Honouring the Heroes of Parys

As Parys celebrates 150 years, it is also an opportunity to recognise the people who have helped shape the town and its communities over the years.

The Parys 150 Heroes represent many different walks of life. They have contributed through community service, sport, business, education, culture, music and the arts. Some have dedicated decades to the town, while others have created opportunities for young people, supported those in need or simply been there when their community needed them.

Together, their stories form part of the story of Parys.

A Lifetime of Service

At 87 years old, Mr Hennie Stander has given more than 60 years of dedicated service to Parys. He also chaired the organising committee for the town’s centenary celebrations in 1976.
Mr Wynand Nel is known for always being ready to answer the call, whether responding to accidents, fires, emergencies or helping people in need. His service to the community has been given without expectation of anything in return.
Mr Braam Celliers has devoted countless hours to Parys and its people. His name has become synonymous with Mooi Parys and the Ngwathe Warriors, reflecting his long standing involvement and commitment to the town.
Sandra Uys is similarly closely associated with Rotary Parys, Plum Tree and the Parys Crater Street Mile. Through her service and dedication, she has helped these initiatives become established parts of the community.
Mrs Corrie Bouwer, at 92 years of age, continues to have a heart for the people of Parys. She is synonymous with Glennifer and its contribution to providing housing for people on low incomes.

Giving Parys a Voice
Communities are shaped not only by those who serve directly, but also by those who tell their stories and help connect people.

Liezl Scheepers has consistently told the stories of Parys and its people through professional and dedicated journalism. In 2026 alone, she has received three prestigious awards, recognising her contribution to journalism.
Professor Graeme Addison, known as the Riverman, has played an important role in sharing the story of the Vaal River and Vredefort Dome. A renowned author, National Tour Guide and expert on the Vredefort Dome, he is also recognised for pioneering whitewater rafting in South Africa.

Their work helps ensure that the stories, places and people of Parys continue to be shared.

Creativity, Culture and the Arts
Parys has a rich creative community, and several of the heroes recognised during the Parys 150 celebrations have dedicated their lives to music, art, fashion and cultural development.

Werner Dey is a name synonymous with haute couture in Parys, marking 30 years of contribution to the town in 2026. Tienie Boshoff has also taken Parys’ fashion talent to a national stage, including creating the Mrs World national costume.
Erna Rademan has touched generations through her work nurturing a love for music and creative expression.
Bra Lefty, a legendary musician, producer and mentor, has a long association with Gallo Records and has helped keep music alive for generations of artists.
Mr Paul Zange is recognised for his contribution to the performing, visual and fine arts, while continuing to inspire young people through the arts. Mr Goli Rampa has also contributed to the performing arts and the cultural life of the community.
Dr Stoffo Mosia, an artist, composer and guitarist, has added to the cultural richness of Parys through his music and creativity. Rasta Phillip has contributed to the town’s vibrant musical culture, while Bro Dominic has shared his talents as a dancer and musician.
The work of Mr Aaron Masilo as a choir conductor and mentor has helped develop generations of school and community talent.
Machini Kamete has combined community development, Pantsula, youth development and the arts through his work, including as a co-founder of Partuma Theatre Productions.
Mr Velile Zwayi, as a cultural facilitator at the Fezile Dabi Art Centre, and Mr Japhta Makhalemele, Assistant Director at the centre, have both contributed to the development and promotion of arts and culture in the region.
Baba Tjeko has brought new life to traditional Basotho Ditema mural art through bold and contemporary works, connecting heritage with contemporary artistic expression.

Creating Opportunities for Young People
Many of Parys’ heroes have dedicated their work to giving young people opportunities, purpose and positive spaces to grow.

Mr Edgar Legoale has worked to keep young people away from drugs and the streets, while creating opportunities for youth and restoring dignity through initiatives such as donating school shoes.
His Royal Highness King Michael Maliele continues to champion the development of Tumahole, with a focus on youth empowerment, education, employment and environmental initiatives.
Mr Pule Nhlapo, leader and conductor of the Tumahole Youth Brass Band, uses music to inspire young people and keep them positively engaged.
Coach Nonhlanhla Kgaudi founded the Parys Panthers in 2014, using basketball as a way to empower young people and keep them away from the streets and drugs.
Mr Japhta Makhalemele and Mr Velile Zwayi also contribute to creating access to arts and cultural opportunities for the community.

Sport as a Pathway
Sport has long been an important part of community life in Parys, and several of the Parys 150 Heroes have helped create opportunities through sport.

Coach Nonhlanhla Kgaudi has used basketball to provide young people with structure, opportunity and a positive environment.
Rabbi Nkoane is recognised as a pioneer of football in Parys and was the first player from the town to play for a professional team, helping inspire future generations of footballers.
Gloria Tu is a former Banyana Banyana football player, representing another sporting connection between Parys and the national stage.

Caring for Others
Some of the most important contributions to a community happen quietly, often without recognition.

Sanette Boonzaaier dedicates herself to caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society, taking on work that can be difficult and unseen.
Reverend Makhalima, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, trained in theology in Egypt and played an active role during the struggle against apartheid. His story reflects the role of faith, leadership and service within the community.
Sipho Dinku uses his experience as a motivational speaker to educate and encourage people about HIV and AIDS, sharing the message that the diagnosis is not a death sentence while motivating others to live positively.

Celebrating the People Behind Parys
The Parys 150 Heroes represent different generations, professions, communities and areas of contribution. Their stories may be different, but they share something important: each has played a role in making Parys what it is today.

Some have served for decades. Some have opened doors for young people. Others have preserved culture, created art, built sporting opportunities, supported vulnerable people or shared the stories of the town.

As Parys celebrates 150 years, recognising these individuals is also a way of recognising the values of community, service, creativity and resilience that continue to shape the town.

To each of the Parys 150 Heroes: thank you for your contribution, your dedication and the part you have played in the story of Parys.

Your stories are part of our history.