Ten dedicated Mitchell’s Plain residents were awarded civic honours at a special event held at the sub-council chambers in Lentegeur on Thursday September 28.
The City of Cape Town bestows civic honours on outstanding individuals, organisations or military units in recognition of extraordinary acts of service or outstanding contributions to the Cape metropole and its residents.
Chairperson of Sub-council 23, Elton Jansen, thanked the residents for their hard work in the Mitchell’s Plain community.
He said nominees were recognised for upholding the rights of others, serving their community above themselves or contributing to nation-building through outstanding service and achievements.
In Ward 43 awards were presented to Levan Jacobs from the Strandfontein Neighbourhood Watch; Nigel Savel from the 9 Miles Project; Selwyn Kondowe from the Cape Flats Tourism and Environmental Development Association; Sandy Schuter from the Ward 43 Informal Settlements Block Watch; and Miranda Lawrence from the Strandfontein Victim Empowerment Programme.
In Ward 75 awards were presented to Sandra Lewis from the Diabetic Group; Rashmiya Lucas from the Collville Ratepayers’ Association; and Faizel Flowers from the Ward 75 Combined Neighbourhood Watch.
Ms Lucas said the award came as a surprise to her and that she was honoured by the recognition. She said she enjoyed working in her community, London Village.
She is not only part of the ratepayers’ association, but also the street committee and victim support unit. “I enjoy, and most importantly love serving my community, and if I can assist someone or add value, I don’t mind being involved in community organisations,” she said. “As a resident it is important to know what is happening in your community, so that you too can create an awareness and stand up for what is right.”
In Ward 76 awards were presented to Evelyn Toefy from the Lobelia Community Forum and Glenda Arendse from the Lentegeur East Neighbourhood Watch. And then in Ward 33 Pumla Matiwane from Ukuphuma Kwelanga Health Care also received an awards.
Ms Toefy spends her time in the community helping residents with their rates and water queries. She said she was grateful for the award and thanked the sub-council for the honour. “It is unbelievable, but I am honoured and humbled. I love working in my community (and) meeting different people from various backgrounds. I am very passionate about community empowerment and development, and it keeps me going,” she said.
