Empowerment in Action: How Sister K Foundation Is Shaping Generations Through Mentorship

In a world where women continue to rise against the odds, the stories of everyday heroines often go unheard. Yet, it is in those daily acts of mentorship, service, and compassion that true empowerment takes root. This conviction is why I founded the Sister K Foundation, a South African Non-profit dedicated to empowering women and girls, with mentorship as its central heartbeat.

Over the years, the Foundation has become a lighthouse of hope and transformation. Through mentorship, prayer gatherings, publishing initiatives, and coaching, we remind women and girls of their God-given worth and potential. For me, mentorship is not just a program; it is a calling that echoes the biblical wisdom of Titus 2: “These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure…” (Titus 2:4 5, NLT).

In August 2025, we launched our most ambitious initiative yet: the Empowerment in Action Awards, held in Cape Town. More than an event, this was a movement—a moment to shine a light on women whose unseen acts of service are quietly shaping the next generation.

The Vision Behind the Awards

The Empowerment in Action Awards were born from a simple but profound conviction: that women who pour into others deserve to be celebrated as much as those who break ceilings in boardrooms or excel on global stages.

The awards’ vision statement captures this perfectly: “To celebrate and honour extraordinary women who, through their consistent daily acts of service, mentorship, and leadership, are shaping, empowering, and preparing girls for purposeful living and meaningful impact.”

The awards recognised three categories of service:

• The Purpose Builder Award – celebrating women who equip girls with skills, vision, and confidence for the future.
• The Guiding Light Award – honouring women who nurture and mentor through wisdom, prayer, and presence.
• The Community Heart Award – uplifting women who create safe, empowering spaces in their communities.

The inaugural event was intentionally held in Cape Town, but the vision is expansive: to see the awards hosted annually across every province, then nationally, and ultimately on a global stage. Our dream is that these awards will one day be a global symbol of mentorship and empowerment.

Founding Partners: A Collaboration Rooted in Wellness and Freedom

The awards were made possible through the collaboration of three powerhouse partners:

Keletso Yende – Sister K Foundation

As the visionary founder, Keletso’s personal journey of resilience and leadership has fueled her passion for building platforms where women’s stories can inspire generations. Sister K Foundation has always centred mentorship as the key to empowerment, and the awards became an extension of that heartbeat.

Dr. Kentse Mpolokeng – Mommy Wellness Sea Point

Dr. Kentse Mpolokeng is the owner of Mommy Wellness Sea Point, part of the innovative Mommy Wellness Spa network. These spas are designed as safe havens for mothers and mothers-to-be, offering physical rejuvenation and emotional support during life’s most vulnerable seasons. By partnering with Sister K Foundation, Mommy Wellness Seapoint reinforced the message that women’s wellness – body, mind, and spirit is central to empowerment.

Maleeba Mwatsikesimbe – FreeBeings.io

Maleeba is the COO and AI Strategist of FreeBeings.io, a company she co-founded with her husband, Innocent Mwatsikesimbe. FreeBeings.io develops AI-powered tools designed to empower individuals to learn, express creativity, and unlock new opportunities. Originally inspired by blockchain’s promise of freedom, the company has evolved into harnessing AI for creativity, education, and economic empowerment.

With a background in finance, marketing, and philanthropy, Maleeba has launched and nurtured several start-ups. Her passion lies in educating and equipping people with the tools they need to thrive. Through FreeBeings.io, she is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and expanding access to technology that empowers communities globally.

Together, these three leaders brought credibility, depth, and reach to the awards, laying the groundwork for a movement with far-reaching potential.

Celebrating the 2025 Award Winners

The highlight of the Cape Town event was the recognition of three remarkable women whose lives embody mentorship in action. Each winner was nominated by community members who testified to their profound impact.

The Purpose Builder Award – Pastor Zanele Shwane

Pastor Zanele is the founder of Women At The Well Motivations, a ministry dedicated to inspiring, teaching, and equipping women to embrace their God-given identity and purpose. Through her organisation, she has mentored countless women and girls, offering both spiritual guidance and practical empowerment.

Her nomination highlighted her tireless mentoring of girls in faith and skills development, empowering them to dream beyond limitations. Known for her resilience and servant leadership, Pastor Zanele has helped many young women discover their gifts and step into their callings.

Her story resonates deeply with the spirit of Proverbs 22:6 (NLT): “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

The Guiding Light Award – Alison Alexander

Alison is the General Director of Rainbow of Hope, a nonprofit organisation providing safe housing and holistic care for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. Under her leadership, Rainbow of Hope has become a haven for vulnerable children and a beacon of hope in Cape Town.

Her nomination described her as a mentor and guide who consistently speaks life into others. She transitioned from corporate life into full-time service, dedicating herself to nurturing the broken and forgotten. Alison’s steady presence and faith-driven leadership embody the heart of the Guiding Light Award.

As one nominator put it: “She has always been there, nurturing, praying, and modeling courage.”

The Community Heart Award – Jasantha Singh

Founder of Aurora Natural Skincare and Wellness, Jasantha is more than an entrepreneur—she is a community builder. Her nomination celebrated her courage, intelligence, and compassion, describing her as someone with “an enormous heart, brains, courage, and a fighting spirit.”

Jasantha has created safe and empowering spaces for young women, using her platform to uplift others while balancing her role as a mentor. In her own words: “Thank you for creating an award that appreciates women like us. This is not just recognition, but a reminder that what we do matters.”

Her commitment embodies Galatians 6:9 (NLT): “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

A Movement of Mentorship

What made the Empowerment in Action Awards 2025 so unique was not just the winners but the collective spirit in the room. The event brought together community leaders, faith-based organizations, wellness advocates, and everyday women who mentor in unseen ways.

The atmosphere was celebratory yet deeply reflective. As one guest shared, “It felt like a sacred space where women’s daily sacrifices were finally acknowledged.”

The winners left with more than just recognition, they were gifted with spa treatments, goodie bags, and promises of ongoing support from Sister K Foundation and its partners. More importantly, they left inspired to keep serving, knowing that their work is not invisible.

Be Part of Empowerment in Action 2026

The Sister K Foundation is calling on:

• Sponsors and partners – to join the 2026 Empowerment in Action Awards by funding, hosting, or contributing to the recognition packages.
• Community members – to nominate extraordinary women when nominations open in June 2026.
• Everyone – to attend the awards event and celebrate the unsung heroes in your community.

This is more than an event; it is a movement. A movement reminding us that when women mentor, nurture, and uplift others, entire generations are transformed.