Our Atlas South Africa Executive Director and Trustee, Sue Anderson, has been recognised by His Majesty King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List, receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding services to Charity through Sport.
The King’s Honours are among the highest recognitions bestowed across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. They celebrate individuals whose work has made a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of others, often carried out quietly, selflessly, and without expectation of recognition. Sue’s award is a powerful acknowledgement of decades of unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and young people through the transformative power of sport.
Transforming Lives
Through her leadership of the Atlas South Africa rugby programmes, Sue empowers young people and champions education within local communities. She has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of The Atlas Foundation, spearheading fundraising initiatives across South Africa’s rugby-loving and business communities.
Sue is not only a strategic leader but also deeply embedded in the communities, working tirelessly on the ground and remaining relentless in her mission to uplift the lives of children.
As an Atlas South Africa Trustee, Sue has been instrumental in driving the organisation’s success globally. Her leadership supports the delivery of health, education, and inclusion programmes that reach hundreds of thousands of children worldwide.
Above all, Sue possesses a rare ability to bring people together, to inspire belief in young people and to ensure that community remains at the heart of everything she does.
Tributes From the Atlas Family and Beyond
The entire Atlas family extends its deepest thanks to Sue for all that she has achieved and continues to give.
What a fantastic award for her huge contribution to the health and well-being of
deprived children in Africa. Sue is a real positive force for good, and this recognition is truly well deserved.
Huge congratulations to Sue on being awarded an Honorary British Empire Medal! Your dedication and love towards our Deaf community, especially our Deaf players at
Dominican School for Deaf Children, have opened doors to unforgettable experiences.
You’re a beacon of hope and inspiration to all our Deaf players and coaches.
Sue’s contribution not only changes the children’s lives at school, but it has made an immense difference to the communities at large. She gives hope to communities that once had despair. Her immense courage and dedication have inspired everyone to do better. There is an Xhosa word in South Africa, Ubuntu (Humanity); she demonstrates what the word really means. I am really excited on her behalf because I know, she is carrying us with her.
Congratulations to our colleague Sue Anderson on this well-deserved recognition. Being awarded the British Empire Medal is a remarkable achievement. It is a true reflection of your commitment, hard work and the impact you have had, making a lasting difference to the young people of South Africa. We are incredibly proud to have you as a colleague and celebrate this accomplishment with you.
I was delighted to see that Sue had been awarded this honour by His Majesty The King. It is wonderful to see her dedication to using the power of sport to improve the lives of so many in South Africa recognised in this way. Many congratulations from us all!
Sue is an absolute powerhouse in the world of charity. She cares so deeply about the lives she impacts and brings extraordinary energy, compassion and commitment to working alongside communities to create meaningful, lasting change. Witnessing her in action last year was so inspiring. Atlas is incredibly fortunate to work with someone of Sue’s calibre, and there could not be a more deserving recipient of this honour. Congratulations, Sue!
Sue is known for her unwavering dedication to youth development, empathy and integrity in all her interactions, resilient leadership, and servant leadership style. Her approach has not only delivered measurable results but also inspired a renewed sense of possibility among staff and learners alike. Her legacy at Ocean View High School is visible not only in the facilities and programs she helped build, but in the dreams and determination she has sparked in the hearts of our learners.
For years, my mum has poured her heart into using rugby as a force for good, believing deeply in its power to uplift, protect, and transform young lives. Through her leadership at Atlas, she has helped create opportunities for children who need them most – not just on the field, but in education, nutrition, safety, confidence, and hope for the future. As her daughter, I have watched her give endlessly of herself – her time, her energy, her belief in people because she genuinely cares. Seeing that dedication recognised on such a global stage is incredibly moving.
