Why consent matters before the form is sent
A nomination can carry a full name, a photo, a street, a workplace and a story that belongs to another person as much as it belongs to the person writing it. When you are nominating a teacher, carer, volunteer or neighbour, the safest path is to speak to them first and explain what you want to share.
That conversation does more than protect privacy. It also helps you check facts, avoid exaggeration and make sure the story is told with care. A person may be proud to be nominated but not want every detail made public, and that boundary matters.
What to ask before you write anything down
Keep the conversation plain. Tell the nominee what the awards programme is about, what kind of information the nomination form asks for, and whether photos or supporting notes will be included. If they are happy to take part, ask what they are comfortable sharing and what should stay private.
- Ask whether their full name may be used.
- Check if a photo can be shared with the nomination.
- Confirm any location details that should be left vague.
- Find out if there are children or family members in the story who should not be named.
- Agree on any sensitive parts of the story that should be left out.
If the nominee cannot be reached straight away, pause before uploading personal details. A nomination that waits for consent is better than one that ignores it.
How to handle stories that touch on illness, safety or hardship
Many nominations include difficult moments. A nurse may have supported a family through a painful illness. A community volunteer may have helped after a fire or theft. A neighbour may have stood in for a parent during a crisis. Those stories can be powerful, but they can also be personal in ways the nominee did not expect.
Use the lightest amount of detail that still explains the contribution. If the story can be told without naming a clinic, a home address or a child, leave those parts out. If you are unsure, ask the nominee what they would rather keep private. Consent is not only about the first yes, it is about respecting limits too.
- Use broad descriptions instead of exact addresses.
- Leave out medical records and private family matters.
- Do not upload an image if the person would feel exposed.
- Keep school or workplace details general where possible.
A Braamfontein example that feels familiar
Think of a resident in Braamfontein who wants to nominate a school assistant who has spent years helping learners cross busy roads and settle into class. The story is strong because it is local, specific and grounded in daily care. But before the nomination is sent, the writer should speak to that assistant and explain the plan.
The assistant may be proud to be recognised, yet prefer not to have a home suburb, family details or a recent photo shared. In that case, the nomination can still be honest and useful. A good nomination does not need to expose someone to public attention more than they want.
Consent works together with privacy
At SA Hero Awards, privacy and consent sit side by side. The person submitting the nomination should think carefully about the nominee, the people mentioned in the story, and anyone visible in an image. Where possible, the nominee should know what is being shared before the form is sent.
That is especially important when a nomination includes sensitive information. A detailed story may help a judge understand the contribution, but the same detail may place pressure on the nominee or their family. A careful nomination respects both the public purpose of the awards and the private life of the person being recognised.
If you are collecting information on behalf of someone else, keep your notes tidy and keep them limited to what is needed for the nomination. The safest habit is to ask first, write second, and share only what has been agreed.
What a careful nomination looks like in practice
A careful nomination is clear, accurate and respectful. It names the contribution, gives enough detail for the judging process, and avoids oversharing. It also shows that the nominee had the chance to understand what would be submitted.
- Explain who the nominee is and why they matter.
- Describe the community work in plain language.
- Use evidence that supports the story without exposing private matters.
- Note that consent was discussed, if that applies.
- Remove anything the nominee asked to keep private.
If you are uncertain about a detail, leave it out or check it again. A nomination that is clean and respectful is easier to review than one that tries to include everything.
People across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha and Polokwane can all approach the process in the same way. Ask first, explain the purpose, and make sure the nominee is comfortable with the story being told. If you need to send a question about the nomination process, use our contact form.
