Clevenard to Honour CORNET THABISO MAMABOLO at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition and Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition in Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that internationally acclaimed South African actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community developer Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo will receive a Prestigious Honorary Award during the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos, Alicante, Spain.

The honorary recognition will be presented on Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition, the flagship awards ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project, held alongside the International Fashion Runway. The awards celebrate visionary global leaders whose work transcends borders and creates meaningful social, economic and cultural impact.

In addition to receiving this distinguished honour, Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo will deliver a keynote address during the Global Tourism & International Film Celebration on Day Three (29 August 2026), where he will share his remarkable journey of transforming passion into purpose through entertainment, entrepreneurship and rural development.

A Visionary Leader Transforming Communities

Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo is one of South Africa's most accomplished multi-disciplinary professionals—an award-winning actor, producer, entrepreneur, business executive, philanthropist and community developer whose influence extends across the entertainment, financial services, tourism and education sectors.

Internationally recognised for his iconic portrayal of Tbose Maputla in SABC 1's award-winning television drama Skeem Saam, Cornet has built an extraordinary career that extends far beyond the screen. Today, he is celebrated as a visionary leader committed to empowering communities through education, entrepreneurship, tourism and sustainable economic development.

Born and raised in Ga-Molepo, Limpopo, Cornet's passion for community transformation was shaped by his childhood. As a young boy, he spent countless days exploring the majestic Ga-Molepo mountains with friends, sliding down natural waterfalls carved into giant rocks and watching the women of the village wash clothes along the nearby riverbanks.

Years later, he returned to those same mountains only to discover that the once vibrant landscape had become neglected and overgrown, visited mainly by farmers and cattle herders. Seeing the area through the eyes of an adult inspired a bold vision—to restore its beauty and unlock its untapped tourism potential while creating lasting opportunities for local communities.

That childhood dream would eventually become reality.

From Performer to Global Entrepreneur

Cornet later relocated to Johannesburg to complete his education before enrolling for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts and African Languages at the University of the Witwatersrand, specialising in directing, drama, film, writing and performance.

Although his rapidly growing acting career interrupted his studies, he later expanded his expertise into financial services by obtaining qualifications in Risk Management, Business Management, Legal Framework and Short-Term Insurance through Milpark Business School.

Today, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Key Individual of Digni Financial Services, successfully balancing leadership in business with an internationally recognised career in the performing arts.

Through rigorous training and dedication, Cornet established himself as an acclaimed performer, director and writer, earning international recognition by the age of 25. His work has taken him across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, while collaborations with the Ibsen Theatre Company, Chipawo World and the Market Theatre have further established his reputation as a creative leader.

His theatre productions include Studying Under The Barrel Of A Gun, Revolution Between My Thighs, Zimbo!, Township Fever, The Republic, Viva Gomora and Zabalaza. His television and film credits include Skeem Saam, The River, 2020 Orlando East, and the Showmax feature Love Heist.

Beyond acting, he also served as Executive Producer of the acclaimed youth activism film Studying Under The Barrel Of A Gun, which premiered at Ster-Kinekor Cinemas.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Throughout his career, Cornet has consistently received national recognition for excellence and leadership.

Among his achievements are:

• Recipient of the Wits School of Arts Award and Scholarship for Most Promising Student in Movement and Performance.
• Principal actor on the award-winning television drama Skeem Saam.
• Semi-finalist in South Africa's Next Top Filmmaker Festival.
• Founder of the Young Artists Festival at Joburg Theatre.
• Ambassador for the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Voter Education Campaign.
• CEO of Digni Financial Services.
• Voted South Africa's Most Popular Actor.
• Brand Ambassador for Cutty Africa.
• Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador.
• Executive Producer of Studying Under The Barrel Of A Gun.

Creating Lasting Social Impact

While Cornet's success in entertainment and business is remarkable, it is his commitment to rural development that truly distinguishes his legacy.

Through the Cornet Mamabolo Foundation, he has transformed lives by investing in education, youth development and community infrastructure.

Among his flagship initiatives are:

• Establishing and donating the Cornet Mamabolo Foundation Community Library in Ga-Molepo.
• Leading Mathematics and Science programmes benefiting more than 60,000 learners across Limpopo in partnership with REDFEST and supported by the Department of Science and Technology through SASSTA.
• Recognition by President Cyril Ramaphosa for his philanthropic contribution to South African communities.
• Recognition by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Presidency as a Young Trailblazer.

Revitalising Rural Tourism

Inspired by the memories of his childhood, Cornet transformed his vision into reality with the creation of Mabodibane Resort in Maripathekong, Ga-Molepo.

Officially opened in December 2023 after nearly two years of development, the resort has become one of Limpopo's emerging tourism destinations.

Nestled within breathtaking natural surroundings, Mabodibane Resort offers visitors a unique combination of adventure and relaxation through hiking, quad biking, camping, paintball, outdoor recreation and a vibrant farmers' market.

More importantly, the resort has become an economic catalyst for the region, creating employment opportunities while positioning Ga-Molepo as an attractive tourism destination.

Building a Legacy Through Education

Continuing his mission to transform rural communities, Cornet reached another historic milestone in 2025 with the establishment of Shandalea College, an accredited artisan testing and training institution located in Ga-Molepo.

The college was created to provide accredited vocational education and practical skills training for young people from rural communities while addressing South Africa's growing demand for qualified artisans.

Cornet describes the project as the greatest fulfilment of his life and a gift to his younger self.

Reflecting on the achievement, he said:

"Grateful forever… God has been great. It's always fulfilling to establish projects that are making someone's tomorrow better. This one right here is a gift to myself as a young boy. An economic spinner in my village and neighbouring communities."

Today, Shandalea College stands as a symbol of hope, opportunity and sustainable rural development.

Together with the Community Library and Mabodibane Resort, it represents Cornet's unwavering belief that meaningful change begins by investing in one's own community.

An Honour Worth Celebrating

The Clevenard Global Awards recognise individuals whose leadership inspires transformation across industries and continents.

Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo embodies these values through his exceptional achievements in entertainment, entrepreneurship, education, tourism and community development.

His life's work demonstrates that true leadership is measured not merely by personal success, but by the lives transformed and opportunities created for others.

His recognition at the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition celebrates a remarkable journey of resilience, innovation and service—one that continues to inspire a new generation of African leaders and global changemakers.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition is a four-day international flagship forum themed:

"A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection."

The event convenes heads of state, policymakers, diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, tourism leaders, business executives and cultural ambassadors from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and beyond to promote dialogue, international collaboration and sustainable development.

Programme Highlights

• Day 1 – 27 August 2026

Global Authors' Recognition

International Education Summit

• Day 2– 28 August 2026

Global Economy , Trade, Agriculture, Solid Minerals, and Investment Summit

• Day 3 – 29 August 2026

Global Tourism & International Film Celebration

Keynote Address by Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo

• Day Four – 30 August 2026

Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition - International Fashion Runway & Presentation of the Honorary Award to Cornet Thabiso Mamabolo

Event Information

• Dates: 27–30 August 2026
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49 03013 Alicante, Spain

Media & Event Enquiries

• Phone: +34 631 279 811 +34 672 931 216
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Organiser: Clevenard SL
• NIF: B75809574

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses and opportunities through media, technology, international events and strategic partnerships.

Its mission is to connect the world, amplify voices and create opportunities that transform lives by fostering cultural exchange, economic collaboration and sustainable global development.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34 672 93 12 16