Cape Town’s finest were celebrated this week as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis handed out the city’s top civic honours at a special Council ceremony on Thursday, 14 November.The prestigious awards recognise Capetonians who’ve made exceptional contributions to their communities \u2013 from world-class sportspeople to dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city’s highest honour, Freedom of the City, will be awarded to beloved entertainers David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen at a ceremony planned for January 2026. Both men are considered cultural treasures who’ve put Cape Town on the international map through their artistic contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What makes Cape Town truly great is her people,” said Hill-Lewis at the ceremony. “Capetonians have a way of lifting this city high and making us incredibly proud, whether they shine through their art, their skills, their service, or their fierce loyalty to their community.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added: “To all our civic honours recipients \u2013 and to all our great Capetonians out there \u2013 you make us proud and you give us hope.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The civic honours were revived by Mayor Hill-Lewis in 2023 after a 10-year break, and will now be awarded every two years. This year’s recipients were chosen through public nominations, followed by Council approval. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four exceptional Capetonians signed the prestigious Civic Honours Book \u2013 the city’s second-highest award:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Jacques Kallis \u2013 Cricket legend and one of the sport’s greatest all-rounders<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Oliver Hermanus \u2013 Internationally acclaimed filmmaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Temba Bavuma \u2013 World Cup-winning Proteas captain from Langa<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Tony Leon \u2013 Respected parliamentarian, diplomat and author<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mayor’s Medal recognises outstanding service across various fields. This year’s recipients include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community Affairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Prof. Brian O’Connell (posthumously) \u2013 Former UWC Vice-Chancellor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Wendy Ackerman \u2013 Philanthropist and business leaderSocial Affairs and Services<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– The Haven Night Shelter \u2013 Providing dignified accommodation for homeless individuals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
-The Service Dining Rooms \u2013 Feeding Cape Town’s homeless for over 90 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Victor Pick (posthumously) \u2013 Medical researcher who helped make the world’s first heart transplant possible<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cultural Affairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Basil Appollis \u2013 Multi-award-winning actor and director<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Emo Adams \u2013 Popular singer and entertainer<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Denise Newman \u2013 Versatile performing artist<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Louis Heyneman \u2013 Music and arts journalism pioneer<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Sylvia Mdunyelwa “Mama Kaap” (posthumously) \u2013 Langa jazz legendRecreation and Sport<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Babalwa Latsha \u2013 Springbok Women’s team captain<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Bernard Hartze (posthumously) \u2013 SA football legend<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club \u2013 SA’s oldest rugby club (founded 1875)Conservation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Friends of the Liesbeek \u2013 River conservation champions for over 30 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Dr. Joan Parker \u2013 Visionary behind the Upper Liesbeek River Garden transformation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Two Oceans Aquarium \u2013 Marine conservation leadersEconomic Affairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Prof. Brian Kantor \u2013 Respected economist and educatorExtraordinary Bravery<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– The Mountain Club of South Africa \u2013 Volunteer search and rescue heroesThese awards celebrate the spirit of Ubuntu that makes Cape Town special \u2013 ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their city and fellow residents<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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