| Council Address – 24 August 2023 | Council Address – 24 August 2023 | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Mayor_Geordin_Hill-%20Lewis_2.JPG" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Our city's history is marked by the contributions of some truly remarkable people<br></p> | <div>Council Address – 24 August 2023</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Madam Speaker,</div><div>Fellow Councillors, </div><div>Honoured guests and members of the public, </div><div>Goeiemôre, molweni, as-salamu alaykum, shalom, good morning.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>A special word of welcome to learners from Beauvallon and Bishop Lavis High Schools who join us in the gallery this morning. It’s good to have you here, and it’s a great sign for the future when youngsters take a keen interest in the workings of local government. </div><div><br></div><div>Madam Speaker, it gives me great joy to dedicate my address to Council this morning to a topic that has fallen off the radar for over a decade, but one which we very much intend to bring back regularly from now on.</div><div><br></div><div>Today is not about the plans and milestones of this administration – we will get back to that soon. Today is about acknowledging the remarkable achievements of a number of men, women and organisations who have made Cape Town and the world a better place. </div><div><br></div><div>I am talking, of course, of the tradition of bestowing Civic Honours on people or organisations who have made a significant contribution to society – both here in Cape Town and throughout the world – through their service, their talent or their sacrifice.</div><div><br></div><div>This is something that has not happened here for the past 12 years, but starting now, we are reviving the tradition, and we are finally ready to share the names of his year’s recipients of Civic Honours.</div><div><br></div><div>As you know, we have dealt with this issue in Council before, where we agreed on the names you will hear today. And now that all the recipients have been notified and have indicated their acceptance, we can make the news public.</div><div><br></div><div>Our city’s history is marked by the contributions of some truly remarkable people.</div><div><br></div><div>Men and women who have dedicated their lives in selfless service to others, talented artists, sports stars and musicians who have touched the hearts of millions through their craft, people who bravely fought the injustice of apartheid or the tyranny of fascism, people who spent a lifetime defending freedom and democracy.</div><div><br></div><div>They seldom do these things for reward and recognition, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pause, from time to time, to reflect on their contributions and pay tribute to them.</div><div><br></div><div>There are five different categories of Civic Honours that can be bestowed. These are: </div><div>1.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Freedom of the City of Cape Town</div><div>2.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The Signing of the Civic Honours Book</div><div>3.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The Honorary Title of Alderman</div><div>4.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Freedom of Entry into the City of Cape Town, and</div><div>5.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The Mayor’s Medal.</div><div><br></div><div>Today we are announcing recipients in two of these categories – the Signing of the Civic Honours Book, and the Mayor’s Medal. They will be formally honoured at a special Council sitting on 6 December.</div><div><br></div><div>Because this was last done 12 years ago, we’re honouring a larger group of recipients in both categories than was done in the past. In future, we intend to do this every two years, and there will be fewer recipients in those groups.</div><div><br></div><div>The first category – inviting a person to sign his or her name against a citation of their achievements in the “Civic Honours Book” – is for individuals who deserve recognition for their lengthy and purposeful public service to Cape Town in any field of social, community or civic interest.</div><div><br></div><div>This can be conferred upon a living person or in memory of a deceased person, and it can be for a current Cape Town citizen, or someone who may no longer live here, but has roots in the Mother City.</div><div><br></div><div>The recipients in this category span a wide range of Capetonians, including social justice and human rights activists, sports heroes, music stars, legends of the theatre, a literary giant, a humanitarian hero, a war hero, a man of the cloth, and a Khoi girl who helped shape Cape Town’s destiny 350 years ago.</div><div><br></div><div>These are the individuals who will be recorded in the Civic Honours Book:</div><div><br></div><div>1.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Lawyer, activist and former Constitutional Court Justice, Albie Sachs.</div><div><br></div><div>Few people made a bigger contribution to our country’s transition to democracy than Albie Sachs.</div><div><br></div><div>He spent a long career, first as an attorney, and later as a founding judge of our Constitutional Court, in service of justice and in defence of victims of apartheid.</div><div><br></div><div>Not even after a bomb planted by apartheid state security agents took his arm and his sight in one eye, could he be deterred from his mission to help secure a peaceful transition to a free and non-racial South Africa.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Albie Sachs.</div><div><br></div><div>2.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Legendary South African playwright, Athol Fugard.</div><div><br></div><div>Considered South Africa’s greatest ever playwright, Athol Fugard’s incredible career has seen him write nearly 40 plays over more than half a century.</div><div><br></div><div>His remarkable gift for storytelling on stage – largely shaped by the events of apartheid South Africa – put a spotlight on the injustice in our country for audiences around the world.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Athol Fugard.</div><div><br></div><div>3.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The greatest South African test cricketer to have never played for South Africa, Basil D’Oliveira.</div><div><br></div><div>From St Augustine’s cricket club in Elfindale, and denied the opportunity to play cricket for South Africa because of his race, Basil D’Oliveira swapped Cape Town for Worcestershire in England in 1960, and went on to carve out a glittering cricket career for both his county and his adopted country.</div><div><br></div><div>Initially dropped from the England team to tour South Africa in 1968 for political reasons, he was reinstated after a massive public outcry, leading to the tour being cancelled by the apartheid government, and South African cricket being isolated for the next 22 years.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Basil D’Oliveira.</div><div><br></div><div>4.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Social justice advocate and philanthropist, Bennie Rabinowitz.</div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes the biggest advocates for justice and the biggest supporters of principled causes are people who operate below the radar. Bennie Rabinowitz was such a man.</div><div><br></div><div>A generous philanthropist and a staunch defender of democracy, human rights, a free press and the environment, Bennie never sought recognition for his work.</div><div><br></div><div>He passed away in May of this year, leaving behind an enormous legacy of generosity and civic duty.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Bennie Rabinowitz.</div><div><br></div><div>5.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The Queen of African pop, and Ma Brrr to her many fans, Brenda Fassie.</div><div><br></div><div>Far more than just a singer and songwriter, Brenda Fassie was an icon of her time and our first true pop superstar. </div><div><br></div><div>Her unique talent for capturing township life in song took her from humble beginnings in Langa to stages around the world, earning her multiple platinum albums and numerous music awards along the way.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Brenda Fassie.</div><div><br></div><div>6.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Afrikaans poet, painter and former political prisoner, Breyten Breytenbach.</div><div><br></div><div>Often described as one of the greatest living Afrikaans poets, Breyten Breytenbach left South Africa for France in 1960 due to his outspoken defiance of the apartheid government. </div><div><br></div><div>When he did return in 1975, he was arrested, charged with high treason and sentenced to nine years in prison. He served seven years, the first two in solitary confinement.</div><div><br></div><div>His ground-breaking poetry and prose have won him numerous prestigious accolades and cemented his place in South Africa’s literary history.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Breyten Breytenbach.</div><div><br></div><div>7.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Former South African soccer star and captain, and current national team coach, Desiree Ellis.</div><div><br></div><div>After the recent success of Banyana Banyana at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, coach Desiree Ellis needs no introduction, but her many years as captain of the national team are equally impressive.</div><div><br></div><div>She led Banyana Banyana to a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in 2000, as well as victory in the inaugural COSAFA Women’s Cup in 2002. And as coach, she finally lifted South Africa’s first ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Desiree Ellis.</div><div><br></div><div>8.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>World War 2 fighter pilot hero, and anti-apartheid activist, AG “Sailor” Malan.</div><div><br></div><div>Largely written out of history by the National Party due to his opposition to apartheid, Sailor Malan was a true hero of World War II, serving as a decorated fighter pilot in the RAF and leading a squadron in the infamous Battle of Britain.</div><div><br></div><div>Upon his return from the war, he was an outspoken critic of the newly introduced system of apartheid, joining the liberal anti-apartheid protest movement, the Torch Commando, and staging many large protest marches. </div><div><br></div><div>He passed away in September of 1963, at the age of 53.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on AG ‘Sailor’ Malan.</div><div><br></div><div>9.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.</div><div><br></div><div>Swapping a promising career in medicine four decades ago for a lifelong pursuit of service through humanitarian relief, Dr Sooliman and his NGO, Gift of the Givers, have become household names in South Africa, and throughout the world.</div><div><br></div><div>Spearheading 30 relief missions in 45 countries, and dispensing aid to the value of more the R4,5bn, at the last count, he has touched the lives of millions through his selfless service.</div><div><br></div><div>From earthquakes in Haiti to wars in Syria and Yemen, to floods and fires in townships across South Africa, Gift of the Givers are often the first on the scene and the last to leave.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.</div><div><br></div><div>10.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist and global music star, Jonathan Butler.</div><div><br></div><div>Until Jonathan Butler broke onto the local music scene in the 1970s, it was unheard of for a black artist to be played on a white radio station in South Africa. But his universal appeal and his undeniable talent shattered that taboo when his very first single from his first album received airplay across the board.</div><div><br></div><div>Since then, he has put together an incredible music career over half a century, spanning 27 studio albums and including two Grammy nominations. He may be a global superstar, but to us he will always be a Capetonian, from Belgravia Road, Athlone, shining on the world’s biggest stage.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Jonathan Butler.</div><div><br></div><div>11.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Political satirist, playwright and HIV/Aids educator, Pieter-Dirk Uys.</div><div><br></div><div>To many, he will always be Evita Bezuidenhout, the former ambassadress to the fictitious homeland of Bapetikosweti, but Pieter-Dirk Uys’s talents and achievements in theatre transcend even Tannie Evita.</div><div><br></div><div>Throughout his early career, he used his sharp wit and disarming charm to lampoon the National Party government and poke holes in the absurdity of apartheid. Since our transition to democracy, he has continued his work as a political satirist, but has also added HIV/Aids educator to his impressive list of achievements.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Pieter-Dirk Uys.</div><div><br></div><div>12.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Teenage interpreter and peace broker between the Khoi and the Dutch in the 17th Century, Krotoa.</div><div><br></div><div>Born at the Cape in 1643 – nine years before the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck – Krotoa was taken from the care of her uncle, Autshumato, and placed into the Van Riebeeck household as a servant at the age of only 11. Her remarkable language skills soon saw her take up the role of translator and negotiator between the Dutch and the Khoi.</div><div><br></div><div>Thrust into the world of dishonourable men when she was only a child, and given the impossible burden of negotiating the chasm between two cultures, she played a significant role in shaping our country and our city more than 350 years ago.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Krotoa.</div><div><br></div><div>13.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Social, education and climate justice activist, and Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2007, at the age of 47, he became the youngest ever Archbishop of Cape Town. Since then, Dr Makgoba has made a name not only as a well-respected figure in the Anglican Church, but also as an advocate for social, education and climate justice.</div><div><br></div><div>He boasts an impressive academic CV that includes a BSc, a Diploma in Theology, a BAHons in Applied Psychology, an MEd in Educational Psychology and a PhD in Business Administration. He is also a principled, patriotic and outspoken citizen of South Africa, regularly taking a public stand against the abuse of power and corruption.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud to confer Civic Honours on Dr Thabo Mokgoba.</div><div><br></div><div>That brings us to the end of the list of individuals recognised in the Civic Honours Book.<br></div><div><br></div><div>I will now briefly take you through the people and organisations who will receive the Mayor’s Medal in 2023. There are nine on this year’s list.</div><div><br></div><div>The Mayor’s Medal is an honour that may be conferred annually upon any person or association that has served a community with a high degree of dedication and sacrifice, in one of the following categories: </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Community Affairs</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Social Affairs and Services</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Cultural Affairs</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Youth Affairs</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Recreation and Sport</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Conservation</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Economic Affairs, and </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Extraordinary Bravery</div><div><br></div><div>I am sure you will agree with me that Cape Town has no shortage of people worthy of this accolade.</div><div><br></div><div>The recipients of the Mayor’s Medal this year are:</div><div><br></div><div>1.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In the category of Community Affairs, the heroes who saved an iconic Cape Town landmark, the Friends of Mostert’s Mill.</div><div><br></div><div>2.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Also in Community Affairs, social entrepreneurs and founders of The Clothing Bank, Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore.</div><div><br></div><div>3.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In the category of Social Affairs and Services, humanitarian and founder of the NGO, Ladles of Love, Danny Diliberto.</div><div><br></div><div>4.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In the category of Cultural Affairs, a woman who needs no introduction, South African TV, film and stage star, the late Shaleen Surtie-Richards.</div><div><br></div><div>5.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In the category of Recreation and Sport, Cape Town’s oldest black rugby club and the pride of Langa, the Busy Bees Rugby Club.</div><div><br></div><div>6.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In the category of Conservation, a wonderful man who quietly went about his tireless business of looking after the natural treasure of Claremont’s Arderne Gardens, one of the most important public gardens in South Africa, the late Hank Lith.</div><div><br></div><div>7.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In the category of Conservation, an inspirational environmental and beach clean-up group under the energetic leadership of activist Zoë Prinsloo, Save a Fishie.</div><div><br></div><div>8.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>And also in the category of Conservation, Cape Town’s fearless and often unsung firefighting heroes, the Volunteer Wildfire Services.</div><div><br></div><div>9.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>And finally, in the category of Extraordinary Bravery, Cape Town author, poet, philosopher, and corruption buster who stood up to state capture and helped in its exposure, Athol Williams.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>I also want to point out that some of the nominees who don’t appear on these two lists, could still be honoured at sub-council level if it was felt that their contribution had an impact in a specific local community.</div><div><br></div><div>The official honouring ceremony will take place here in Council in December, but please join me now in recognising these Capetonians who have touched the lives of so many people, not only here in Cape Town, but very often around the world.</div><div><br></div><div>We are proud of your achievements, and we are very proud to call you our fellow Capetonians.</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you.<br></div><p><br></p><p><br></p> | 2023-08-23T22:00:00Z | GP0|#8b03f782-9eb6-455f-82e9-6429b6354cf9;L0|#08b03f782-9eb6-455f-82e9-6429b6354cf9|Speeches;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#a25dbcce-0f86-46f4-98bd-204411a5c083;L0|#0a25dbcce-0f86-46f4-98bd-204411a5c083|Council;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
