This past Friday, 12 September, our founder, Michael-Daniel Bam, had the privilege of spending the Michael Daniel Bam Foundation’s first birthday at the Western Cape Government's Service Excellence Awards, accompanied by our Chairperson, Prof. Armand Bam.

Michael-Daniel was deeply honoured to be recognised as both the youngest nominee and the youngest finalist at the awards - a milestone that reflects not just his journey, but the collective spirit of our Foundation and its belief in rising by lifting others.

The evening also served as an invaluable opportunity to meet and connect with inspiring individuals, including Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde, First Lady of the Western Cape Tracy Winde, Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie, comedian Alfred Adriaan, and many others who are committed to driving change and excellence in our province.

We are grateful for the recognition, for the voices we connected with, and for the continued chance to impact lives through our work. As we celebrate one year of the Foundation, moments like these remind us that collaboration and connection are essential to building a more equitable future.