Subcouncil 17 hosted its civic awards ceremony on Friday 29 May, recognising 12 people and organisations for their service.

The civic awards are certificates of recognition given for exceptional achievement or service to civil society within the subcouncil’s area.

The 12 recipients are:

• Bernadette Gelant — Chairperson of the Northwood Diabetic Seniors Club, Gelant was described as a dedicated community worker who goes beyond what is expected of her. She exposes senior residents to educational and cultural experiences and is known for her generosity and passion for her community.
• Blaqpearl Foundation — The foundation motivates and supports young people to complete short courses in life skills and theatre, life skills and music, and multimedia film-making. It also assists youth with research, telephone calls, printing and access to laptops, and provides food parcels when needed. The organisation is recognised for treating young people with respect, compassion and dignity.
• Cornelia Roos Martheza — A volunteer with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) for 10 years, Martheza facilitates the monthly CANSA support group in Lentegeur for cancer survivors and their families. She conducts community talks and raises awareness about cancer at schools, churches and community halls, and has assisted with breast and cervical screening outreach. She has previously received the Marie Loots Award for outstanding commitment to CANSA in Cape Town. She is described as humble, multi-talented and committed to empowering her community.
• Kosovo Neighbourhood Watch — The neighbourhood watch safeguards school learners and residents in the Kosovo informal settlement. Its scholar patrol and increased visibility in the area contributed to an end to shootings and robberies there.
• Pastor Theo Roman — Roman has served the Mitchells Plain community since 1982, giving more than four decades of commitment, leadership and community transformation. He was recognised for his pastoral ministry and community service.
• Wendy Abrahams — Founder of the Advance Edukos Foundation and a resident of Strandfontein who grew up in Mitchells Plain, Abrahams survived multiple violent incidents in 2019, 2024 and 2025, yet continued her work. Her foundation has created employment for more than 300 young people to date, including more than 70 jobs in 2026 alone. She uses art as a tool for expression, healing and learning, and is known for creating safe, supportive environments that promote resilience and dignity.
• 180 Plus Schools Darts Development Programme — The programme uses the sport of darts to improve learners’ concentration and mental skills. It supports mental mathematics and aligns with educational policies and practices, and helps learners develop steadiness, breathing control and focus.
• Sandy Schuter — Chairperson of the Strandfontein Community Police Forum (CPF), Schuter has built strong relationships between the police and local residents, contributing to reduced crime and improved safety in the area. She has organised mass visibility patrols, runs gender-based violence awareness and education workshops, and advocates for the elderly and vulnerable. She has also entered drug houses and confronted gangs in an effort to reclaim community spaces.
• Ivan George — A pensioner from Woodlands, George goes out every day pushing a wheelbarrow filled with tools to Lentegeur station, where he cleans and collects waste and offloads it into a skip bin — without pay. He relies on his pension and the goodwill of others. He is described as hardworking, humble and a person of deep faith.
• Mark Jeneker — An art teacher at Portland Primary, Jeneker runs after-school art programmes as well as holiday programmes in libraries and community halls. He teaches, feeds and mentors children, and believes that art changes lives. He has received two Cultural Awards, Lead SA Hero awards, a Best Art Teacher award from the Western Cape Education Department’s School Enrichment Department, and a Most Influential Men award.
• Mrs AM Desai — A resident of New Woodlands, Desai was nominated for her work educating Muslim youth and supporting young people through social challenges. She was recognised for her contribution to the social development of youth in her community.
• Ben de Vos — De Vos was recognised for his role in developing, piloting and establishing nodal governance and community policing practices within the City of Cape Town. His work has influenced safety, crime prevention and community governance in complex urban areas. He is noted for combining operational policing, corrections, academic rigour and ethical leadership to turn safety theory into practical, people-centred action.

Two outgoing councillors honoured

In addition to the 12 civic award recipients, Subcouncil 17 also paid tribute to two outgoing councillors who each served 20 years as public representatives.

Councillor Daniel Christians and Councillor Goawa Timm both received Certificates of Long Service from the City of Cape Town in recognition of their loyal and dedicated service and their valued contribution to service delivery in their respective communities.

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