For the first time in over a decade, the City of Cape Town will be acknowledging some of its exceptional residents by awarding them with Civic Honours later this year.
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Civic Honours are awarded for a significant contribution to society in Cape Town and throughout the world.
An official ceremony will be held in Cape Town in December to honour these individuals and associations.
The list of recipients includes lawyer, activist and former Constitutional Court Justice, Albie Sachs, as well are cricket legend Basil D’Oliveira and pop icon, Brenda Fassie.
Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, will also be acknowledged, along with renowned playwright, Athol Fugard.
Speaking in City Council on Thursday, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said it was ‘a great joy to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of a number of men, women and organisations who have made Cape Town and the world a better place’.
‘Civic Honours have not been awarded in Cape Town for the past twelve years, but starting now we are reviving the tradition, and we are finally ready to share the names of his year’s recipients.
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‘Our city’s history is marked by the contributions of some truly remarkable people. Men and women who have dedicated their lives in selfless service to others, talented artists, sports stars and musicians who have touched the hearts of millions through their craft, people who bravely fought the injustice of apartheid or the tyranny of fascism, people who spent a lifetime defending freedom and democracy.
‘They seldom do these things for reward and recognition, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pause, from time to time, to reflect on their contributions and pay tribute to them,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
‘I want to thank every resident who answered our call in the media for Civic Honours nominations. The response was wonderful and speaks to a real sense pride in the names put forward.
‘The official honouring ceremony will take place here in Council in December, but please join me now in recognising these Capetonians who have touched the lives of so many people, not only here in Cape Town, but very often around the world.
‘We are proud of your achievements, and we are very proud to call you our fellow Capetonians,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
The individuals who will be recorded in the Civic Honours Book are:
- Albie Sachs– Lawyer, activist and former Constitutional Court Justice.
- Athol Fugard-Legendary South African playwright.
- Basil D’Oliveira-The greatest South African test cricketer to have never played for South Africa.
- Bennie Rabinowitz-Social justice advocate and philanthropist.
- Brenda Fassie-The Queen of African pop, and Ma Brrr to her many fans..
- Breyten Breytenbach-Afrikaans poet, painter and former political prisoner.
- Desiree Ellis-Former South African soccer star and captain, and current national team coach.
- AG “Sailor” Malan-World War 2 fighter pilot hero, and anti-apartheid activist.
- Dr Imtiaz Sooliman-Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers.
- Jonathan Butler-Acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist and global music star.
- Pieter-Dirk Uys-Political satirist, playwright and HIV/Aids educator.
- Krotoa-Teenage interpreter and peace broker between the Khoi and the Dutch in the 17th Century.
- Dr Thabo Makgoba-Social, education and climate justice activist, and Archbishop of Cape Town.
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