Nominations
Beacon of Hope Awards – Selection Criteria
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES
Nominations are by invitation or based on merit.
- Recognized for making a significant global impact in literature, mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, or social change.
- Demonstrates exceptional resilience, leadership, or transformation through personal or professional contributions.
- By merit or invitation only, based on public recognition, influence, or body of work.
LOCAL CATEGORIES (Nomination-Based) Criteria
Open to individuals or organizations based on the following criteria:
- Impact
- Demonstrated commitment to creating positive change within their community.
- Evidence of tangible outcomes in mental health, education, suicide prevention, literature or social advocacy.
- Inspiration
- Personal story or journey serves as a source of hope and courage to others.
- Demonstrates values of resilience, compassion, and authenticity.
- Leadership & Service
- Has taken initiative to lead or support community programs, outreach, or awareness campaigns.
- Engaged in collaborative, sustainable efforts that uplift others.
- Innovation in Advocacy
- Introduced or supported creative solutions to address mental health, equality, or social justice issues.
- Uses storytelling, education, or advocacy to shift mindsets and policies.
Key Dates
Awards Ceremony: December 2025
Nominations Open: 1st September 2025
Nominations Close: 30th September
Email Submissions to: kelly@kellymarkey.com
Judging Concludes: 15 October 2025
Winners Announced: 6 December 2025 (At the event)
Costs
Nomination Cost: R1000
Reference: Include your Name and Surname
Payment Method: Via QR Code
List of Awards
Beacon of HOPE Award of Excellence 2025 (Main Award, Merit)
- Book of the Year (Merit)
- Poet of Purpose (Merit)
- Resilient Leader (Merit)
- Community Impact (Merit)
- Storytelling Excellence (Merit)
- Literary Hope
- Voice of Change
- Inspirational Author
- Humanitarian
- Fuels the Soul
- Social Justice
- Voice for the Voiceless
- Publishing for Purpose
- Championing Change
- Words That Heal
Note: Winners must attend in person or make own arrangements to have the award shipped internationally.
What Winners Receive
Winning a Beacon of Hope Award is more than an accolade—it’s a global platform for impact.
Prestigious Global Recognition
Join an elite circle of internationally honoured changemakers.
Powerful Brand Association
Align your name with the credibility and influence of Beacon of Hope.
International Press Release
Professionally crafted announcement distributed to global media.
Ambassador of Hope Title
The honour of representing the movement’s mission worldwide.
Anthology Feature
Opportunity to be showcased in the next Beacon of Hope anthology.
Global Marketing Exposure
Feature in high-impact international campaigns.
Magazine Spotlight
Appear in the Beacon of Hope Award Magazine (print & digital).
Expanded Global Reach
Your story shared with thousands across continents.
Local Media Coverage
Targeted publicity in South African media outlets.
Powerful Networking
Connect with authors, leaders, and visionaries making real change.
Podcast Feature
Opportunity to be featured on “Amplified with Kelly Markey” an international podcast.
Legacy Promotion
Continued visibility through Beacon of Hope platforms.
Your story does not just win—it inspires, transforms, and lives on as a beacon for others. Let’s honour the unsung heroes. The voices of HOPE. The change-makers. Because every act of courage deserves to be seen.
Judging Panel
TBC
Additional Costs
6 December
Award Ceremony and Dinner: R800
Accommodation per night (Twin Share): R1000
Accommodation per night (Single PP): R1295
Award Magazine Preorder: R200
7 December
3 Hour Bonamanzi Game Drive (06h00 and 15h30): R550 PP
8 December
Day Conference: R550 PP
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Drive (Includes Bush Braai & Hippo Boat Cruise): R900 PP
Contact LifeLine Zululand for the above-mentioned bookings and payments