Awards Dinner
25 March 2026
18h00 for 18h30 | Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel, Centurion
Night at the Oscars
Mel Jones
Our MC
Bringing her signature energy, wit and warmth to the stage, Mel Jones will also serve as MC for the SAFFA Awards Dinner.
An award-winning comedian, seasoned MC and accomplished broadcaster, Mel is known for her ability to read a room, connect with diverse audiences and keep proceedings flowing effortlessly. With a background that spans radio, television, corporate events and international stages, she brings professionalism balanced with humour and genuine presence.
Whether steering a formal programme or adding lightness at just the right moment, Mel ensures the evening is engaging, polished and memorable; the perfect guide for celebrating excellence at the SAFFA Awards.
Lynelle Kenned
Gala Dinner Entertainment
Lynelle Kenned will captivate guests with an unforgettable live performance at the SAFFA Awards Dinner, bringing artistry, elegance and personality to the evening’s celebration.
A highly accomplished soprano and television presenter, Lynelle is a graduate of the UCT Opera School and an award-winning performer whose career spans theatre, television and live stages locally and abroad. Renowned for her expressive voice and magnetic stage presence, she has starred in leading productions including West Side Story, The Sound of Music and La Bohème.
With her versatility and natural ability to connect with an audience, Lynelle will elevate the gala evening, creating moments that are both entertaining and emotionally resonant; a fitting soundtrack to a night of recognition and achievement.
Time
Programme item
Details
18:00
Arrival & red-carpet welcome
• Guest arrival, welcome drinks and registration
• Red-carpet photos with Oscars-style backdrop
• Ambient music
• Seating call from 18:25
18:30
Official welcome & scene setting
• MC welcome and housekeeping
• Framing the evening: Celebrating the stars of Facilities Management
18:40
Musical set 1
Elegant, cinematic opening performance
18:45
Starters served
19:10 – 19:30
Awards block 1
1. Up-and-Coming SME of the Year
2. Young Achiever
3. Community Impact Award
19:30
Musical set 2
Light, upbeat transition into dinner energy
19:35 – 19:55
Awards block 2
4. Health, Safety & Wellness Initiative of the Year
5. Innovation in Facilities Management
6. Sustainability Champion of the Year
20:00
Dinner service
• Main course served
• MC light table touches and acknowledgements
• Background music
20:25
Musical set 3
Relaxed, elegant performance during dining
20:45 – 21:20
Awards block 3
7. Women in FM Recognition Award
8. Leadership in FM
9. Best FM Service Provider
21:20
Closing formalities & dessert served
• Final acknowledgements
• Thanking nominees, judges, partners and guests
• Official close of awards programme
21:30
Musical set 4
• Relax and celebrate
• Networking session
22:30
Conference Close
Be part of an unforgettable evening honouring excellence in our industry!
Tickets starting at R750pp
Honouring Excellence in
Facilities Management
The SAFMA Awards celebrate the outstanding individuals, teams, and organisations who are raising the bar in the Facilities Management
profession in South Africa. These annual awards shine a spotlight on innovation, leadership, and impact, recognising those who are shaping the future of the built environment and inspiring progress across the
industry.
We’re proud to present a refreshed set of categories designed to reflect the diversity, creativity, and commitment driving FM today.
Whether you’re early in your career, leading transformative projects, or championing sustainability, there’s a category that showcases your achievements.

Leadership in FM
Celebrating visionary leaders driving industry success and mentoring future talent.

Innovation in Facilities Management
Celebrating fresh ideas, services, or technologies transforming FM practices.

Health, Safety & Wellness Initiative of the Year
Highlighting proactive initiatives that enhance wellbeing in facilities.

Sustainability Champion of the Year
Honouring those advancing environmental stewardship in FM.

Best FM Service Provider
Honouring outsourced providers delivering excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.

Young Achiever
Recognising exceptional FM professionals aged 35 or under who are making a measurable impact.

Women in FM Recognition Award
Spotlighting women leading change, breaking barriers, and inspiring excellence.

Community Impact Award
Recognising FM-led initiatives that create lasting positive change in communities.

Up-and-Coming SME of the Year
Celebrating SME's making a remarkable impact within the FM sector.
Join us as we announce the winners at the SAFMA Awards Dinner, held during the unmissable SAFMA Conference 2026