Civic Honours Ceremony Salutes Denise Newman, Emo Adams, and Other Deserving Awardees
Whether through art, service, sport, teaching or community building, each recipient has helped build a city that takes pride in its people.
Photo: City of Cape Town/Facebook
A standing ovation is in order for legendary Cape Town entertainers, actress Denise Newman (Suidooster), actor and singer Emo Adams (Noot vir Noot), and actor, writer and director Basil Appollis (District Six: The Musical), who joined this year’s circle of Civic Honours recipients
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis presided over the prestigious Civic Honours ceremony in Council, bringing together people who dedicate their work to Cape Town. He revived the tradition back in 2023 after a ten-year pause, and it now takes place biennially through open public nominations and Council approval.
Freedom of the City Award
While these honours were presented recently, the City’s absolute highest Civic Honour, the Freedom of the City, awaits two of Cape Town’s cultural icons. The City will award this distinction to David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen at a separate forthcoming ceremony scheduled for January 2026.
The Civic Honours Book
Signing the Civic Honours Book carries the second-highest level of recognition. This record preserves the names of extraordinary citizens whose actions earned exceptional regard through public service, creativity or leadership across many fields.
The 2025 entries include Jacques Kallis, one of cricket’s finest all-rounders, internationally acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, World Cup-winning Test cricket captain Temba Bavuma and parliamentarian diplomat author Tony Leon.
The Mayor’s Medal
The Mayor’s Medal celebrates exceptional contributions across many fields, including community upliftment, the arts, social development, youth interests, sport, conservation, economic thought, animal wellbeing and bravery.
Community Affairs
Prof Brian O’Connell receives the medal posthumously for his leadership at the University of the Western Cape. Philanthropist and business leader Wendy Ackerman receives recognition for her long-term work in community upliftment.
Social Affairs and Services
This category celebrates those who have cared for the most vulnerable. The Haven Night Shelter helps people find their feet when life has pushed them to the streets. The Service Dining Rooms has been offering cooked meals for over ninety years, keeping the city’s neediest nourished. Victor Pick was recognised posthumously for his research role in the world’s first successful heart transplant led by Christiaan Barnard.
Community Affairs
Prof Brian O’Connell receives the medal posthumously for his leadership at the University of the Western Cape. Philanthropist and business leader Wendy Ackerman receives recognition for her long-term work in community upliftment.
Cultural Affairs
Cultural Affairs award celebrated iconic entertainers Basil Appollis, Emo Adams, and Denise Newman, alongside Louis Heyneman for his work in music and cultural development, and the late Sylvia Mdunyelwa (“Mama Kaap”), Langa’s monumental figure in South African jazz.
Sport and Recreation
Springbok Women’s team captain Babalwa Latsha received a medal alongside football legend Bernard Hartze. The Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club, founded in 1875, also joined the roll of recipients for its long-standing role in local sport.
Economic Affairs
Prof Brian Kantor is acknowledged for his work as an economist, educator and public thinker.
Convervation
Conservation awards went to Friends of the Liesbeek for their decades-long care of local waterways, Dr Joan Parker for her leadership in transforming the Upper Liesbeek River Garden and the Two Oceans Aquarium for its significant contribution to marine conservation.
Civic Honours for Extraordinary Bravery
The Mountain Club of South Africa earned recognition for its volunteer Search and Rescue team, whose members climb through rough terrain to bring people home safely.
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