COPPERSTONE launched its inaugural competition with a purpose in 2011—an initiative aimed at giving back while celebrating remarkable individuals. The annual SA Bachelor & Bachelorette of the Year competition was created as a way to find South Africa’s most eligible bachelor or bachelorette, showcasing confidence, charm, and ambition.
Seven years later, we saw an opportunity for the competition to evolve into something even more meaningful—one that recognised not just charisma, but true humanitarian spirit. A humanitarian is someone who embodies selflessness, compassion, and a commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of others. They dedicate themselves to uplifting communities, advocating for those in need, and using their platform to drive positive change. With this shift, we aimed to honour individuals who not only shine socially but also exemplify kindness, generosity, and a passion for helping others. Seven years later, we wanted the competition to evolve into one where everyone who wanted to bring about change were eligible to enter. To do that, a name-change was needed. The SA Bachelor & Bachelorette winners are all compassionate, humane, unselfish, altruistic, generous, kind, sympathetic, charitable, philanthropic, public-spirited, socially concerned and seeking to promote human welfare. The competition’s new name encompassed all these qualities; the HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR competition.
While maintaining the energy, excitement, and prestige of the SA Bachelor & Bachelorette of the Year competition, we also wanted to build upon its legacy of philanthropy. Over the years, we worked tirelessly to support numerous charities and raise vital funds, strengthening our dedication to giving back to the community. As the competition continued to grow, we recognised the need for a more prestigious and fitting title—one that truly reflected the essence of this transformation.
Thus, our competition entered a new era, standing as a testament to the power of compassion and social impact, proving that true prestige comes not just from status, but from the ability to inspire and uplift others.
Our primary goal in producing philanthropic competitions has always been to make a meaningful difference and drive positive change in South Africa—while keeping our audiences engaged with imaginative, thought-provoking, and unexpected events that entertain, inspire, and delight.
As a company founded on the desire to create change, we have seamlessly integrated the charity campaigns and annual fundraising drives we initiated in 2011 through various corporate and media partnerships. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that our humanitarian efforts create a ripple effect, touching the lives of families and vulnerable communities, one person at a time.
We take immense pride in all that we have achieved through these competitions since 2011. With thousands of entries, hundreds of finalists, over 20 judges, more than 150 charity events, extensive media coverage—including televised broadcasts, live-streaming at our Gala events—and 16 incredible winners, we made the decision to conclude the competition on a high note. To continue innovating and staying relevant, we are now bringing our loyal COPPERSTONE audiences an exciting new venture with COPPERSTONE House, alongside the expansion of our much-loved Talent Search SA competition.
Humanitarianism is, arguably, the most significant “ism” in today’s world. While charity and philanthropy are often seen as voluntary acts of kindness, we view humanitarianism as a duty—an obligation we must fulfil while we inhabit this planet. Perhaps it is a blend of kindness and duty—a gift we are simply compelled to give.
Our gratitude is immeasurable. To every individual who contributed to making this competition possible and helped us in our mission to bring about change—we thank you. To the contestants, judges, sponsors, celebrities, members of the press, performers, MCs, and past winners—your support and dedication to humanitarianism have been invaluable. Seeing past participants continue their charitable work beyond the competition is a testament to the ripple effect we aspired to create, touching the lives of those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, disabled, or suffering from illness, abuse, and neglect.
Gratitude helps us reflect on our past, find peace in the present, and shape a vision for the future. Our final words of appreciation go to all our past winners: THANK YOU! We are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished, and we celebrate the difference you continue to make in the lives of others.
COPPERSTONE 