W Cape honours its heroes

2003-04-08 23:34

Cape Town - The true men and women of action who transformed the world were not politicians or statesmen but artists, scientists, business leaders and sporting heroes, Western Cape premier Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Tuesday.

The premier was addressing the first Western Cape Provincial Honours Awards at the Cape Town Castle where 36 recipients were named including leading individuals from the cultural, sporting, business, academic and community empowerment fields.

Among those honoured was the world's first heart transplant surgeon, the late Professor Christiaan Barnard. He was honoured with the Western Cape Golden Cross for his lifelong achievements.

South African swimmer Natalie du Toit, who lost a leg in an accident, was also awarded the Western Cape Golden Cross.

The Order of the Disa (Commander) was awarded to Archbishop Desmond Tutu while the Order of the Disa (Member) was awarded to "Afronaut" Mark Shuttleworth.

"Tonight's awards ceremony is not only about recognition of excellence, it is also about the acknowledgement of men and women who have led by example," Van Schalkwyk said.

He said many of the men and women honoured on Tuesday night had spent their lives making a difference where it mattered most - in the communities.

The recipients were recommended by the province's provincial honours advisory panel under the leadership of Judge Nathan Erasmus.

The full list of recipients at Tuesday night's ceremony were:

Western Cape Golden Cross: Christiaan Barnard, Natalie du Toit.

Order of the Disa (Commander: Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Order of the Disa (Officer) entrepreneur Raymond Ackerman, author John Coetzee, advocate and media executive DP de Villiers (posthumous), academic and presidential advisor Jakes Gerwel, poet/playwright Adam Small.

Order of the Disa (member): Art expert and historian Frank Bradlow (posthumous); architect and developer David Jack; Helen Lieberman and Mavis Nduzulwana for community empowerment; anti-drug campaigner and philanthropist Adele Seale; entrepreneur and astronaut Mark Shuttleworth; prima ballerina Phyllis Spira; satirist, playwright and author Pieter-Dirk Uys; nature conservationist Willem van Schalkwyk (posthumous); and rugby player Chester Williams.

- SAPA