes and social support centres. Their initiatives spanned classroom upgrades, financial literacy drives, care campaigns and environmental projects, reflecting a people-centred culture committed to strengthening families and uplifting vulnerable groups.
Category 7: Leading Social Impact Partner
Amref Health Africa in Uganda was recognised for its impactful work in gender mainstreaming, WASH, maternal health and sexual and reproductive rights. By engaging 300 community champions and seven Absa volunteers, the organisation reached 4 200 beneficiaries, including 2 140 adolescent girls. Its programmes have improved school attendance, strengthened community health systems and supported long-term change through digital tools and local capacity building.
Category 2: Best Skills-Based Volunteering Effort
Crystabel Vorgbe led an eight-member team in Ghana through a two-year skills-based volunteering initiative that reached more than 10 000 youth across 60 schools this year. Together they delivered 45 hours of practical financial literacy training, equipping young people with essential budgeting, saving and investing skills that support long-term financial independence.
Category 4: Best Volunteering Champion
Katleho Mokoena earned third place for her sustained leadership of the Fraud Solutions Force for Good programme. Since 2017 she has mobilised 400 colleagues, driven 38 volunteer hours and raised R30 000 this year. Her work has transformed volunteering into a structured movement that inspires ongoing participation and meaningful impact.
Category 6: Force for Good Leader
Leon Spies was honoured for leading the Absa Charity Golf and Padel Day for more than 18 years. This year he mobilised 120 colleagues and supporters, helping raise a record R1.7 million and bringing total contributions to over R14 million. More than 50 charities have benefited from this flagship initiative, which continues to make a profound difference nationwide.
Category 8: Leading Community Hero
Patrick, Managing Director of NSSF Uganda, was celebrated for driving large-scale national impact through financial literacy, youth empowerment and strategic volunteering. Under his leadership, 245 volunteers contributed to initiatives that reached millions, including 450 000 students through the Career Expo. His long-term vision enabled a three-year MOU with Absa and positioned NSSF as a leader in economic inclusion and job creation.
Category 9: Client Development Organisation
World Vision Ghana was recognised for more than 40 years of advancing sustainable community development. Through water, education, child protection, health and livelihood programmes, the organisation continues to deliver measurable, lasting impact driven by volunteerism, faith-based values and strong local leadership.
Absa nominees digital magazine
The Absa Social Impact Awards celebrate the spirit of collective volunteer action across our Pan-African community. They recognise colleagues who give their time and skills as volunteers, as well as the teams, business units and countries that mobilise meaningful impact at scale.