As part of its commitment to recognising excellence and community service, the City of Cape Town will award Civic Honours and Mayor’s Medals to deserving individuals and organisations later this month.
The ceremony will be held at the City Council Chambers on Friday 14 November.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says Civic Honours are about recognising the contributions of remarkable people who have delivered exceptional public service, in any field of social, community or civic interest.
The ceremony was revived in 2023 following a 12-year hiatus and is held every two years.
“Honours recipients have generally achieved extraordinary acclaim in their chosen field, have won international recognition for their talent or contribution, or distinguished themselves with extraordinary community service.”
The awarding of honours follows a public nominations process held earlier this year followed by Council approval of nominations, confirmation of acceptance by nominees, and finally the awards ceremony.
Awards are conferred in several categories, including Freedom of the City, Civic Honours Book, and the Mayor’s Medal.
The Freedom of the City, known as the highest Civic Honour, will be bestowed on two of its cultural icons, David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, at a ceremony in January next year.
Civic Honours Book
Ranking just below the Freedom of the City, is the Signing of the Civic Honours Book.
Hill-Lewis says this honour recognises public service to Cape Town that is exceptionally meritorious or impactful, in any field of social, community or civic interest.
The Civic Honours book is kept by the City for future generations to remember Cape Town’s greatest citizens.
The individuals to be recorded in the Civic Honours Book for 2025 are:
Jacques Kallis, Oliver Hermanus, Temba Bavuma and Tony Leon.
Mayor’s Medal
The Mayor’s Medal award acknowledges outstanding contributions by individuals or associations in a number of different fields, including community service, the arts, social services, youth affairs and recreation and sport among others.
This year’s Mayor’s Medals will be bestowed on:
For Community Affairs
Prof Brian O’Connell (posthumously), former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Wendy Ackerman, philanthropist and business leader
For Social Affairs and Services
The Haven Night Shelter, offering dignified shelter to help people off the streets
The Service Dining Rooms, serving cooked meals to the homeless for over 90 years
Victor Pick (posthumously), medical researcher who contributed to the world’s first successful heart transplant by Christiaan Barnard
For Cultural Affairs
Basil Appollis, multi-award-winning actor, director, producer and writer
Emo Adams, renowned singer, actor and producer
Denise Newman, accomplished and versatile performing artist
Louis Heyneman, for his advancement of music, arts journalism, and cultural development
Sylvia Mdunyelwa (“Mama Kaap”, posthumously), Langa’s monumental figure in jazz
For Recreation and Sport
Babalwa Latsha, Springbok Women’s captain
Bernard Hartze (posthumously), South African footballing legend
Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club, South Africa’s oldest rugby club, founded in 1875
For Conservation
Friends of the Liesbeek, transforming Cape Town’s waterways for over three decades
Dr Joan Parker, the driving force behind the transformation of the Upper Liesbeek River Garden (ULRG)
The Two Oceans Aquarium, for marine conservation excellence in Cape Town
For Economic Affairs
Prof Brian Kantor, economist, educator, and public intellectual
For Extraordinary Bravery
The Mountain Club of South Africa, serving Cape Town with a highly skilled volunteer Search and Rescue (S&R) team
People’s Post spoke to a few of the recipients who shared their excitement and appreciation for being nominated.
Shadrick Valayadum, chief executive officer of the Haven Night Shelter, said they are grateful for the recognition.
“We accept this award with humility and appreciation, and we thank the mayor for acknowledging the impact of our ongoing efforts. Our commitment remains steadfast, we will continue striving to build meaningful pathways out of homelessness.”
Janey Ball, acting operations manager for the Service Dining Rooms, said the award belongs to the many volunteers, donors, and supporters who make The Service Dining Rooms the great place it is.
“Every plate of food we serve represents the compassion and care of these people and organisations and reminds us how powerful our community can be.”
Mike Reynolds, chair of the Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club, said they are ecstatic to be one of the recipients of the awards.
