Hankook’s Guy Heywood awarded the 2021 Victor Simfukwe Award

During our recent annual Showcase event on the 9^th November 2021, we announced the winner of the Victor Simfukwe Award, which was created in memory of our friend and colleague Victor Simfukwe, who passed away in 2019.

The award in his name is our way of honouring Victor’s legacy by recognising those who have made an outstanding contribution to Transaid’s mission over the past year.

Victor Simfukwe

The winner of the Victor Simfukwe Award was announced by our chair of Transaid’s Board, Jo Godsmark and awarded to Guy Heywood, director of sales and marketing for Europe at Hankook. Transaid has been Hankook’s charity partner since 2006 and in the past year, Guy has participated in a number of fundraising events, raising funds for Transaid’s programmes and helping to make a real impact on lives in sub-Saharan Africa.

Transaid’s project officer, Shadi Ambrosini was awarded the ‘highly commended’ prize this year in recognition of his outstanding commitments to multiple projects, bringing a fresh perspective alongside thorough research.

Jo commented: “Over the last eighteen months with events cancelled, Guy has designed several of his own challenges involving running the London Marathon virtually and cycling 503km across Malawi from his living room.”

“He has championed Transaid’s work within his company and provided valuable inputs as part of the road safety advisory board.”

It came as a surprise to Guy as he was not aware that he had been nominated for the award. “I am truly humbled to be associated with Victor and to be awarded the Victor Simfukwe award for 2021,” said Guy. “I know all nominees, and those not fortunate to be selected for the short list, have done amazing work in 2021, so I accept this recognition on behalf of all in the teams (Ambassadors, Transaid staff and project personnel) who are carrying on with Victor’s lifesaving, changing and enriching work, with a smile on their faces.”

Guy adds: “During the many events this year, I experienced some tough times and it was how much benefit the sponsorship will deliver, which made it tolerable. I can say that I was smiling for the last metres of my swims, runs and cycle rides. These smiles came from knowing the event was over but also from knowing that the money raised will be used to make people’s lives better.”

“It is a smiling Victor I always picture in mind when I think of him. I know his legacy is secure, in his projects and also the positive and ‘can do’ attitude he promoted in all teams he worked in since 2007.”

We would also like to thank our corporate partners, BigChange, for supporting the Victor Simfukwe Award again this year.

Well done to our winners and all those who were nominated this year. We hope that the 2021 Victor Simfukwe Awards has inspired you and don’t forget to nominate people next year who are making exceptional contributions to furthering Transaid’s mission.

A full list of the nominees can be found below.

Victor Simfukwe Award Nominees 2021

Guy Heywood – Sales Director, Hankook

Guy was nominated for doing a phenomenal job of promoting Transaid and keeping fundraising going throughout the national lockdowns. Not only has Guy used his influence and knowledge to carry out his voluntary role as a Transaid ambassador, but he has also participated in a number of incredibly challenging events.

Shadi Ambrosini – Project Officer, Transaid    

Shadi was recognised for embracing his new role as project officer and the increased responsibility that has come with it. He brings a fresh perspective and thorough research to the programmes that he contributes to. His input is logical, intelligent and he is always quick to respond. He has earned the respect of his colleagues and has quite rightly been rewarded with a lead role in some of Transaid’s work on women and transport.

Auxilia Piringondo – Director for Development Data Zambia

Auxilla was nominated for her lead role in conducting essential research into public transport and last mile connectivity in Lusaka. This research will help decision makers to design transport systems that better serve the needs of a wide range of people who live in Lusaka. Auxilia secured approval for the research, led a team of researchers who interviewed over 1000 people and provided a survey report all within a 6 week period whilst navigating COVID-19 safely for her team and during elections.

James Keeler – PR consultant to Transaid

James was recognised for his commitment to supporting Transaid via pro bono PR support since 2001. James himself works tirelessly to promote and support Transaid’s work, always goes the extra mile and never says no to any request. He was also fundamental in supporting the Transaid team during Cycle Zambia, and still continues to provide moral support to members of the senior management team on a regular basis.

Dan Lamb – Passenger Transport Sales Manager, Michelin

Dan was nominated for his outstanding commitment and support to Transaid. He is a committed Transaid cyclist and has completed six cycle challenges for Transaid raising almost 20,000 pounds. He is always smiling and positive, even when the cycling gets really tough and is an inspiration for many of the fellow riders.

Ernest Chanda – Technical Co-ordinator, Mam at Scale

Ernest was nominated for his tireless commitment to the MAM@Scale and MAMaZ Against Malaria programmes. He has been recognised as a role model and ambassador for empowering development and he treats all stakeholders with the utmost respect.

Kurtis Aspden – Software/Hardware expert, Industry Training Centre (ITC) Simulator

Kurtis was commended for his instrumental involvement in the software configuration for the ITC simulator as well as being on call for the IT department and writing SOP.

Rob Butchart – Supply Chain Coordinator, LDH La Doria 

Rob was nominated for his outstanding commitment to fundraising for Transaid. He recently completed LeJog on his own which is a fantastic achievement and a true test of strength and commitment.

Dennis Simuyuni – Project Manager 

Dennis was nominated for his dedication to the MAM at Scale programme and his passion and determination.

Sarah Nanyangwe & Clinton Machila – Trainers

Sarah and Clinton were nominated for their instrumental involvement in the PtD/Last Mile project reaching its targets on time and to a high standard. They wrestled medical stores into the training during lockdowns, travelled up-country to reach remote provincial hubs and rewrote the content for new learners enrolling at the ITC. Their work helped to inform the new Ghana HGV curriculum, which will be taught later this year.

Florence Bearman – Head of Fundraising, Transaid

Florence was recognised for her tireless commitment and dedication to leading Transaid’s fundraising team during a challenging period.

Sam Clark – Head of Programmes, Transaid

Sam was nominated for his commitment to multiple programmes, supporting the work of the entire department and his effective coordination with partners and stakeholders. In a year where the world stood still, he both delivered and expanded the involvement of Transaid in the field. The example of the work on the National Helmet Coalition in Kenya is an illustration of Sam’s qualities. It is a huge piece of teamwork, and Sam delivered it with expert coordination, diplomacy and discipline throughout.

Jason Finch – Project Manager, Transaid

Jason was nominated for his invaluable work in furthering Transaid’s safety programmes this year. He has worked tirelessly throughout challenging COVID-19 restrictions and gone above and beyond on his trips to lay the groundwork to make the programmes a success. He has acted as a vital conduit between the fundraising team and implementing partners in Africa.

Kim van der Weijde – Project Manager, Transaid 

Kim was commended for her outstanding commitment to furthering Transaid’s mission.  She has played a key role in ground-breaking research into trafficking in people in Tanzania and Uganda, supported access to health programmes in Madagascar and has recently been instrumental in securing a large new grant to support and protect cross border drivers in Uganda. Kim is always keen to support with new projects or initiatives to further Transaid’s mission.