Two of Cape Town’s most beloved cultural figures, David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, will be awarded the Freedom of the City, the City’s highest civic honour.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced the decision, saying the honour recognises the pair’s enduring impact on South African music and theatre. The award will be formally conferred at a public ceremony in January 2026.
“Taliep and David take their place alongside titans of history like President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” said Hill-Lewis.
“Their timeless productions, such as District Six: The Musical and Kat and the Kings, not only entertained us but told powerful stories of resilience and social justice.”
Petersen, who was murdered in 2006, will be honoured posthumously, with his family accepting the award on his behalf.
Civic Honours and Mayor’s Medals to Recognise City’s Finest
At a separate Council ceremony on 14 November 2025, the City will also bestow Civic Honours and Mayor’s Medals on several individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to Cape Town’s social, cultural, and civic life.
The honours, revived in 2023 after a 12-year break, are now awarded every two years to celebrate exceptional public service and community achievement.
“Civic Honours recognise remarkable people who have delivered exceptional service to our city and country,” said Hill-Lewis.
Civic Honours Book Inductees
The following individuals will be recorded in the Civic Honours Book, the City’s second-highest distinction:
- Jacques Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history
- Oliver Hermanus, internationally acclaimed filmmaker
- Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s Test cricket captain
- Tony Leon, renowned parliamentarian, diplomat, and public intellectual
2025 Mayor’s Medal Recipients
The Mayor’s Medal acknowledges exceptional service in fields including community work, social services, arts, sport, conservation, economic affairs, and bravery.
Community Affairs
- Prof. Brian O’Connell (posthumously), former Vice-Chancellor of UWC
- Wendy Ackerman, philanthropist and business leader
Social Affairs and Services
- The Haven Night Shelter
- The Service Dining Rooms
- Victor Pick (posthumously), a medical researcher involved in the first heart transplant
Cultural Affairs
- Basil Appollis, actor, director and producer
- Emo Adams, singer, actor and producer
- Denise Newman, acclaimed performer
- Louis Heyneman, arts journalist and music advocate
- Sylvia Mdunyelwa (“Mama Kaap”, posthumously), Langa jazz icon
Recreation and Sport
- Babalwa Latsha, Springbok Women’s rugby captain
- Bernard Hartze (posthumously), football legend
- Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club, South Africa’s oldest rugby club
Conservation
- Friends of the Liesbeek
- Dr Joan Parker, Upper Liesbeek River Garden advocate
- Two Oceans Aquarium, marine conservation leader
Economic Affairs
- Prof. Brian Kantor, economist and educator
Extraordinary Bravery
- The Mountain Club of South Africa, for volunteer search and rescue efforts
For more on past recipients of the City’s Civic Honours, visit the City’s website here
