To recognise and honour those who are doing exceptional work in Ward 34, the office of the ward councillor held recognition awards at Brown’s Farm Community Hall on Saturday 31 May.
The event, the first of its kind in the area, recognised individuals and groups that have made significant strides in various disciplines. They all received certificates.
The recipients included Lizwi Nyandu for his excellence in the arts. He is the founder Philippi Arts Centre. The centre conducts various activities such as dance, music and painting to take the children away from the streets.
Other certificates went to Dangerous Heros for Best Performing Ladies Team, Col Sydwell Gordons from Brown’s Farm Police Station for his bravery in the Safety-and-Security sector, Portfolio FC for Best Performing Club, Lusanda Mkhosi for Youth Leadership in Development, Rev Mawande Lugongolo for an Appreciation certificate for hard work he has done in the community and Andiswa Mnyaka Best Performing Professional Services or by Individual.
Ward 34 councillor Melikhaya Gadeni described the event as the platform to recognise those dedicated their lives to changing the area. He said they are intending the ceremony to be an annual event.
“We felt it is high time to grant certificates of recognition to those who have played a part in developing the area. To those who put our ward on the map by doing great work. We are also encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.”
Gadeni said the recipients were nominated by the community, and the intention is to change ward 34 for the better. “We want to change the perception that people have about Philippi. We want people to see there are dedicated and passionate people intent on developing the area.”
All community stakeholders were there, including school principals, clinic management, the community policing forum and neighbourhood watches.
Andiswa Mnyaka, who works for the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, is a superintendent maintaining the City’s facilities. “I was so surprised when my name was called. I didn’t expect it. It’s great to see my job is being recognised.” Working in Ward 34, 35, 36, 80 and 88, she said love and dedication were what made her excel and was grateful for the recognition of people’s good work.
