- Sub-council 16 held a civic awards ceremony to recognise residents and organisations for outstanding contributions to their communities.
- Honourees included volunteer groups like Friends of Sea Point Pavillion, TBK Green Team, and individuals like Rob Marshall and Rev Austen Jackson.
- Councillors praised awardees for revitalising public spaces, promoting cleanliness, and fostering community pride.
As the year draws to a close, it is important to reflect on the year that was. To pay homage to residents and organisations going beyond the call of duty in their areas, Sub-council 16 ward councillors held a civic award ceremony at the Council Chambers in Cape Town on Tuesday 3 December.
Each councillor nominated and awarded a certificate of recognition award to two candidates.
During the intimate ceremony, Matthew Kempthorne, sub-council chair, welcomed awardees and praised them for their exemplary contributions to their communities.
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor nominated the volunteer organisation Friends of Sea Point Pavillion which aims to enhance the facilities of the Sea Point swimming pool, and community leader Andreas Hauke.
Jowell said: “It’s always hard to choose because there are so many people and organisations that do great work. But I wanted to recognise the Friends of Sea Point Pavillion because they have done a great job over the last few years…”
“Bringing people together and looking after the pool. They also hold City officials accountable to make sure that the Sea Point swimming pool is looked after, and that the water quality is excellent.”
Jowell added that Hauke was awarded for being an active citizen.
“We should have more citizens reporting issues and making us aware of things that need to be attended to. As a result, it’s a cleaner and better area for us.”
Hauke said working with a ward councillor who works with the residents is a bonus.
“Nicola has been a good ward councillor; every time there is an issue she always attends to it. We want to beautify the green islands in the area. I always want to put more bins up; people will eventually put the garbage into the bin when they see one.”
Yusuf Mohammed, Ward 57 councillor, elected community crime steward, Rob Marshall and resident Britt Parker.
Mohammed said both recipients deserve the award as they go beyond the call of duty to safeguard and ensure the well-being of residents.
Marshall says: “I appreciate knowing that the small steps I make in the community are being recognised. It’s great to see Woodstock on the map for something positive and I hope other residents feel that this is a great way to contribute to the success of the area.”
Ward 77 Councillor Francine Higham awarded the Friends of St Michael’s Road Park for their outstanding work in revitalising the park. Higham’s second nomination was for TBK Green Team, a volunteer’s group that restores indigenous vegetation and does clean-ups at Lion’s Head and surrounds.
Higham said: “Both of these organisations have contributed to the community. They are invaluable to us as ward councillors because we rely heavily on these organisations and residents to also get involved for the benefit of the greater community.”
On receiving the award, Steven Good, a member of Friends of St Michael’s Road Park, said: “It’s great to be recognised and that people are aware of what we are doing and feel as happy as we do with the progress. Residents can support us by continuing to use the park and leaving it a little cleaner than they found it.”
Wendy Paisely, a member from TBK Green Team, said they feel honoured to be recognised. “This is a huge deal to us, and it encourages us to continue working and doing even more.”
Ian McMahon, Ward 115 councillor, says he nominated the late Spider Clark (former chair of the De Waterkant Civic Association) and Rev Austen Jackson for their tireless contribution to their area and community work. Ben Clark received the award on behalf of his dad and said it’s a bittersweet moment.
“This is incredibly special for our family. My father dedicated his life to helping people and we’re so proud of everything he did.”
Jackson, who served the District Six area as an activist and priest for over 40 years, said: “It’s wonderful to know that what I’ve invested in the community as an activist and clergyman is recognised by the city.”
The Friends of Sea Point Pavillion and Britt Parker could not attend the event.
