Only NPOs that are fully verified and visible to donors on the iZinga Assist platform are eligible to apply for the awards.
A fully verified NPO is one that has achieved a 5-star verification status and received its Digital Verification Icon form iZinga Assist.
Being visible to donors means that both required Donation Tasks have been completed:
Background
Following the successful launch of the iZinga Assist Summit and Awards in 2025, and in response to numerous requests to repeat the event, this immensely beneficial occasion is now firmly established on the annual South African NPO calendar.
Aimed at bringing together the dynamic community of non-profit organisations and partners engaged on the iZinga Assist platform, the full-day event will feature thought-provoking sessions led by industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions designed to enhance operational efficiency, funding strategies, and social impact.
Following the day’s activities, the “Walk-the-Talk” NPO Excellence Awards in association with 702, held in partnership with Primedia Cares and iZinga Assist, will celebrate the remarkable achievements within the non-profit sector. The ceremony will recognise innovation, impact, and dedication across four distinct categories, culminating in the prestigious Nomatemba Tambo Top Citizen Award.
These events not only promise valuable professional development and networking opportunities but also serve as a vital platform to honour the tireless efforts of NPOs and their supporters in making a tangible difference across South Africa.
Hosted by popular Radio 702 personality, Bongani Bingwa, the annual Walk the Talk NPO Excellence Awards in association with 702, by Primedia Cares and iZinga Assist, recognise excellence among NPOs in four categories. Each winning NPO will receive:
Walk the Talk Innovation Award – Recognising creative approaches to solving social issues.
Walk the Talk Impact Award – For the NPO that has shown the most significant impact.
– The prize for this award also includes R30,000 in Impact Measurement and Management services from Relativ Impact
Walk the Talk Leadership Award – Recognising an individual or team for outstanding leadership within an NPO – passion and going the extra mile.
Walk the Talk Changemaker Award – Recognising individuals who turn intention into action and lead meaningful change in their communities.
In addition, the iZinga Assist Nomatemba Tambo Responsible Citizen Award – will be presented to a courageous individual who has stood up to corruption and money laundering, exposing it publicly with great risk to their own well-being.
Applications must be submitted before the 30 September 2026
Recognising creative, evidence-based solutions to South Africa’s social challenges
The Innovation Award honours an organisation that demonstrates a bold, creative, and effective approach to solving social challenges in South Africa. This award celebrates NPOs that go beyond traditional methods, developing new models, tools, systems, or practices that are rooted in evidence and designed to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Innovation may take many forms: introducing new service models, adapting global best practice to local realities, harnessing digital solutions, improving processes, or pioneering community‑driven approaches. What matters most is that the innovation is purposeful, impact‑oriented, and shows clear promise for scaling or replicability within the broader sector.
This category is for NPOs that respond to complex issues with insight, creativity and measurable improvements in both efficiency and outcomes.
Application Questions
(Maximum 300 words per question; total 1200 words)
Honouring individuals or teams who lead with integrity, courage and service
The Leadership Award recognises an individual leader or leadership team that demonstrates exceptional stewardship, ethical leadership and a deep commitment to service. These leaders model accountability, inspire teams, uphold strong organisational culture and ensure that their organisation consistently delivers high‑quality, community‑centred work.
This award honours leaders who ‘walk the talk’: those who respond to challenges with resilience, communicate with clarity and empathy and guide their organisations with vision, consistency and values‑based decision‑making. Leadership may be demonstrated formally (executive roles) or informally (grassroots or programmatic leadership).
Application Questions
(Maximum 300 words per question; total 1200 words)
Recognising measurable, meaningful and sustained social impact
The prize for this award also includes R30,000 in Impact Measurement and Management services from Relativ Impact
The Impact Award celebrates an NPO that demonstrates clear, significant and measurable improvements in the lives of the people and communities it serves. This category recognises organisations that use evidence and continuous learning to refine their work, strengthen outcomes and ensure that their efforts create lasting and positive change.
The award acknowledges strong monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) practices, data led decision-making and a commitment to reflecting, learning and improving over time. Winning organisations can show not only what they do but also how and why their work has resulted in real transformation/impact.
This award is for NPOs who prove that impact is intentional, measurable and central to everything they do.
Application Questions
(Maximum 300 words per question; total 1500 words)
Recognising NPO teams that turn intention into action, enabling meaningful change.
The Walk the Talk Changemakers Award celebrates NPO teams that embody the true spirit of walking the talk: those who lead through action, courage, and integrity to improve the well-being, resilience, and social fabric of communities.
This award recognises NPO teams that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to uplifting others, solving challenges, and strengthening social development. Their leadership may be quiet or bold, but it is always consistent, values-driven, and deeply rooted in community needs.
Application Questions
(Maximum 300 words per question; total 1200 words)
Only NPOs that are fully verified and visible to donors on the iZinga Assist platform are eligible to apply for the awards.
A fully verified NPO is one that has achieved a 5-star verification status and received its Digital Verification Icon form iZinga Assist.
Being visible to donors means that both required Donation Tasks have been completed:
