The Helderberg’s unsung heroes stepped into the spotlight on Friday 22 May, recognised at the City of Cape Town’s annual Subcouncil 8 Conferment of Civic Honours Awards.

Leaders and workers across the eight different wards in the basin, alongside civil servants responsible for the continued functioning of the Helderberg, gathered at the Strand Town Hall to receive certificates in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

The event opened with a speech from Chantal Cerfontein, councillor for Ward 85 and subcouncil chairperson, who described community organisations, volunteers, officials and staff as the “true unseen heroes” of the Helderberg and urged any unrecognised contributors to come forward.

Civic honours were bestowed upon the following recipients from the different wards:

– Ward 15 (Somerset West and Parel Vallei): Monica Buitendag (Heartlands Baby Sanctuary); Amanda-Lea Jones (Patch Helderberg Child Abuse Centre); Reinet le Roux (ACVV), Jo Swart (Somerset West Night Shelter); Mel Potter (Victim Support) and Captain Anneke van der Vyver (Somerset West police).

– Ward 84 (Bizweni, Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Pass and parts of Strand): Marie-Claire Knoop (The Barking Ark Animal Welfare Organisation) and Edward de Villiers (Sir Lowry’s Pass Mission Grounds Ratepayers’ Association).

– Ward 85 (Nomzamo and parts of Strand): Don Mthobela (CAM Foundation); Dave Walker (The Soet River Catchment Management Forum, Greenways Golf Estate); Moenieba Gallie; Rabia Roman; and Mofolo Ramothathaki.

– Ward 86 (Lwandle and Nomzamo): Yandisa Magagana (Look At God Music Academy).

– Ward 100 (Gordon’s Bay and parts of Strand): Helene Wilson (Gordon’s Bay Business Association).

– Ward 109 (Croydon, Faure, Firgrove and Macassar): Beverley Adriaanse (Yaro Community Based Project); Na-eema Samuels (House of Grace); Katherine Louw (New Purpose Feeding Scheme); Chris Janneke and Relebogile Diphoko (Rheinmetall Denel Munition Macassar Community Centre; Sammy Louw and Phia Louw (M-Help Soup Kitchen); Felicity Solomons; Shaheen Waggie; and Pastor Mark Baatjies.

Lisa Starr, founder of the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement, received a certificate for her work across ward 83 and 85, while Gertruida Hendricks from Oasis Helderberg was recognised for her work across the basin.

STAFF HONOURED

City officials were also honoured across several departments.

– Water and sanitation: Brandon Stevens; Gavin Daniels; Mbongeni Matiwane; Bakang Moagisi Gasealahwe; Mfundo Matiwane; Ntombikhona Precious Kuboni; and Hakeem Abed.

– Electricity services: Andy Crouse and Wesley Barthus.

– Urban mobility: Carlo de Vries and Rodwin Biggs.

– Economic development and investment: Duncan Alcock.

– Urban waste management: George Nokonongo; Ncedo Mcani; and Antonie Oktober.

– Recreation and parks: Gideon du Plessis and Rafiek Khan (Recreation Strand); Ziyanda Rigala; Kerchel Jaftha and Norman Sedze (Parks Strand); Sipumelele Mbusi, Phumzile Tyandela and Monwabisi Siqwayi (City Parks Somerset West); and Pieter Appel (City Parks Macassar).

The gathering also heard from Helourine Seyffert, while Councillor Kurt Oliver delivered a word of thanks and Councillor Judy Ann Stevens handed over flowers to the staff.

Acting subcouncil manager Nonzuzo Jacob and PR councillor Vuyokazi Matanzima closed the event.