18/10/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
EDGAR LEGOALE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES CHAIRPERSON’S NOMINATION AMONG THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL FREE STATERS
18 October 2026
Parys, Free State
The Edgar Legoale Foundation is proud to announce and celebrate the nomination of its Founder and Chairperson, Mr Edgar Curtis Legoale, for recognition among the 100 Most Influential Free Staters, an initiative that celebrates individuals whose leadership, influence and contributions continue to make a meaningful difference across the Free State Province.
The nomination represents another significant milestone in the leadership journey of Mr Legoale, whose contributions to community development, youth empowerment, education, sports development, entrepreneurship, tourism promotion and economic transformation continue to leave a meaningful impact on communities across the province.
This nomination follows his recent recognition as one of the 2026 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, under the Sport, Tourism & Hospitality category, a national recognition celebrating young South Africans who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and meaningful contributions within their respective sectors.
For the Edgar Legoale Foundation, these recognitions represent more than personal achievements. They reflect years of dedication, sacrifice, visionary leadership and an enduring commitment to creating opportunities for communities, particularly young people, to realise their full potential.
A JOURNEY OF LEADERSHIP, YOUTH ACTIVISM, PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr Legoale’s leadership journey extends beyond his role as Founder and Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation.
His background includes participation in political leadership structures, youth development organisations, business formations, public institutions and community development initiatives, through which he has contributed to youth empowerment, economic participation, entrepreneurship, public service and community development.
He previously served as the Regional Chairperson of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Fezile Dabi, where his leadership responsibilities included representing the interests and aspirations of young people within the region.
His involvement in organised youth leadership further extended to the South African Youth Council (SAYC), where he previously served as a National Executive Committee (NEC) Member and Free State Provincial Deputy Chairperson.
Separately, in the business development sector, Mr Legoale served as Treasurer General of the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, contributing to an organisation focused on advancing youth entrepreneurship, business participation and access to economic opportunities.
His commitment to youth development and public service was further demonstrated through his role as the Fezile Dabi Youth Coordinator in the Office of the Premier of the Free State, where he contributed to youth-focused coordination, stakeholder engagement and initiatives aimed at advancing youth development within the district.
Beyond his involvement in youth leadership and economic development, Mr Legoale also served on the Hospital Boards of Parys Hospital and Sasolburg Hospital, contributing to institutional governance and community representation within the public healthcare sector.
His participation in these structures reflects his involvement in strengthening community representation, public accountability and stakeholder participation in institutions responsible for delivering essential services.
These leadership responsibilities provided opportunities for engagement across political, civic, business and public service structures, contributing to his understanding of the challenges facing communities and the importance of building institutions that respond to those challenges.
His experience across these sectors continues to inform his approach to community development, which places particular emphasis on creating sustainable opportunities, strengthening partnerships and encouraging active youth participation in economic and social development.
A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT
Since establishing the Edgar Legoale Foundation in 2018, Mr Legoale has remained committed to advancing community development through sustainable initiatives addressing the social and economic challenges facing communities.
Under his leadership, the Foundation has championed programmes aimed at empowering young people, supporting education, nurturing sporting talent, promoting entrepreneurship and preserving the cultural heritage of local communities.
Among these initiatives is the Edgar Legoale Knockout Soccer Challenge, comprising the annual Easter and Festive Soccer Tournaments. These tournaments have developed into important platforms for grassroots football development, providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their talents while promoting social cohesion, discipline and community participation.
In the education sector, his contributions include the annual Matric Awards Gala Dinner, NSFAS application support programmes, school motivational engagements and educational support initiatives aimed at encouraging academic excellence and widening access to opportunities.
Through initiatives such as Project 100 Schools, the Foundation has also supported learners through educational mentorship, school assistance and programmes intended to promote dignity and educational success.
His commitment to cultural preservation is reflected in the Tumahole Heritage Project and Tumahole Month Celebrations, which seek to promote local history, identity, arts, culture and intergenerational understanding.
The Foundation has further supported community upliftment through initiatives such as the Ngwathe SMME Expo, community hiking programmes and engagements with religious and community leaders, including the Church Leaders Gala Dinner, which recognises the important contribution of faith-based leadership towards community development.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION THROUGH THE MAIL & GUARDIAN 200 YOUNG SOUTH AFRICANS
Mr Legoale’s nomination among the 100 Most Influential Free Staters comes shortly after his inclusion in the prestigious 2026 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, under the Sport, Tourism & Hospitality category.
This national recognition acknowledges his contribution to using sport, tourism and community-centred initiatives as vehicles for social and economic development.
The recognition also highlights the work undertaken through the Edgar Legoale Foundation, particularly in grassroots football development, educational support, cultural preservation and the creation of opportunities for young people.
His inclusion among the 200 Young South Africans represents an important acknowledgement of the impact of community-driven initiatives that originate at local level but contribute towards broader national development priorities.
The Foundation regards this recognition as an encouraging milestone, demonstrating the importance of sustained community service, visionary leadership and the continued development of platforms that empower young people.
A VISION FOR TOURISM AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
Beyond his philanthropic and civic contributions, Mr Legoale is the visionary Founder of the Ngwathe Experience, an initiative established to reposition Ngwathe as a destination for tourism, investment, entrepreneurship, entertainment and economic opportunity.
Through programmes such as the Ngwathe Tourism Expo, Business Breakfast, Golf Experience and Music Festival, the initiative has created platforms for collaboration between government, businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, tourism establishments and local communities.
The successful hosting of the Ngwathe Spring Experience in September 2026 marked another important milestone in advancing this vision, bringing together various sectors to stimulate local economic activity, promote tourism and create opportunities for local service providers, vendors, artists and young people.
The Ngwathe Experience reflects Mr Legoale’s belief that communities possess the resources, talent and potential necessary to drive their own economic growth when provided with appropriate platforms, partnerships and opportunities.
His work continues to demonstrate that community development must extend beyond charitable interventions to include sustainable economic participation, institutional partnerships, skills development and long-term empowerment.
FOUNDATION REFLECTS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NOMINATION
Reflecting on the nomination, the Executive Assistant to the Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation expressed appreciation for the recognition of Mr Legoale’s leadership and contribution to community development.
“On behalf of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, we are immensely proud to celebrate the nomination of our Chairperson, Mr Edgar Curtis Legoale, among the 100 Most Influential Free Staters.
“This nomination comes at a particularly significant time, following his recent recognition among the 2026 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans. These milestones reflect the growing acknowledgement of his contribution to youth development, community empowerment, sport, tourism and economic transformation.
“Mr Legoale’s leadership journey has been characterised by his involvement in youth structures, business formations, public institutions and community development initiatives. Throughout these responsibilities, his commitment has remained centred on creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully to the development of society.
“His previous responsibilities within the South African Youth Council, the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Office of the Premier and hospital governance structures further demonstrate the breadth of his experience in leadership and public service.
“Those of us who work closely with him have witnessed his dedication, passion and determination to advance the interests of communities. His vision has always extended beyond individual achievement, focusing instead on creating platforms through which others can succeed.
“What makes this nomination particularly meaningful is that it also recognises the collective efforts of the communities, stakeholders, partners, volunteers and individuals who have supported the work of the Foundation over the years.
“We hope that his journey will continue to inspire young people across the Free State to recognise that leadership begins with service, responsibility and the willingness to make a difference in the lives of others.”
CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP THAT INSPIRES CHANGE
The Edgar Legoale Foundation believes that recognising individuals who contribute meaningfully to society plays an important role in promoting responsible leadership, active citizenship and a culture of community service.
Mr Legoale’s nomination among the 100 Most Influential Free Staters, together with his recent national recognition by the Mail & Guardian, reflects the significance of his contributions across youth leadership, public service, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, sport, education, tourism and community development.
As the Foundation celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to advancing the vision upon which it was established: building empowered communities, creating opportunities for young people and contributing towards a more inclusive and prosperous society.
The Foundation also extends its appreciation to the organisers of the 100 Most Influential Free Staters initiative for recognising individuals whose contributions continue to shape the social, cultural and economic development of the province.
AWARDS CEREMONY
The recognition event is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: Friday, 23 October 2026
Time: 16h00
Venue: Civic Theatre, Bloemfontein, Free State
The Edgar Legoale Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to its Founder and Chairperson, Mr Edgar Curtis Legoale, on this nomination and wishes him well ahead of the upcoming recognition ceremony.
His nomination is not only a celebration of leadership, but a celebration of a vision that continues to inspire hope, create opportunities and transform communities.
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ISSUED BY:
Ms Nthabiseng Molejane
Foundation Manager
Edgar Legoale Foundation
Cell: 071 080 6022
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.edgarlegoale.com