Princess Aurelia Bongephiwe Mimi Zulu Nominated for the Clevenard Media Award 2025 (Spain)

• Princess Aurelia Bongephiwe Mimi Zulu
• Nominated for the Clevenard Media Award 2025
• Award Category: Lifetime Achievement in Education, Sports Leadership & Community Development
• Title: Former President of Netball South Africa | Educator | Community Development Leader | Advocate for Women & Youth Empowerment

Palma de Mallorca, Spain — In November 2025, the picturesque Mediterranean city of Palma de Mallorca will, for the first time, host the Clevenard Media Award 2025, an international celebration of excellence across entertainment, entrepreneurship, fashion, innovation, leadership, and community empowerment. This prestigious event, organized by Clevenard SL, will spotlight extraordinary individuals whose impact transcends borders and inspires generations.

Among this year’s distinguished nominees is Princess Aurelia Bongephiwe Mimi Zulu, a towering figure in education, sports leadership, and community development. Nominated in the Lifetime Achievement in Education, Sports Leadership & Community Development category, Princess Aurelia represents a legacy of resilience, visionary leadership, and service that has touched countless lives across South Africa, Africa, and beyond.

A Life Rooted in Values & Resilience

Born the third of ten children in a humble Catholic family, Princess Aurelia’s childhood was shaped by discipline, faith, and a profound respect for education. Though raised by subsistence farmers, she and her siblings were taught that “hard work warrants reward, and actions, good or bad, carry consequences.” These values became the compass guiding her extraordinary journey.

Early exposure to Catholic boarding schools gave her both quality education and a global perspective. She excelled in her studies, graduating among the top students, and went on to become the first in her family to attend university. She earned a Bachelor of Paedagogics, followed by Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where she was recognized with a Golden Key International Honor Society lifetime membership for academic excellence.

Educator, Innovator & Builder of Communities

Princess Aurelia spent over 16 years as an English teacher before moving into leadership as a school principal and later Inspector of Schools in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Overseeing 36 schools in deep rural areas, she transformed schools into centers of hope and empowerment, addressing unemployment, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and poverty. Under her leadership, schools became safe spaces where women, children, and youth could dream beyond social ills.

She was instrumental in founding new schools such as Old Mill High School and Siyakhanyisa Primary School, both of which continue to thrive today, impacting thousands of learners.

Government & Municipal Leadership

Between 2006 and 2012, Princess Aurelia served as Director of Community Services at Hlabisa Local Municipality, overseeing six key departments, including Waste Management, Public Libraries, Sports & Recreation, and Licensing Services. During this time, she achieved milestones such as:

• Establishing a fully equipped Public Library serving as a Math, Science, and Technology hub.
• Launching a Licensing Department & Vehicle Testing Center.
• Winning the Cleanest Town Award for the municipality.

Her leadership style — blending accountability with empowerment — earned her respect across both government and grassroots levels.

Transforming Sports & Championing Women in Leadership

Her most celebrated role came in the world of sports. In 2002, she joined Netball South Africa’s Executive Committee and later rose to become President of Netball South Africa (2005–2012), the highest office in the sport.

As President, she:

• Established the Netball Premier League, now the Telkom Netball League, providing a professional platform for women athletes.
• Secured broadcasting partnerships with Multichoice for continental and global reach.
• Formed critical alliances with sponsors like SPAR, who have been pioneers in supporting women’s sports.
• Initiated international competitions like the Diamond Challenge and the Quad Series (Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa).
• Championed the successful bid that led to South Africa hosting the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

She also served as Vice President of Africa Netball, spearheading efforts to develop African players and referees to world-class levels.

Her leadership earned her recognition as Administrator of the Year at both provincial and national levels, and she was listed among the 100 Most Influential People in South African Sport.

Humanitarian, Mentor & Farmer

Beyond her official roles, Princess Aurelia has always embodied selflessness and compassion. She:

• Established a vegetable seedling nursery and farming project to fight food insecurity while creating employment opportunities for youth and women.
• Supported schools and churches by donating seedlings, school materials, and food supplies.
• Raised children outside her own family, supporting their education and well-being.
• Mentored countless young women and athletes, inspiring them to break barriers.

Her personal mantras — “Be kind, expect nothing, never stop being kind” and “Do not allow yourself to be defined by where you come from” — have guided her lifelong mission to uplift others.

Recognition at the Clevenard Media Award 2025

The Clevenard Media Award 2025 nomination recognizes not only her professional achievements but also her enduring legacy as a trailblazer in education, a champion of women in sports, and a humanitarian who embodies service beyond self.

Her story exemplifies the Clevenard vision: celebrating leaders who create change, empower communities, and leave behind footprints of greatness for generations to follow.

Event Details

• Event: Clevenard Media Award 2025
• Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
• Venue: Calle Manacor, núm. 156, Palma 07007 Illes Balears, Spain
• Organizer: Clevenard SL (NIF B75809574)

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a pioneering international media and digital marketing company specializing in PR, networking, telecommunications, sourcing services, and consulting. With offices across Europe, Africa, and the UK, Clevenard is dedicated to promoting exceptional leaders, changemakers, and innovators, amplifying global voices through strategy, collaboration, and storytelling.

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Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811

Location:

Spain