In attendance were Executive Mayor Dan Plato, Alderman George March (Subcouncil 17 chairperson), Councillors Willie Jephta (Chairperson of the Urban Management Portfolio Committee), Mark Kleinschmidt (Ward 60) and Rashied Adams (Ward 49). Awards were made in recognition of meaningful contributions to community upliftment. In total, 22 individuals and 4 organisations received civic honours.

Ward 48 civic awards

In Ward 48, Mr Elgar Fourie of Mountview was awarded for his dedication to community safety. He conducts daily patrols of his neighbourhood to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent vandalism of community facilities.

‘Residents feel very safe with Mr Fourie in the area and are extremely grateful for his passion. He has been nominated for a civic award as a token of our appreciation,’ said Mrs Saardia Kamish of Ward 48.

Other awardees included Mr Ashraf Allie for supporting community sports (Hanover Park Cricket Club); and the members of the Belgravia / Heatherdale / Vygieskraal Civic Association and Neighbourhood Watch.

Ward 49 civic awards

The Athlone District Advice Office received an award for serving the community of greater Athlone. Volunteers offer free legal advice and assistance to residents and arrange educational workshops to make the community aware of their rights.

‘This had been an invaluable resource to the community and the subcouncil is pleased to support their nomination,’ said Ms Gadija Abrahams of Ward 49.

Other awardees included Mr Jeff Paulse for his contribution to literacy through his NPO, Reading and Writing Solutions; the Athlone YMCA for providing home-based case and rehabilitation services; Zainuniessa (or Aunty Zainu) for her Saffiyah Feeding Scheme; Sylvia Kobus for her work with the Langa community to develop art and musical talent; and the Ikamva Ubomi NPO for supporting skills development and crime prevention.

Ward 60 civic awards

The Kenwyn Neighbourhood Watch was honoured for the dedication and service to the community. Members give of their time and resources to create a safe environment for residents, and they perform an important supporting role for SAPS and other law enforcement structures in the area.

‘These are ordinary citizens who go beyond the call of duty to make their community a safer place and I have no hesitation in recognizing their value to the community,’ said Cllr Kleinschmidt.

Other awardees included Sergeant N Mnyaka of Lansdowne SAPS for his service to the community; Captain A Manuel of Lansdowne SAPS for leading the community safety initiative; and Khadija Adams of the Kenwyn Neighbourhood Watch for providing administrative support services.

Alderman March emphasized the Subcouncil’s appreciation to these individuals and groups for voluntarily providing their services and support.