Several Mitchell’s Plain residents and organisations were honoured at a civic awards ceremony last week for their community service.
Frances Schoeman, from the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents’ Association (Mura), was among those who received certificates at the Wolfgat Sub-council chamber in Lentegeur on Wednesday May 8.
She was recognised for, among other things, helping the youth find positive role models and make the rights choices.
“She is a woman of strength, courage, commitment, integrity and will go the extra mile to serve those less fortunate,” said her citation.
Bongisa Daniso, chairwoman of Mandalay Unemployed Youth Development, was acknowledged for uplifting the youth and bringing hope to Mandalay and Montclair residents.
Sakhile “Shakes” Mahlaba works with law enforcement agencies to tackle crime.
“He actively engages with the police and social services in cases involving abandoned children,” read his citation.
Yusra Booysen, founder and principal of Kids Empire Educare in Ward 82, was recognised for supporting early childhood development and giving legal advice among other things.
Mura executive member Charmaine “Connie” Adams has been active in Tafelsig and Mitchell’s Plain for more than 30 years. She participated in the Department of Community Safety’s Bambanani Project and served as a SAPS designated liquor officer and a community liaison officer on various projects.
Beatrice Leng also has three decades of community service. She works with victims of rape and abuse and helped to establish the Tafelsig clinic. She is a neighbourhood watch member.
Farouk Bailey, a commissioner of oaths and chairman of Al Nur Community Upliftment, was acknowledged for helping senior citizens. He also runs a programme that encourages young men to be responsible husbands and fathers.
Rashmiya Lucas, president of the Lions Club of Mitchell’s Plain, was acknowledged for her work across Mitchell’s Plain in various projects.
Charlotte Williams has lived in Mitchell’s Palin since 1975, is a former deputy mayor and was the first elected sub-council chairperson for Mitchell’s Plain. She resigned from the municipality and politics in 2019 but is still active in the community.
Jasmine Page, from South African Women’s Informal Traders’ Association, was acknowledged for her work on Fourth Avenue Markets in Town Centre.
Phoobhalen Naidoo, 72, of Rocklands, was acknowledged for his almost 20 years of service in the sports fraternity.
Eddie Marshall, who died in January (“Tributes pour in for boxing stalwart Eddie Marshall,” Plainsman January 16) was acknowledged for his distinction in boxing for more than 50 years. His wife, Desiree, received the award on his behalf.
Other recipients were Pastor Leon Jacobs, the Golden United Football Club, Al-Ansaar madrassa, former Tafelsig ward councillor Maria Weavers, and Mareldea Sonday, the operations manager of Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse.
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