Overstrand Executive Mayor Rudolph Smith honoured achievers who make a difference in their communities at a glitzy Annual Night of Achievers Awards ceremony last night.
The event, held in the Overstrand Auditorium, recognises the outstanding work of individuals who have done outstanding service by awarding the Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation, the Woman/Women of the Year Award and the Awards for Achievers of Excellence.
The following individuals were awarded certificates as Achievers of Excellence in their respective fields:
LES ABBOTT (for his commitment and exceptional work involving the ‘Hermanus Night Shelter’),
LORRAINE AND PAT DIEDERICKS (for years of dedication to the building and management of ‘Wortelgat’, a magnificent and well-known faith based camping facility),
CAROLYN MARTIN (for her contribution to establishing Hermanus as one of South Africa’s best wine tourism destinations),
TANYA TIEFENTHALER (for her exceptional personal flair as brand ambassador, who actively promotes Hermanus assets on social media) and
CORNETTE ALDENE HULL (for her tireless efforts to unite the Hangklip-Kleinmond communities with her involvement in the recording of ‘oral history’ about the area and encouraging transformation through sports events aimed at dissolving racial divisions)
Acknowledged for their valuable contribution in the category Environmental Conservation were nominees CHRIS GELDENHUYS (dune conservation), MEAGHAN MCCORD (South African Shark Conservancy), the WHALE COAST CONSERVATION team (Sherraine van Wyk, Anina Lee and Rob Fryer) and KIM MCLEAN also known as the Shark Lady.
CHRIS GELDENHUYS was the overall winner and walked away with the coveted floating trophy. Geldenhuys hails from Pringle Bay and was nominated for his exceptional voluntary work and commendable contribution towards dune reformation and environmental conservation in Pringle Bay. When given the opportunity to say a few words, he dedicated the award to his whole team.
The project is based on our understanding of the eco-system processes. The principals involved, utilise natural seasonal sand movement driven by the prevailing winds. The desired outcome will increase the resilience of the coastal zone to predicted sea-level rise and increase wave height. This project will act as a case study for the Western Cape and possibly South Africa.
Gerda Williams received the ‘Woman of the Year’ award. She is the chairperson of the Pearly Shell Care Centre and looks after the finance of the Overstrand Care Centre. She received recognition for her selfless contribution, voluntary and dedicated service to the Hawston community through her involvement with various charities. As a woman she does not shy away from tackling anything that may seem daunting in order to assist where there is a need
NOMINEES: WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
MARY FAURE
For her outstanding contribution to tourism, in addition to cultural and economic development as the founder and champion of the FynArts Festival
PAT VAN SCHOOR
For her contributions and extensive fundraising efforts on behalf of various charitable and non-profit organisations within the Hermanus community
EUGENE OCTOBER
For her selfless efforts and contributions towards uplifting and empowering the women in Hawston
SABINE JANTJIES
For her selfless efforts in the support and enrichment of struggling families in Hawston
LIGHTHOUSE TO LIGHTHOUSE
For the outstanding efforts by a group of women to raise funds and awareness for various charitable causes and associations
LIZA VAN COPPENHAGEN
For her contributions to developing small business initiatives and promoting charitable fundraising
DR MILICENT PETERSE RINK
For her longstanding service to alleviating poverty and helping abused women and children.
