The City honoured 12 individuals and organisations from various wards in the Southern suburbs for serving their communities with unwavering commitment. The recipients range from individuals who play a huge role in the safety and security of an area by going above and beyond their call of duty to longstanding non-profit organisations that serve disadvantaged children and their families. The City celebrated their admirable efforts at the Subcouncil 20 Civic Honours awards ceremony on Monday evening, 3 June 2024, at the Alphen Centre in Constantia.

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These committed and passionate community members reside in areas across the Southern suburbs, such as Retreat, Muizenberg and Grassy Park.

‘The subcouncil Civic Honours Awards are very special because the ward councillors and residents from these suburbs nominate the selfless and passionate residents and are very sincere about the recipients they have selected. We want to praise these individuals and organisations for the impact they have made in their wards and in the lives of residents in these Subcouncil 20 areas. They are true examples of active citizens who have put their heart into their initiatives and work and therefore, are making a lasting impact in the lives of our residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.

The respective ward councillors for each area handed over 12 certificates of appreciation to the following recipients:

Ward 62:

· Dr Joan Parker, coordinator of the Upper Liesbeek River Garden

The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Dr Joan Parker has been the driving force behind it. She has selflessly spent countless hours over the past 20 years as a volunteer, involving herself in developing and further improving all aspects of the River Garden. Once an overgrown ‘no-go’ section along the Liesbeek River is now a community asset enjoyed by many local residents and visitors.

· The South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA)

SARDA is a registered non-profit, which has provided free equine therapy, sport, and training to those most vulnerable, special needs members of society for the past 51 years. SARDA has served over 9 500 previously and currently disadvantaged children and their families, who live with and experience challenges, ranging from severe physical and mental conditions to milder conditions. SARDA over the years has served 22 Special Needs Schools and institutions, who send children to SARDA for weekly therapy, sport, training, and to attain enabling life skills. Adult Special Needs riders are also included in SARDA’s programmes. The City recognises and praises SARDA’s dedication and sterling work towards the special needs schools in Ward 62 and other areas.

Ward 63:

· Officer Grant Adams from the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate

Ward 63 is incredibly fortunate to have this dedicated and hardworking Law Enforcement officer as part of the team. This organised and focused officer is continuously learning and developing best practices to manage routine activities effectively. Officer Adams is loved by all for his excellence in the manner in which he executes his duties. Many of the community ambassadors find his motivating and positive nature inspiring and want to praise him for his service in Ward 63.

· Senior Inspector Jacobus Gelant from the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate

Senior Inspector Gelant genuinely cares about delivering excellent quality work. He strives to integrate both an understanding of the big picture strategy and goals for the ward. He took the initiative to figure out what the area needed with minimal guidance and then delivered on the tasks. He also always goes above and beyond the call of duty in pursuing excellence.

· Warrant Officer Gordon from the South African Police Service (SAPS)

Officer Gordon serves as the Grassy Park SAPS Sector Commander for Fairways. He is always available to provide advice and assist with problem-solving and has an impressive understanding of the area. He has addressed multiple schools in his sector to assist with social ills and educate learners about safety. Officer Gordon takes initiative to always try something different and new. He always exceeds expectations and is a true legend and asset to both SAPS and Ward 63.

· Wynberg Concerned Citizens (WCC) – Ward 63

This association is a strong asset to Ward 63. WCC often extends beyond their responsibilities, ensuring that no resident is left unheard or behind. Everything they provide in terms of food donations, for example, is homemade within their local kitchens. They provide hope to the hopeless. The City thanks WCC for volunteering their time and acknowledge their valuable contribution and service to Ward 63.

Ward 71:

· The Uithof Park Garden Team

These are neighbours who have transformed an open space into a delightful park. Tucked away in Frogmore Estate is a little gem: Uithof Park. Uithof Park in Uithof Street is City-owned and zoned for open space and recreation. Faced with an unmaintained, overgrown open space, these local neighbours decided to turn it into green space, which residents could enjoy. They have looked after this special space, which encourages community interaction and participation.

· Julie Marzio - Fur Get me Knot 

Fur Get Me Not is an animal organisation that works in Westlake. Fur Get Me Knot is a non-profit organisation (NPO), a small group of six volunteers whose mission is to assist the animals of Westlake with the focus mainly on the dogs and cats that suffer from abuse, burns, parasites, starvation, dogfighting, neglect, and over breeding. They report neglect and cruelty to the inspectorates so they can take action. This group is doing an excellent job at changing the mind-set of people around animal neglect in the area. The City thanks them for their dedication towards the animals in Westlake.

Ward 74:

· Warren Abrahams from the Hangberg Peace & Mediation Forum

Warren Abrahams has been recognised for his excellent community assistance and conflict resolution over the years. He continuously engages with the community regarding various community socioeconomic upliftment projects. These initiatives address issues such as substance abuse; teenage pregnancy and sexual education as well as unemployment. Abrahams has gone over and above his role and has pastorally cared for his community by assisting people in Hangberg with a host of needs and concerns.

· Neo Zwane from the City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate

Neo Zwane is well known for his ongoing responsiveness, attention and willingness to communicate. The community can rest assured that Neo will definitely respond timeously to energy issues within the ward. His dedication as a civil servant is admirable.

· Helen Snell, the former Chairperson of the Scotts Estate CID

Helen Snell is the former Chairperson of the Scotts Estate Baviaanskloof Community Improvement District (CID). Her role in establishing the CID; proactive attitude; excellent ‘management’ skills and pointed vision in assisting the less fortunate communities with the ward will never be forgotten. She has also been recognised for improving the City public spaces on the border of this CID.

· Una Holiday, the volunteer curator of Carmel Park in Northshore

Una is a volunteer curator of Carmel Park in Northshore. Over the years, Una has developed this public open space. She installed play equipment as well as benches and tables; planted and cleaned, mostly at her own cost with some help from local residents.

Supplied by: City of Cape Town