Categories: Events

Celebrating the Extraordinary in Cape Town

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.