CAPE TOWN – More than 30 hardworking and selfless residents were honoured as “local heroes” and were rewarded for their unwavering support for their communities in combating crime and addressing poverty on Wednesday evening, 10 December.
The event, the Ward 65 Hero Awards Prize Giving Ceremony, was held at the Lotus River Sports and Recreation Hall.
The ceremony was an initiative of Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson, to recognise and celebrate the organisations and “unsung heroes” of the community whose work profoundly impacts the lives of residents.
Nelson thanked all the winners for their hard work in assisting communities of Grassy Park, Steenberg, Parkwood, Retreat and many more areas.
“Even though there are no resources, especially at the South African Police Service, you continue to serve because our communities absolutely need it. You guys are doing it not to be recognised, not for the money or for the accolades, but just to serve, and I thank for you this.”
The youngest award winner this year was Lotus River bookworm Cassidy Hendricks (10).
She made history by scooping her third Hero Award for her charitable acts of kindness to provide more opportunities for the disadvantaged.
The Grade 4 learner at Ferndale Primary School enjoyed spending her hours after school reading her favourite books.
This year she took part at this year’s SA Literacy Association’s annual reading competition and reached the final rounds.
Hendricks launched a cycling initiative with the help of Fairmont High School earlier this year.
“A few months ago, with the help of Fairmont High, she launched Cassidy’s Cyclists because she couldn’t ride a bicycle and the school’s cyclists came to assist with a demonstration that was a fun event for all ages at our church,” her grandmother Brenda Tommy related, “because she had gifted them with a paddle for the Cape Town Cycle event in March. She also scored 88% in the SA Literary Association’s final round, which took her through to the finals.”
Cassidy said she was overjoyed after receiving her third award and had her eyes set on completing more goals for 2026.
“I feel so happy and grateful that they’re actually recognising me. One of the biggest goals I’ve achieved this year was the cycle initiative. I also hope to read at more old age homes next year and be the top academic learner at school.”
Just to sum up all the achievements for which she is recognised, in 2023 she won first prize in the provincial and national SA Literacy Association’s annual reading competition in the category of English First Language Grade 2. Cassidy was the only primary-school learner from the Western Cape and competed against learners from other provinces. In 2022 she walked away with second prize in the national reading competition and she launched a cycling initiative with the help of Fairmont High School earlier this year.
Tommy is immensely proud of her granddaughter’s achievements. “She sets a very high standard, when one door closes she perseveres and tries to find another because she believes in the greater good for those in need. She’s also assisting a school in Steenberg and local orphanages.”
ALSO READ Lotus River bookworm eyes second title at national book competition.
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