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 come from 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, nurtured talent 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 Parys’ centenary celebrations in 1976.
Mr Wynand Nel is always ready to answer the call, day or night. From accidents and fires to emergencies and helping those in need, he serves the community without expecting anything in return.
Mr Braam Celliers has devoted countless hours to Parys and its people. His name is synonymous with Mooi Parys and the Ngwathe Warriors, reflecting his passion and commitment to the town.
Sandra Uys is synonymous with Rotary Parys, Plum Tree and the Parys Crater Street Mile. Through her selfless service, these initiatives have become institutions in the town.
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.

These are stories of service built over many years, demonstrating the lasting impact that individuals can have on their communities.

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 the people of Parys through professional and dedicated journalism. In 2026 alone, she has received three prestigious awards, recognising her work and contribution.
Professor Graeme Addison, known as the Riverman, is a renowned author, National Tour Guide and expert on the Vredefort Dome. He is also recognised for pioneering whitewater rafting in South Africa.

Through journalism, writing, guiding and storytelling, both have helped share the stories, places and people that form part of the identity of Parys and the surrounding area.

Creativity, Culture and the Arts
Parys has a rich creative community, with many of its heroes making lasting contributions through music, art, fashion, dance and cultural development.

Werner Dey is a name synonymous with haute couture in Parys. In 2026, he marks 30 years of contribution to the town, bringing style and creativity to the community.
Tienie Boshoff is another of Parys’ talented fashion designers whose creativity has reached the national stage, including through the creation of the Mrs World national costume.
Erna Rademan has touched generations of people and played an important role in nurturing a love for music and creative expression.
Bra Lefty is a legendary musician, producer and mentor to many artists, with a long association with Gallo Records. His contribution has helped keep music alive in the community.
Mr Paul Zange is recognised as a legend of the performing, visual and fine arts and as a community builder who continues to inspire young people through the arts.
Mr Goli Rampa has contributed to the performing arts and enriched the cultural life of the community, helping to keep the performing arts alive in Parys.
Dr Stoffo Mosia, an artist, composer and guitarist, has contributed to the cultural richness of the community through his music and artistic talent.
Rasta Phillip has contributed to the vibrant musical culture of Parys, while Bro Dominic has shared his talents as a dancer and musician, adding to the town’s creative energy and cultural expression.
Mr Aaron Masilo, a choir conductor and mentor, has helped develop generations of school and community talent, giving young voices a platform.
Machini Kamete has contributed as a community developer, legendary Pantsula dancer, youth and arts developer and co-founder of Partuma Theatre Productions. His work demonstrates how culture and the arts can be used to empower young people.
Mr Velile Zwayi, a cultural facilitator at the Fezile Dabi Art Centre, helps connect people with culture and the arts, while Mr Japhta Makhalemele, Assistant Director at the centre, contributes to the development and promotion of arts and culture in the region.
Baba Tjeko, a celebrated South African multidisciplinary artist, has brought new life to traditional Basotho Ditema mural art through bold and contemporary works. His work helps preserve heritage while taking it into the future.

Creating Opportunities for Young People
For many of the Parys 150 Heroes, working with young people has been an important part of their contribution to the community.

Mr Edgar Legoale has helped 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 work has made him a role model and champion for young people.
His Royal Highness King Michael Maliele continues to champion the development of Tumahole, with a strong 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, giving youth music, purpose and opportunity.
Coach Nonhlanhla Kgaudi founded the Parys Panthers in 2014. Through basketball, she has created opportunities for young people and worked to keep them away from the streets and drugs.

Sport and the Next Generation
Sport has long been part of community life in Parys, providing opportunities for young people to develop skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.

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. His journey helped open the way for future generations of footballers.
Gloria Tu is a former Banyana Banyana football player, representing another sporting connection between Parys and the national stage.
Mr Ewan Stoltz is recognised for his achievements in underwater hockey, representing the Springboks at Under 24 level. His recognition as a Parys hero is particularly meaningful as he and his grandfather both received the Hero of Parys token of appreciation on the same day, connecting generations through the celebration of community contribution and achievement.

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. Her role is often difficult and unseen, yet her work provides care and support to those who need it most.
Reverend Makhalima, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, trained in theology in Egypt and played an active role during the struggle against apartheid. His contribution reflects a commitment to leadership, faith and service.
Mr Sipho Dinku, through the Sipho Dinku Foundation, works as an HIV/AIDS activist and motivational speaker. He encourages people living with HIV/AIDS and shares the message that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. His work also includes caring for young people affected by nyaope and encouraging people to take their antiretroviral medication. His contribution highlights the importance of compassion, education and encouragement within a community.

Celebrating the People Behind Parys
The 30 Parys 150 Heroes represent different generations, professions, communities and areas of contribution. Their stories are different, but each person has played a role in shaping the Parys community.

Some have dedicated decades to service. Others have created opportunities for young people, developed sporting talent, supported vulnerable people, nurtured artists and musicians, preserved cultural traditions or shared the stories of the town.

Together, their contributions reflect the many different ways people can make a difference.

As Parys celebrates 150 years, honouring these individuals is also a way of recognising the community values that have helped shape the town over generations.

To each of the Parys 150 Heroes, thank you for your service, your dedication and the contribution you have made to Parys.

Your stories are part of our history, and your contributions are part of the story of Parys.