Recognition continues as Minister Mackenzie honours ten Western Cape cultural icons with specially commissioned sculptures
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, concluded a week of recognition celebrating ten highly respected cultural voices from across the province, with the final presentation of a specially commissioned sculpture to veteran broadcaster, John Maytham at CapeTalk.
This followed a personal visit to Aden Thomas at Heart FM earlier this week, and a breakfast hosted at Leeuwenhof, the Premier’s official residence, on Wednesday morning, 9 September, in celebration of the ten honorary awardees recognised through the Ministerial Commendation (MC) and Enduring Legacy Awards (ELA) categories of the Western Cape Cultural Awards.
These two honorary award categories form part of the Honorary Awards domain of the annual Western Cape Cultural Awards, which have recognised excellence and significant contributions to the province’s cultural sector for 23 years.
Minister Mackenzie brought together the ten honorary awardees whose lifelong contributions across arts, culture, heritage, media and public life have left a significant impact in the Western Cape and South Africa.
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, graciously opened his official residence for the occasion and joined Minister Mackenzie in celebrating the honorary awardees’ contributions to the province.
The ten honorary awardees are:
- Aden Thomas (MC)
- Deon Daniels (DJ Ready D) (MC)
- Hilton Schilder (MC)
- Dr Jo-Anne Duggan (ELA)
- Dr John Maytham (ELA)
- Dr Sylvia Bruinders (ELA)
- Fahruq Valley-Omar (ELA)
- Father Michael Lapsley (ELA)
- Paul Hanmer (ELA)
- Thoko Ntshinga (ELA)
Each honorary awardee received a first-of-its-kind iteration of one of Marco Olivier’s signature face sculptures, specially created for the occasion with the outline of Table Mountain etched into the design.
Minister Mackenzie said: “There are extraordinary people who have spent thirty to fifty years creating, performing, telling our stories, and preserving our heritage in the Western Cape. Hosting this breakfast for the honorary awardees was our way of saying thank you and personally acknowledging them for their contribution to the richness of our province.”
“It was important to me that recognition did not simply end when Wednesday’s programme concluded. Every one of our honorary awardees deserves to know how deeply their contribution is valued”.
Minister Mackenzie also acknowledged Premier Winde’s support in recognising and celebrating the awardees and the lasting impact of their work.
“Thank you to Premier Winde for graciously opening Leeuwenhof to us and to the remarkable people we were there to celebrate and honour. It was fitting that we could welcome these icons into the Premier’s official residence and celebrate with dignity and the recognition that each one deserves.”
This week has placed a well-deserved spotlight on the people who continue to shape and strengthen the Western Cape’s cultural landscape for future generations.
Media Enquiries:
Simone Carter
Media Liaison Officer
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 066 289 9174
Email: Simone.Carter@westerncape.gov.za