Awards for community workers
Sub-council 17 has honoured leaders, organisations and community workers in their various wards for the work they are doing in their communities.
Advance Edukos Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in ward 43, were among those who received certificates at Lentegeur Civic Centre on Thursday June 13.
Advance Edukos Foundation was one of the organisations recognised for their work with young people. They’ve successfully established an after school programme since 2020. Sub-council 17 chairperson, Elton Jansen, said founder, Wendy Abrahams, has “a heart to empower and ignite hope in others, she is passionate about community work and we acknowledge her role in changing lives” Johanna Albertus, a member of the organisation, accepted the award in her absence.
Founder of the 9Miles Project, Nigel Savel, uses surfing as a medium to reach the poorest of the poor. He was recognised for his leadership and efforts in youth and community development in the Western Cape especially in the Strandfontein Informal Settlements and surrounding areas.
Ikeraam Mullins, founder of Autism Strong Academy is a parent of a child with autism. The group of parents were recognised in ward 75 for their work in creating autism awareness.
Zeenat Isaacs, chairwoman and co-founder of Supporting Mentorship through Art (S.M-ART) is involved in many community upliftment programmes as she incorporates art into them, educating children and adults to reduce, reuse and recycle. She is a staunch activist on children’s rights.
Justin Barends, founder of The Impossible Dream Production Pty Ltd, established a platform for young performing artists, through drama, production, graphic design and movies.
“The vision of this organisation is to empower and equip our young people,” he said.
Elonwabeni Child and Family Centre non-profit organisation, based in Colorado Park, is a cluster foster care schemes. They have four houses which provide safe havens for destitute children.
Elonwabeni’s founder and director, Denise Landes, said children who experience trauma through abuse in their homes, among other issues, were placed in their care.
This award is valuable, she said, as “our children are being recognised”.
“This is the way to share our needs and raise awareness to help our children,” said Ms Landes.
LLC Drilling Squad and Pétor Creatives Youth Development (PCYD) were acknowledged for their youth work. PCYD co-founder Taryn Mentor called the award a stepping stone.
Other award recipients were ward 78 committee members Ashwin Johnson, Mario Douglas Alexander and Natalie April. In Ward 79 the recipients were community activist Pastor Steven Noble and ward committee members Morne Press, Valerie Moses and Debra Bailey, as well as Block A - Portland chairperson Mark Giebelaar.
“We’re very proud of the award and achievement, security is a priority. If the community stands together then there will be success,” said Mr Giebelaar.
In ward 81, park champion and community member, Nolleen Porter, ward committee members, Alister Porthen, Alvin Schrikker and founder and CEO of Mitchell’s Plain Entrepreneurs Hub, Lucretia Splinters Jardini received awards.
In ward 88, the recipients received their certificates from ward 88 councillor Zukisani Sophazi. They are Heinz Park community leader Cikizwa Manyakanyaka, Heinz Park neighbourhood watch founder Nomvume Mpanjukelwa and Heinz Park Educare principal Sharon Coetzee.
“Sometimes it’s challenging in a community like Heinz Park and the work is not recognised but when you receive these accolades, you realise it’s acknowledged,” said Ms Coetzee.
Her late mother started the educare in 1993. When her mother lost the battle to cancer in 2009, Ms Coetzee and her daughters decided to carry on her work for the community, she said.