In an emotional ceremony at the City Council, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis celebrated the remarkable contributions of citizens who embody the spirit of service and community commitment, officially marking the return of the Civic Honours after a 10-year hiatus.

The revival of the beloved tradition immediately captured the city’s attention, with Mayor Hill-Lewis announcing plans to confer the Freedom of the City—Cape Town’s highest civic honour—upon two cultural icons: celebrated musician David Kramer, and, posthumously, the legendary artist Taliep Petersen. The formal presentation is set to take place in January 2026.

During his passionate address, Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed profound gratitude to the honourees, acknowledging that the city’s true essence lies in its people.

“Capetonians lift this city high, whether through their art, skills, or acts of kindness. Today we celebrate not just our honourees, but every citizen working tirelessly to make our community better,” he said.

The process for the Civic Honours began with a public nomination phase in early 2025, ensuring the approved recipients—endorsed by the City Council—reflected diverse fields of achievement and dedication across the Western Cape.

Alongside the top honour, the second-highest accolade, the Signing of the Civic Honours Book, was awarded to a stellar lineup of eminent figures. The list included legendary cricketer Jacques Kallis and acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, evidencing the city’s commitment to recognising excellence across various disciplines.

Four other exceptional individuals also forged their names into the Civic Honours Book, which will serve as a historical record for future generations. Among them were cricket captain Temba Bavuma and prominent politician Tony Leon, celebrated for their significant contributions to both the local community and their respective fields, bolstering Cape Town’s dynamic identity.

The prestigious Mayor’s Medal was conferred upon several remarkable individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional dedication in areas such as community service, the arts, and conservation.

Posthumous awards honoured influential figures including Prof. Brian O’Connell, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape, and Victor Pick, a pioneering medical researcher.

Cultural vibrancy was high on the agenda, with awards going to multi-award-winning actor and director  Basil Appollis and celebrated jazz musician Sylvia Mdunyelwa, affectionately known as “Mama Kaap”. Their collective contributions highlight the enduring strength of the Cape Town arts scene.

Organisations recognised included the The Haven Night Shelter and Friends of the Liesbeek, whose tireless work plays an invaluable role in community upliftment and environmental conservation. The city’s rich sports heritage was also celebrated, with an award for Babalwa Latsha, the powerful captain of the Springbok Women’s rugby team.

This spectacular event not only showcased the city’s most honourable citizens but reaffirmed the commitment of the Cape Town leadership to foster civic pride through these biennial accolades. Anticipation for the 2026 ceremony is already building among Capetonians as they await further recognition of the community’s most distinguished members.

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