01/09/2026
๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ง๐ข ๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐ โ The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived on 31 August 2026, when Maria Pennacchini was announced as the winner of Kouga Local Municipalityโs StrongHer Award 2026 during a special ceremony celebrating all eight inspirational finalists.
Maria, from Thornhill, was recognised for her extraordinary commitment to children and young people through Maria se Leesklas and Maria se Stasieskool, where she provides opportunities for children to learn, grow and discover their potential through reading, dancing, kickboxing, rugby and recycling activities.
Her own difficult childhood โ marked by homelessness, instability and not attending school โ became the foundation for a life dedicated to making sure vulnerable children feel seen, supported and valued.
For the judging process, however, choosing one winner from a group of women who each give so selflessly to their communities proved to be an incredibly difficult task.
The other seven finalists โ Leonie Plaatjies, Andiswa Qhoboshiyane, Nicole Moos, Maryke Pretorius, Lesa Seeney, Angela Hendriks and Elsa Senekal โ were each recognised for remarkable contributions ranging from caring for abandoned and abused children and supporting trauma victims to feeding vulnerable families, assisting women and children, supporting township businesses, providing local healthcare and caring for cancer patients and their families.
Each finalist has a unique story, but they share one powerful quality: a willingness to put others before themselves.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the finalists made the decision exceptionally difficult, as every woman was worthy of recognition.
โChoosing one StrongHer from among these remarkable women was incredibly difficult. Each of our finalists is a winner in her own right. They do amazing and selfless work in our communities, often without asking for recognition or expecting anything in return.โ
โI am inspired by their stories and, quite honestly, in awe of what these women achieve through their compassion, courage and determination. Maria is a very deserving winner, but tonight we celebrate all eight women because each of them represents the very best of what community service is about.โ
The StrongHer Award forms part of the international partnership between Kouga Local Municipality and the City of Birmingham, Alabama, USA, and celebrates women whose often-unseen contributions strengthen communities and bring hope to others.
As the 2026 winner, Mariaโs story and community project will be featured in the City of Birminghamโs StrongHer publication. A team from the Grace Klein Community in Alabama will also visit her project and facilitate a connection with an expert working in a similar field, creating opportunities for mentorship, guidance and growth.
Maria will further receive funding from the Mayorโs Office through the Mayoral Fund to support and strengthen her community initiative.
The StrongHer Award is about far more than choosing a winner. It is about shining a light on women who quietly change lives every day.
