On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted the annual Cultural Awards at the Artscape theatre, in Cape Town.
Celebrate
This event celebrates the contributions made in the fields of arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives in the province.
Winners were crowned in various categories. Deon Daniels, also known as DJ Ready D, received a Ministerial Commendation for his exceptional contribution to South African hip-hop and its role in advancing cultural identity and artistic expression, while Paul Hanmer, Thoko Ntshinga and John Maytham were among those honoured with Enduring Legacy Awards for their lifetime contributions to South Africa’s music, performing arts, broadcasting, literature and cultural life.
DJ Ready D expressed his thanks to the department and Minister Mackenzie and said he was “honoured and humbled” by the award.
Head of Department Guy Redman said: “Tonight, we honour residents of our province who have given of themselves to our cultural life – people whose work reminds us that culture is not simply an ornament to society. Those who came before us did not struggle, create, research, teach, perform, preserve, and sacrifice simply so that we could build monuments to them. They did it so that those who came after them could go further.”
Who we are
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie added, “Our arts, culture, and heritage tell the story of who we are as a province. The Cultural Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to enriching the Western Cape, and who have played an important role in shaping the story and history of our province. To those whose decades of work have left an enduring legacy, you represent the richness and diversity of our cultural and creative sector. We are proud to honour you and, importantly, to ensure that your contributions are seen, celebrated and remembered.”
Full list of winners:
- Most Impactful Contribution in the Literary Arts Discipline -Rita Swanepoel
- Most Innovative Contribution in the Dance Discipline-Project021
- Most Innovative Contribution in the Drama Discipline-Mthobisi Mpandle
- Most Innovative Contribution in the Music Discipline-Jikela Studios
- Most Innovative Contribution in the Visual Arts Discipline-Hari Lualhati
- Most Innovative Contribution in Film, Audio-Visual, Interactive Media and Photography-Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa
- Most Innovative Contribution in the Crafts Discipline-Nokubonga Sifanele
- Most Impactful Community Arts Festival Ukukhanya-Kwelanga Art Society NPC Young Artist Award-Thimna Sitokisi
- Young Writer of the Year Award-Sumayyah Petersen
- Reading and Literacy Champion Award-City of Cape Town Library and Information Services
- Digital Literacy Champion Award Brackenfell Public Library – Londwaba Mabele
- Best Friends of the Public Library-Hermanus Public Library
- Public Library of the Year-Hermanus Public Library
- Neville Alexander Award for an Outstanding Contribution
- towards the Promotion of Multilingualism -Athlone Library Digital Reading Den
- Significant Contribution to Language Development-Sumayyah Petersen
- Best Researcher Contributing to Archival Heritage-Archives to Narrative / Koue Bokkeveld
- Best Community or Institutional Archives-Centre for the Constitutional Transformation of South Africa
- (CCTSA)
- Contribution to Research, Creating Awareness and Advocacy- Towards an Inclusive Cultural Landscape Genadendal Living Landscape
- Contribution to Social Inclusion in the Field of Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names-Norval Foundation – We the People: 30 Years of Democracy
- Community-led Research or Public Programme in the Field of Heritage, Museums or Geographical Names-Charles Theunissen
- Best Practice within the Field of Museums and Related Organisations-Norval Foundation
- Contribution by a Conservation Body, Heritage Organisation,Museums towards the Promotion of Local History, Heritage or Renaming of Geographical Features-Archive to Narrative (Koue Bokkeveld)
- Best Contribution to the Protection and Conservation of a National, Provincial or Locally Protected Heritage Site -Tiervlei Community
- Community Impact Through Outreach Award-Hawston Public Library
- Best Project to Promote Access to Museums, Heritage Collections, Heritage Sites or Heritage Resources-Archive to Narrative (Hout Bay Project)
- Best After School Arts and Culture Programme Award-College of Magic
- After School Arts and Culture Coaching Excellence-Carol Dube
- Active Volunteer of the Year in the Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names Sector Moira-Ann Odendaal
- Climate Culture in Action-Sir Lowry’s Pass Library
Ministerial Commendations
- DJ Ready D (Deon Daniels)
- Hilton Schilder
- Aden Thomas
- Enduring Legacy Awards Dr Paul Hanmer
- Thoko Ntshinga
- Dr John Maytham
- Dr Jo-Anne Duggan
- Fr Michael Lapsley SSM
- Professor Sylvia Bruinders
- Fahruq Valley-Omar
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