On Thursday evening 21 September 2017, the Overstrand Executive Mayor Ald Rudolph Smith, honoured community members who are making a difference in their communities at a prestigious Night of Achievers Awards ceremony that was held in the Auditorium at the Overstrand Municipality.
This annual occasion recognises individuals who contribute exceptionally well towards their communities. This year, recognition was given to global stalwart, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who's name was among those who received a certificate for the Honorary Citizens Charter / Honorary Citizens Award – in acknowledgement of a life-long devotion to the wider South African communities, and in honour of continuing his human rights work in the Overstrand area. Unfortunately, he was not present to receive his award. Other awards included the Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation, the Overstrand Woman of the Year, and certificates for Achievers of Excellence.
This year, the following Achievers of Excellence were recognised:
Category 1: ACHIEVER OF EXCELLENCE:
RUNNERS UP:
- Nols Jonas
In honour of his wide-ranging care of stray and neglected “pets” through BARC. - Stanford Conservation & Recycling (SCORE) – Elma Hunter
In honour of social impact made in the Standford community through conservation education, with their “littering and recycling” programme. - NIKA Trust – Hennie Nieman
In honour of proactive efforts in poverty alleviation, through the rendering of support to disadvantaged individuals and families, as well as organisations and communities of the Overstrand. - Nellie Nokwanele Tebele
In honour of years of dedicated and pioneering service to the community of Zwelihle.
CATEGORY WINNER:
- Michael Lutzeyer
In honour of his contribution to the development of responsible ecotourism, through the establishment of the “Grootbos Nature Reserve” and the associated “Grootbos Foundation”. - Gladys Gillion
In honour of her continued contribution to the social upliftment and promotion of education in the community of Hawston.
Category 2: WOMAN OF THE YEAR
RUNNERS UP:
- Carolyn Martin
In honour of her pioneering business acumen and contributions to social development, with the promotion of the Hemel-en-Aarde wine industry. - Tronel Meintjies
In honour of her charitable contributions made to Overstrand communities as the founder of “Hermanus staan saam”. - Johanna Lidia Morgan
In honour of her contributions to the social upliftment of the community of Zwelihle. - Julie Cheetham
In honour of her extensive contribution to youth development in the Overstrand as an employee of the “Grootbos Foundation”.
CATEGORY WINNER:
- Ann Wright
In honour of her invaluable contribution to community upliftment through her work with various charity organisations.
Category 3: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
RUNNERS UP:
- Grootbos Foundation Conservation Team
In honour of their contribution towards the preservation and conservation of fynbos in the greater Overstrand area. - Antonio de Silva-Swart
In honour of his passionate contribution to the conservation of our beaches and educating others about the environment. - Dr. Vic Hamilton-Attwell
In honour of his passionate contributions and education in the fields of Botany and Zoology. - Duncan Heard
In honour of his long-standing contribution to conservation in the greater Hermanus area.
CATEGORY WINNER:
- Sheraine van Wyk
In honour of her invaluable contribution to nature conservation, as well as socio-environmental education.
Category 4: ENTREPRENEURIAL:
RUNNERS UP:
- Jan Lutzeyer
In honour of the successful establishment of innovative online ventures. - Margaret Motsoene
In honour of her entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to entrepreneurial skills development. - Gilbert Muchanyara
In honour of his entrepreneurial success in the catering industry.
CATEGORY WINNER:
- De Waal Steyn
In honour of his contribution and success in the industry of print and online media
Category 5: JUNIOR ACHIEVER:
CATEGORY WINNERS:
- Conrad Strydom
In honour of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of education in the Overstrand and greater South Africa. - Camden Jansen
In honour of his exceptional effort in caring for animals and volunteering at the “Hermanus Animal Welfare Society”. - Tairemo Pietersen
In honour of his exceptional effort in caring for animals and volunteering at the “Hermanus Animal Welfare Society”. - Marlen Plaatjies
In honour of his exceptional effort in caring for animals and volunteering at the “Hermanus Animal Welfare Society”.
Category 6: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING:
RUNNERS UP:
- Jan Lutzeyer
In honour of contributions to the tourism industry and promotion of the Overstrand as a world-class travel destination.
CATEGORY WINNER:
- Johan Hugo
In honour of services to the Overstrand community that include the development of a unique tourism product and contributions to Local Economic Development (LED).
Category 7: OVERSTRAND OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR:
CATEGORY WINNERS:
- Aden Johannes
In honour of exceptional client service and dedication beyond the call of duty. - Liezl de Villiers
In honour of her innovative solution towards baboon control in the Hermanus area. - Marzaan Middleton
In honour of exceptional and versatile service delivery beyond the call of duty.
PRINCIPALS NOMINATED
- Lionel Pedro – Die Bron Laerskool, Stanford
In honour of services to Overstrand communities beyond the call of educational duty. - Tommy Wilson – Gansbaai AcademiaIn
In honour of services to Overstrand communities beyond the call of educational duty. - Tommy Volkwyn – Gansbaai Primêre Skool
In honour of services to Overstrand communities beyond the call of educational duty . - Julius Swart – Hawston Primêre Skool
In honour of services to Overstrand communities beyond the call of educational duty. - Johannes Mouton – Curro School
In honour of services to Overstrand communities beyond the call of educational duty. - T Morris Tsabalala – Lukhanyo Primary School, Zwelihle
In honour of services to Overstrand communities beyond the call of educational duty.
SPECIAL AWARD
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu – Honorary Citizens Charter / Honorary Citizens Award
In acknowledgement of a life-long devotion to the wider South African communities, and in honour of continuing his human rights work in the Overstrand area.