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A Seat at the Table recognises leadership, resilience and innovation as it advances its Vision 2030 ambition to develop one million active global ambassadors.
Leadership is not simply about holding a position or receiving recognition.
It is about taking initiative, creating opportunities for others and using one’s influence to make a lasting difference. This is the thinking behind the 2026 Take A Seat Awards, which will bring together individuals, leaders and changemakers to celebrate those whose achievements are creating opportunities for others and helping shape Africa’s next generation of leaders.
Hosted by A Seat at the Table (SATT), the Take A Seat Awards will take place on 20 November 2026, recognising individuals whose contributions demonstrate leadership, innovation, mentorship, resilience and a commitment to creating positive change. The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge both emerging and established leaders who are using their influence, experience and platforms to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The 2026 awards will recognise excellence across five competitive categories: Leadership in Action, Innovation and Creativity, Mentorship and Support, Community Impact, and Resilience and Perseverance. These will be complemented by two special recognition awards, CONNECT Lifetime Achievement and CONNECT Leadership Legacy, which will recognise three exceptional leaders whose contributions have helped shape the SATT movement. Unlike the five competitive categories, recipients of these special awards will be selected by the SATT board and will not go through the judging panel process.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Tryphosa Ramano, Chairperson of A Seat at the Table, said: “We did not establish A Seat At The Table simply to celebrate those who have succeeded. We are building a movement of people who use their success to create opportunities for others.
The true measure of leadership is not how many seats you occupy, but how many chairs you pull up for the next generation. Through the Take A Seat Awards, we celebrate individuals who are turning influence into action and making a lasting difference. This is how we move from dialogue to action and from individual achievement to collective impact.”
The awards also highlight the importance of mentorship, collaboration and building networks that allow young people to access opportunities and participate meaningfully in shaping their futures.
Mothathe Sewelo, Deputy Chairperson of A Seat at the Table, highlighted the importance of recognising individuals whose contributions extend beyond their immediate environments. “Behind every meaningful achievement is a journey of commitment, perseverance and often the support of others. These awards are an opportunity to shine a light on people whose work may not always receive the recognition it deserves, but whose impact is felt in the lives of others. We also want to encourage a culture where leadership is shared, knowledge is passed on and people actively create opportunities for the next generation.”
The awards build on SATT’s growing impact through its CONNECT Programmes, which have collectively reached more than 12 000 beneficiaries. Its initiatives include more than 400 Board Mastery graduates, 4000 learners engaged through CONNECT Education, and over 400 CONNECT Leadership participants.
Through these programmes, SATT’s work spans board leadership development, education, youth dialogue, sustainability, community impact and global partnerships.
Together, these initiatives form part of a broader development ecosystem focused on strengthening leadership capacity, creating meaningful connections and expanding opportunities for young people.
Guided by its Vision 2030, SATT is working to develop one million active global ambassadors who will, in turn, influence others, expand opportunities, and drive sustainable change in their communities and beyond. The vision is not merely about reaching one million people. It is about developing active ambassadors who contribute to their communities, inspire others and help create opportunities for future generations.
The Take A Seat Awards form part of this ambition by recognising individuals who demonstrate that leadership is not reserved for a particular title, position or background. It can be practised through everyday actions, shared knowledge, meaningful relationships and a willingness to create space for others.
A panel of appointed judges will evaluate nominations across the five competitive categories against defined criteria. The two special recognition awards, CONNECT Lifetime Achievement and CONNECT Leadership Legacy, will be selected separately by the SATT board.
The 2026 Take A Seat Awards are supported by Standard Bank, Old Mutual, Tamela and Pareto. Their sponsorship contributes to the recognition and celebration of leadership, innovation and positive social impact, while highlighting the importance of partnerships in supporting youth development and creating opportunities for future leaders.
As SATT prepares for the November ceremony, its message is clear: excellence should be measured not only by individual success but also by the opportunities created for others along the way.
At A Seat at the Table, excellence is not only about how far you have travelled. It is about how many people you bring along on the journey.
Connect. Engage. Inspire.
Follow @A_SeatAtTheTable on social media and use TakeASeatAwards2026 to follow the conversation and updates leading up to the ceremony.
ABOUT A SEAT AT THE TABLE (SATT)
A Seat at the Table is an award-winning non-profit organisation focused on youth leadership and development. Through intentional spaces for connection, dialogue and growth, SATT connects young people with leaders, peers and opportunities to help shape inclusive, future-focused societies. The organisation works to equip young people with the skills, confidence, networks and opportunities to become active contributors to their communities and the wider world.
ABOUT THE TAKE A SEAT AWARDS
The Take A Seat Awards celebrate individuals whose leadership, innovation, mentorship, resilience and commitment to their communities create meaningful impact. Through five competitive categories and two special recognition awards, the initiative recognises emerging and established changemakers who are making a difference in their respective fields and communities. The awards aim to inspire a culture of purposeful leadership, collaboration and positive social change.
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