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Cape Town awards Civic Honours

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has conferred Civic Honours on exceptional Capetonians for their significant contribution to society in Cape Town and throughout the world. The official ceremony was held in the City Council Chambers on 6 December.

'Today is about recognising the contributions of some truly remarkable people – whether a living person or in memory of someone who has passed away – and to reflect on their achievements and the impact they've made in society.'This honour recognises public service to Cape Town that is exceptionally meritorious or impactful, in any field of social, community or civic interest. These recipients have generally achieved extraordinary acclaim in their chosen field, have won international recognition for their talent or contribution, or distinguished themselves with extraordinary community service. 'A glance at the lists of those signing the Civic Honours book, and those receiving Mayor's Medals, confirms that Capetonians do incredible things, and have been doing so for centuries. I want to take a minute to convey just how deeply honoured we are by the gathering of remarkable South Africans we have here today. 'In the face of your collective achievements we can only but look on in wonder. All of us who desire to do good in the world, who desire to effect social progress, we are inspired by your examples,' said Mayor Hill-Lewis. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/DSC_7577.jpg" alt="" style="width:871px;" /></figure>The individuals who have been recorded in the Civic Honours Book are: Lawyer, activist and former Constitutional Court Justice, Albie Sachs.Legendary South African playwright, Athol Fugard.The greatest South African test cricketer to have never played for South Africa, Basil D'Oliveira.Social justice advocate and philanthropist, Bennie Rabinowitz.The Queen of African pop, and Ma Brrr to her many fans, Brenda Fassie.Afrikaans poet, painter and former political prisoner, Breyten Breytenbach.Former South African soccer star and captain, and current national team coach, Desiree Ellis.World War II fighter pilot hero, and anti-apartheid activist, AG "Sailor" Malan.Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.Acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist and global music star, Jonathan Butler.Political satirist, playwright and HIV/Aids educator, Pieter-Dirk Uys.Teenage interpreter and peace broker between the Khoi and the Dutch in the 17th Century, Krotoa.Social, education and climate justice activist, and Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba. As it has been twelve years since the City last bestowed Civic Honours, a larger group than usual were honoured this year. Going forward the ceremony will be a regular fixture every two years with fewer recipients. Several Mayor's Medals were also conferred on people or associations who have served a community with a high degree of dedication and sacrifice, including in the fields of conservation, cultural affairs, economic affairs, extraordinary bravery, recreation and sport, social affairs and services, and youth affairs. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/DSC_7624.jpg" alt="" style="width:906px;" /></figure>The recipients of the Mayor's Medal this year are:The Friends of Mostert's Mill;Founders of The Clothing Bank, Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore.Ladles of Love's Danny Diliberto.The late Shaleen Surtie-RichardsLanga's Busy Bees Rugby ClubThe late Hank Lith of Claremont Arderne Gardens Zoë Prinsloo of Save a FishieThe Volunteer Wildfire Services, and state capture corruption buster, Athol Williams 'I want to thank every resident who answered our call in the media for Civic Honours nominations. The response was wonderful and speaks to a real sense of pride in the names put forward. 'While those we honour today seldom do these things for recognition, we want to pause to recognise them and say thank you. 'Thank you for keeping our democracy strong. Thank you for fighting tyranny and for campaigning for justice.Thank you for devoting your life to protecting the vulnerable in our society.Thank you for caring so deeply about a singular cause that you made a lasting difference.Thank you for dazzling us with a lifetime of your art, your skills and your wonderful stories. 'We will not forget you. Not only because your name is now forever recorded in our records, but because you made a lasting impression through your deeds,' said Mayor Hill-Lewis. Caption 1 – Civic Honours recipients from left to right: <ul><li>Athol Fugard</li><li>Albie Sachs</li><li>Graham Brache (family member of Basil D'Oliveira)</li><li>Lesley Rabinowitz (daughter of Bennie Rabinowitz)</li><li>Temba Fassie (brother of the late Brenda Fassie)</li><li>Dr Yvonne Malan (daughter of AG "Sailor" Malan)</li><li>Desiree Ellis</li><li>Breyten Breytenbach</li><li>Dr Imtiaz Sooliman</li><li>Pieter-Dirk Uys</li><li>Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Caption 2 – Mayor's Medals recipients from left to right: </li></ul><ul><li>Roscoe Williams (family friend of Athol Williams)</li><li>Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore</li><li>Johan Hammer </li></ul><ul><li>Andrew John Selfe</li><li>Alfred Kewana</li><li>John Wilson-Harris </li><li>Clive Reader Thorpe </li><li>Danny Diliberto</li><li>Shalize Surtie-Richards (daughter of Shaleen Surtie-Richards)</li><li>Zoe Prinsloo</li><li>Rod Clayton (partner of the late Hank Lith)</li><li>Claire Lotter </li></ul> End

2023-12-05T22:00:00Z

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