Celebrating the Extraordinary in Cape Town

4 mins read
civic honours awards community service

The Civic Honours award in Cape Town is a prestigious recognition of public service with outstanding merit, celebrating extraordinary individuals whose work has made a remarkable impact, both locally and globally. The recent ceremony honored a mix of respected and highly esteemed personalities from various sectors, including social justice warriors and historical figures. The event was an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those who aspire to make a positive difference in society, reinforcing the importance of every contribution.

What is the Civic Honours award in Cape Town?

The Civic Honours award is a prestigious recognition of public service with outstanding merit spanning various societal, community, and civic sectors in Cape Town. The honorees, a mix of respected and highly esteemed personalities, are renowned for their deep influence in their respective fields. It celebrates the extraordinary individuals whose work has made a remarkable impact, both on a local and global scale.

Honoring Notable Citizens

A remarkable event took place in Cape Town on December 6. Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis paid homage to a number of illustrious Cape Town citizens for their significant contributions to society. The celebration was held in the City Council Chamber, as the city honored the extraordinary individuals whose work has made a remarkable impact, both on a local and global scale. The Civic Honours awards hadn’t been given out in a dozen years, making this an exceptional recognition of public service with outstanding merit spanning various societal, community, and civic sectors.

The honorees, a mix of respected and highly esteemed personalities, are renowned for their deep influence in their respective fields. Their work varies from gaining worldwide recognition, providing significant community service, to making exceptional strides in their respective domains. The Civic Honours Book, a reflection of their accomplishments and commitments, includes prominent names like activist and attorney Albie Sachs, famed playwright Athol Fugard, and distinguished cricketer Basil D’Oliveira.

Diversity Among Honorees

The record of honorees also presents an eclectic mix of individuals who have fought for social justice. Among this distinguished group are Bennie Rabinowitz, legendary singer Brenda Fassie, and poet Breyten Breytenbach. The variegated and diverse nature of the honorees is further emphasized by the inclusion of former soccer star Desiree Ellis, WWII hero AG ‘Sailor’ Malan, humanitarian Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, musician Jonathan Butler, satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, and historical figure Krotoa.

The acknowledgment of significant contributions extended further. Activist and archbishop Dr. Thabo Makgoba also received well-deserved accolades. The Mayor’s Medals, another set of prestigious awards recognizing dedicated community service, were conferred upon notable individuals and organizations. The beneficiaries of these medals included The Friends of Mostert’s Mill, The Clothing Bank founders Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore, Danny Diliberto of Ladles of Love, and the late actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards.

Civic Appreciation of Contributions

Additional recipients of these esteemed medals included Langa’s Busy Bees Rugby Club, the late Hank Lith, Zoë Prinsloo of Save a Fishie, the Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Athol Williams. Their contributions have been priceless and undoubtedly worthy of recognition and celebration.

Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed his appreciation to the citizens for their nominations, stressing the significance of the honorees’ contributions to democracy, justice, the arts, and various causes. He underscored the lasting impact and permanent record these individuals have made in the city’s history, elaborating on how much they deserve acknowledgement and gratitude.

Expressing his heartfelt thanks, the Mayor stated, “While those we honor today seldom carry out these deeds for recognition, we want to pause to acknowledge them and express our gratitude.” He continued, “Not only because your name is now eternally documented in our records, but also because you have left an indelible mark through your actions.”

Inspirational Impact

The ceremony was much more than a simple event to honor notable figures. It was a source of inspiration, a symbol of hope for those who aspire to make a positive difference in society. Cape Town continues to celebrate the achievements of its citizens, setting an example for future generations and reinforcing the ideology that every contribution, regardless of its nature, holds significant importance.

Who were some of the honorees at the recent Civic Honours award ceremony in Cape Town?

Some of the honorees at the recent Civic Honours award ceremony in Cape Town were activist and attorney Albie Sachs, famed playwright Athol Fugard, distinguished cricketer Basil D’Oliveira, legendary singer Brenda Fassie, poet Breyten Breytenbach, former soccer star Desiree Ellis, WWII hero AG ‘Sailor’ Malan, humanitarian Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, musician Jonathan Butler, satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, historical figure Krotoa and activist and archbishop Dr. Thabo Makgoba.

What is the Civic Honours Book?

The Civic Honours Book is a reflection of the accomplishments and commitments of the honorees of the Civic Honours award in Cape Town.

Who else received recognition at the event?

The Mayor’s Medals, another set of prestigious awards recognizing dedicated community service, were conferred upon notable individuals and organizations. The beneficiaries of these medals included The Friends of Mostert’s Mill, The Clothing Bank founders Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore, Danny Diliberto of Ladles of Love, and the late actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards. Additional recipients of these esteemed medals included Langa’s Busy Bees Rugby Club, the late Hank Lith, Zoë Prinsloo of Save a Fishie, the Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Athol Williams.

Why is the Civic Honours award significant?

The Civic Honours award is significant because it recognizes public service with outstanding merit spanning various societal, community, and civic sectors in Cape Town. The honorees, a mix of respected and highly esteemed personalities, are renowned for their deep influence in their respective fields. Their work varies from gaining worldwide recognition, providing significant community service, to making exceptional strides in their respective domains. The ceremony is a source of inspiration, a symbol of hope for those who aspire to make a positive difference in society, setting an example for future generations, and reinforcing the ideology that every contribution, regardless of its nature, holds significant importance.

When was the last time the Civic Honours award was presented?

The Civic Honours awards hadn’t been given out in a dozen years before the recent ceremony in Cape Town, making this an exceptional recognition of public service with outstanding merit spanning various societal, community, and civic sectors.

Where was the recent Civic Honours award ceremony held?

The recent Civic Honours award ceremony was held in the City Council Chamber in Cape Town.

Previous Story

The Rising Star of South African Premiership Football: Lucas Ribeiro

Next Story

New Year’s Celebration at Utopia: The Search Festival

Latest from Blog

A Cinematic Extravaganza at The Galileo Open Air Cinema

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is a magical place where movies come alive under the stars! Set in beautiful spots like Kirstenbosch Garden and Lourensford Wine Estate, it offers a fun night out with films for everyone, from thrilling dramas to heartwarming tales. Each evening is filled with excitement, starting with the wild adventure of The Wolf of Wall Street, followed by the fantasy world of The Hobbit, family fun with Peter Rabbit 2, the classic love story Pretty Woman, and ending with the whimsical Wonka. So grab your blankets and snacks, and enjoy a delightful movie night in nature!

The Art of Tea Pairing: A Culinary Revolution in South Africa

Tea pairing is the exciting new trend in South Africa that brings together different teas and foods to create delicious combinations. Just like wine, tea can enhance meals from breakfast to dessert, making every bite even more enjoyable. Brands like Tetley are making it easy for everyone to explore this tasty adventure by suggesting specific pairings, like bold black tea with chocolate cake or refreshing green tea with sushi. As more people embrace tea pairing, they’re discovering a whole new world of flavors that make dining experiences fun and vibrant.

Fuel Price Dynamics: A Beacon of Relief Amidst Global and Local Instability

Good news for drivers in South Africa! Fuel prices might drop in May, giving some muchneeded relief to those feeling the pinch at the pump. This possible decrease comes from falling international oil prices and a stronger rand, which makes fuel cheaper. Recent data shows that there’s been a significant overrecovery in fuel prices, hinting at a second month of savings. As people fill up their tanks, they can feel a glimmer of hope amidst the ups and downs of the economy and global trade.

The 7-1 Split: Revolutionizing Rugby or Skewing Fairness?

The 71 split strategy in rugby shakes things up by putting seven forwards and just one back on the bench. This bold move, introduced by coach Rassie Erasmus, aims to boost a team’s strength late in the game but has sparked fierce discussions about fairness in the sport. Some love the way it changes the game, while others worry it might hurt the spirit of rugby and put too much pressure on the backs. As teams like France and Scotland weigh in, this tactic is pushing rugby into a debate about sticking to old ways versus trying new things. Will this strategy shape the future of rugby, or will it fade away? Only time will tell!

The Hidden Dangers of Marathon Running: A Tale of Fitness and Fatality

Marathon running is thrilling but can hide serious dangers, especially for older runners. Heart conditions, dehydration, and heatstroke can strike unexpectedly, even in those who seem fit. The tragic case of Taryn Armour, who died during a race, reminds us of these risks and the importance of regular health checkups. While many complete marathons safely each year, it’s essential to listen to our bodies and seek medical advice. Celebrating physical endurance must also include caring for our health and knowing our limits.