The winner of the 2010 Grahamstown Citizen of the Year Awards (run by the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset) was recently announced at a gala dinner/dance held at the Wyvern Club at Kingswood College.
The winner of the 2010 Grahamstown Citizen of the Year Awards (run by the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset) was recently announced at a gala dinner/dance held at the Wyvern Club at Kingswood College.
Rhodes University academic Dr Kenneth Ngcoza was announced as the Grahamstown Citizen of the Year for 2010 for his outstanding efforts in promoting mathematics and science education and for his involvement in community-based organizations.
Over 100 guests representing a cross-section of interested businesses, NGO’s, educators and townsfolk braved the cold, wet weather on 23 October to support the six finalists who had been nominated by the public for this prestigious award.
The Citizen of the Year Award was started by the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset to recognise and honour local citizens who epitomise the Rotary maxim “Service above self”. Dr Ngcoza and the other five finalists (The Arkwork Collective, Jane Dalton, Veronica Moodley, Pastor Debbie Sloane and Pastor Thys Smit) have all gone beyond the call of their respective professional duties to make discernible differences in the lives of others.
Professor Michael Whisson (winner of the award in 2009) acted as master of ceremonies for the event. He introduced the finalists with informative and entertaining descriptions of their work and kept the guests in suspense until the winner was announced.
A beaming Dr Ngcoza stepped up to receive his award amidst thunderous applause. In his acceptance speech he said that he was “humbled by the award”, acknowledging the support he had received from his family; his former science teacher, Mr Maselwa and his colleague, Mrs Joyce Sewry.
Born and bred in Grahamstown, Dr Ngcoza attended Nathaniel Nyaluza High School and went on to earn a PhD in Science Education from Rhodes University.
His middle name “Mlungisi” which he explained means “he who makes things right”, is certainly apt, because in addition to lecturing in Science Education at Rhodes, Dr Ngcoza co-ordinates a programme for science teachers and runs the Khula Learners’ Project for learners who attend township schools.
In 2009 Dr Ngcoza was honoured (jointly with Joyce Sewry) by Rhodes University with the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Community Engagement. In addition to his noteworthy service in the sphere of education, Dr Ngcoza is involved in various community-based organizations such as Hospice (which he chairs), Gadra and the governing body of Graeme College.
The six finalists all received cash prizes for charities of their choice and for the fourth year in a row, the major sponsor of the event was Pick n Pay. Once the formalities of the evening were over, the winner, finalists and guests celebrated with a dinner and dance under a glittering marquee tent.
