Cape Town’s finest were celebrated this week as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis handed out the city’s top civic honours at a special Council ceremony on Thursday, 14 November.The prestigious awards recognise Capetonians who’ve made exceptional contributions to their communities – from world-class sportspeople to dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
The city’s highest honour, Freedom of the City, will be awarded to beloved entertainers David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen at a ceremony planned for January 2026. Both men are considered cultural treasures who’ve put Cape Town on the international map through their artistic contributions.
The people
“What makes Cape Town truly great is her people,” said Hill-Lewis at the ceremony. “Capetonians have a way of lifting this city high and making us incredibly proud, whether they shine through their art, their skills, their service, or their fierce loyalty to their community.”
He added: “To all our civic honours recipients – and to all our great Capetonians out there – you make us proud and you give us hope.”
The civic honours were revived by Mayor Hill-Lewis in 2023 after a 10-year break, and will now be awarded every two years. This year’s recipients were chosen through public nominations, followed by Council approval.
Jacques Kallis
Four exceptional Capetonians signed the prestigious Civic Honours Book – the city’s second-highest award:
– Jacques Kallis – Cricket legend and one of the sport’s greatest all-rounders
– Oliver Hermanus – Internationally acclaimed filmmaker
– Temba Bavuma – World Cup-winning Proteas captain from Langa
– Tony Leon – Respected parliamentarian, diplomat and author
The Mayor’s Medal recognises outstanding service across various fields. This year’s recipients include:
Community Affairs
– Prof. Brian O’Connell (posthumously) – Former UWC Vice-Chancellor
– Wendy Ackerman – Philanthropist and business leaderSocial Affairs and Services
– The Haven Night Shelter – Providing dignified accommodation for homeless individuals
-The Service Dining Rooms – Feeding Cape Town’s homeless for over 90 years
– Victor Pick (posthumously) – Medical researcher who helped make the world’s first heart transplant possible
Cultural Affairs
– Basil Appollis – Multi-award-winning actor and director
– Emo Adams – Popular singer and entertainer
– Denise Newman – Versatile performing artist
– Louis Heyneman – Music and arts journalism pioneer
– Sylvia Mdunyelwa “Mama Kaap” (posthumously) – Langa jazz legendRecreation and Sport
– Babalwa Latsha – Springbok Women’s team captain
– Bernard Hartze (posthumously) – SA football legend
– Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club – SA’s oldest rugby club (founded 1875)Conservation
– Friends of the Liesbeek – River conservation champions for over 30 years
– Dr. Joan Parker – Visionary behind the Upper Liesbeek River Garden transformation
– Two Oceans Aquarium – Marine conservation leadersEconomic Affairs
– Prof. Brian Kantor – Respected economist and educatorExtraordinary Bravery
– The Mountain Club of South Africa – Volunteer search and rescue heroesThese awards celebrate the spirit of Ubuntu that makes Cape Town special – ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their city and fellow residents
