In celebration of exemplary service to the community, subcouncil 17 held its civic awards ceremony on Tuesday 15 October at the Athlone stadium, where 26 certificates of merit were awarded.
Subcouncil 17 consists of three wards, and stretches from Athlone, through Crawford, Penlyn Estate and Hanover Park, through to Manenberg.
The ceremony, which was well attended, recognised the efforts of community members from wards 48, 49 and 60 who have impacted the lives of the other residents in their communities.
In her welcome address, subcouncil 17 manager, Christa Liebenberg, welcomed all in the spirit of recognising outstanding achievements and services volunteered towards enhancing the ward communities by citizens.
“Subcouncil 17 is tonight honouring meaningful contributions by individuals and organisations,” said Liebenberg. “I cannot help but feel the sense of wonder and gratitude to be here in the presence of the receivers of these awards.”
Subcouncil chairperson, George March delivered a heart-warming address to the assembled guests, where he encouraged other members of the community to follow the example set by the recipients of the evening’s civic honours.
“If residents work together with the subcouncil, we can create opportunities for personal growth, as well as safer communities,” said March. “Bestowing civic honours is a gesture to acknowledge those who have gone the extra mile in their unselfish service to humanity.
“You as individuals and organisations are honoured for your outstanding service and contribution to the community of subcouncil 17.” March said.
Among the prestigious guests were executive mayor Dan Plato, and local celebrity activist, actress and singer, Sylvia “Mama Kaap” Mdunyelwa Kobas – who further honoured guests with a soul-reaching jazz-acapella song asking: “where are the children; where do they eat?” in her lyrics.
Plato expressed his gratitude for having an evening dedicated to celebrating the positive aspects to developing the good in the city’s communities.
“I want to thank subcouncil 17 for getting us all here together,” Plato said. “It’s good to sometimes get people together to just say thank you.”
There were 26 certificates awarded in total, to the following recipients:
Ward 48 recipients
Elgar Fourie
Ashraf Allie
Members of the Belgravia/Heatherdale/Vygieskraal Civic Association and neighbourhood watch (organisation)
Aubrey October
Miriam Edwards
Ilana Slamat
Reyaad Petersen
Iloma De Bruyn
Charmaine Phillips
Brenda Easton
Ward 49 recipients
Jeff Paulse
YMCA Athlone (organisation)
Athlone District Advice Office (organisation)
Zainuniessa Waggie
Sylvia “Mama Kaap” Mdunyelwa Kobus
Ikamva Ubomi (organisation)
Ward 60 recipients
Sergeant Nkululeko Mnyaka
Captain Allen Manuel
Khadija Adams
Kenwyn neighbourhood watch
David Hendricks
Reverend Michael Williams
Aziza Ebrahim
Shireen Powell
Sharon Isaacs
Zaida Samuels
