The person who wins the honour need not be famous. They could come from a number of disciplines such as sport, entertainment and business or they could simply be movers or shakers for the “spirit of humanity”.
Williams says there are two underpinning themes to the concept: “The first is our 20 years of democracy and the achievements we’ve made. The second is the idea of being proudly South African. Of being patriotic.”
ANN7 and The New Age provincial bureaux will be charged with tracking down the candidates and telling their stories. It should make good content for the TV show. The search will culminate in an awards ceremony in September. Leading media personalities and editors will assist in nominating candidates. They include Chris Whitfield, Paula Fray, Mathatha Tsedu, Moshoeshoe Monare, Yusuf Abramjee and Mike Siluma. Each will head a panel that will draw up lists of candidates.
The public will get a say in the final voting process with more details to follow.
SABC 3 in 2004 launched a series looking for 100 Great South Africans. It was hosted by Noeleen Maholwana Sangqu and Denis Beckett. But it was mired in controversy when some of the nominees, mostly long departed, were regarded as being less than great by large portions of the population. Hendrik Verwoerd, for example, received more votes than Chief Albert Luthuli.
Williams says the editors in charge of the selections are independent of the awards and that KPMG will be audit the process.
With some luck it won’t be rigged – but this is Africa, remember… – Ed.
