Cape Town’s Civic Honours ceremony celebrated the city’s diverse cultural heritage and recognized notable individuals who have made significant contributions to society, both locally and globally. The event, held at the City Council Chambers, awarded the Civic Honours to living and posthumous recipients who have demonstrated exceptional service to the public. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Mayor’s Medals, which recognized outstanding dedication and sacrifice in service to their communities. The event highlighted the city’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its diverse talents and social activists.
What are the Civic Honours of Cape Town?
The Civic Honours of Cape Town are a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions that have profoundly influenced society, not only within Cape Town but also worldwide. These honours are bestowed on living individuals as well as posthumously, and have traditionally acknowledged exceptionally meritorious and influential public services. The Mayor’s Medals, another prestigious recognition, were also awarded during the ceremony to individuals or groups that have demonstrated outstanding dedication and sacrifice in their service to their communities.
In the heartland of South Africa, set under the magnificent visage of Table Mountain, lies the lively city of Cape Town. This city is famous for its profound diversity, cultural legacy, and artistic vitality. On December 5th, 2023, these treasured distinctions were extravagantly commemorated by the city’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, as he conferred Civic Honours on a number of remarkable Capetonians. These honourees have made notable contributions that have profoundly influenced society, not only within Cape Town but also worldwide.
The Ceremony of Recognition
The awards ceremony transpired at the City Council Chambers and was a noteworthy gathering of extraordinary individuals from various sectors of life. It served as a moment to reflect on their accomplishments, the impact they have made on society, and their unflagging dedication to serving the public. The Civic Honours, awarded to living individuals as well as posthumously, have traditionally acknowledged exceptionally meritorious and influential public services.
The city’s honours book, autographed by the recipients, showcased an array of outstanding individuals. This list indeed confirmed the remarkable achievements Capetonians have been registering for generations. Among the signees were the eminent lawyer, activist, and former Constitutional Court Justice, Albie Sachs, and the highly acclaimed playwright, Athol Fugard, rightfully known as the ‘legendary South African playwright.’ Their individual contributions to the sectors of legal justice and arts have won them worldwide recognition.
Unveiling the Remarkable Honourees
The roster of honourees included iconic names such as Brenda Fassie, popularly known as the Queen of African pop, fondly called Ma Brrr by her legion of fans, and Breyten Breytenbach, a versatile Afrikaans poet, painter, and former political prisoner. Their unique talent has not only garnered them international recognition but also significantly influenced their respective fields.
The Civic Honours acknowledged the significant contributions of individuals from a variety of fields. Among those recognised were Desiree Ellis, an ex-South African soccer star and current national team coach, and Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers and an esteemed humanitarian.
An intriguing acknowledgement was made to Krotoa, a teenage interpreter and peacemaker between the Khoi and the Dutch in the 17th Century, indicating the city’s devotion to recognising contributions from all periods. Other honourees included Dr Thabo Makgoba, the Archbishop of Cape Town, who is a vocal advocate for social, educational, and environmental justice.
A Revitalised Tradition and Mayor’s Medals
After a twelve-year gap, the city has reinstated the tradition of Civic Honours, scheduling the ceremony to take place biennially. This year’s event witnessed a larger number of recipients than usual, a testament to the remarkable series of contributions over the past decade.
In addition to the Civic Honours, the Mayor’s Medals, another prestigious recognition, were awarded during the ceremony. These accolades are bestowed on individuals or groups that have demonstrated outstanding dedication and sacrifice in their service to their communities. Spheres including conservation, cultural affairs, economic affairs, extraordinary bravery, recreation, sport, social affairs, and youth affairs were all recognised.
This year’s Mayor’s Medal recipients encompassed The Friends of Mostert’s Mill, a conservation group dedicated to preserving one of South Africa’s oldest windmills, and the founders of The Clothing Bank, Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore. Danny Diliberto of Ladles of Love, an organisation that has made substantial contributions to hunger alleviation, was also honoured.
A City’s Gratitude and Commitment
In his speech, Mayor Hill-Lewis extended his gratitude to the citizens who participated in the Civic Honours nominations. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the efforts of those honoured, not just for the accolades they receive, but for their invaluable contributions to society.
The ceremony underscored the city’s dedication to fostering and celebrating its array of diverse talents and unwavering social activists. With its awe-inspiring landscapes and its citizens’ indomitable spirit, Cape Town continues to be a pulsating centre of cultural dynamism and civic commitment.
Who is eligible to receive the Civic Honours of Cape Town?
The Civic Honours of Cape Town are awarded to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions that have profoundly influenced society, not only within Cape Town but also worldwide. These honours are bestowed on living individuals as well as posthumously, and have traditionally acknowledged exceptionally meritorious and influential public services.
What is the significance of the Mayor’s Medals awarded during the ceremony?
The Mayor’s Medals are another prestigious recognition awarded during the ceremony to individuals or groups that have demonstrated outstanding dedication and sacrifice in their service to their communities. Spheres including conservation, cultural affairs, economic affairs, extraordinary bravery, recreation, sport, social affairs, and youth affairs were all recognized.
Who were some of the notable honorees at the ceremony and what were their contributions?
Some of the notable honorees at the ceremony included Brenda Fassie, a popular African pop singer, Athol Fugard, a highly acclaimed playwright, and Albie Sachs, an eminent lawyer and activist. Other honorees included Desiree Ellis, a former soccer star and current national team coach, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers and an esteemed humanitarian, and Krotoa, a teenage interpreter and peacemaker between the Khoi and the Dutch in the 17th century.
How often are the Civic Honours of Cape Town awarded?
After a twelve-year gap, the city has reinstated the tradition of Civic Honours, scheduling the ceremony to take place biennially. This year’s event witnessed a larger number of recipients than usual, a testament to the remarkable series of contributions over the past decade.
What is the City Council Chambers and where was the ceremony held?
The City Council Chambers is a venue for the city’s governing body to conduct its business. The Civic Honours ceremony was held at the City Council Chambers.
What does the ceremony signify for the city of Cape Town?
The ceremony underscores the city’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating its diverse talents and social activists. It showcases the city’s commitment to fostering and celebrating its array of diverse talents and unwavering civic commitment. With its awe-inspiring landscapes and its citizens’ indomitable spirit, Cape Town continues to be a pulsating center of cultural dynamism and civic commitment.
