Well, who may she be? The African Achiever Awards, hosted in London this year, have named Carolyn Steyn, media personality, philanthropist and founder of NPO, 67 Blankets, as ‘Philanthropist of the Year.’ For reference, the first ever African Achiever Awards Philanthropist of the Year award was given to Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu ten years ago.
Some readers may know her from her radio days, and some even from the art and music scope. Carolyn is most notably known for her NPO, ’27 Blankets’ which started back in 2013.
As many know, Mandela Day is an annual international day held on the 18th of July that celebrates and commemorates Nelson Mandela. Back in 2013, Zelda la Grange, (late Madiba’s assistant) presented Carolyn with a challenge: knit, sew or crochet 67 blankets! These blankets would then be distributed to those in need on Mandela Day.
Being the superstar she is, Carolyn eagerly accepted the challenge but soon realised she couldn’t do it alone. She rallied her troops and started a Facebook group called ’67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.’ In a matter of days, hundreds of people across the globe had pledged to knit, sew or crochet a blanket for Nelson Mandela day. In the year following, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day won Campaign of the Year at the South African of the Year Awards. From there on out, Carolyn’s NPO has continued to do incredible non-profit work.
City of Johannesburg
In March earlier this year, the Ambassador of France in SA awarded Carolyn with the official title of ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite‘ (Knight of the French National Order of Merit) on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron at the French Residence in Pretoria.
During her acceptance of the Africa Achievement Awards’ Philanthropist of the Year, Carolyn shared the following:
“What a privilege to have been in the company of such brilliant young minds at the 12th African Achiever Awards last night, honouring leaders making strides in changing the narrative of the African continent.”
She later goes on to say:
“Knowing that the very first African Achiever Award was presented to Archbishop Desmond Tutu back in 2012 makes me feel truly humbled.”
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Feature Image: Carolyn Steyn
