"We must feel proud to have these people among us," said Makana Council Speaker Rachel Madinda, of the Grahamstown-based non-profit organisation, Gadra Advice.
"We must feel proud to have these people among us," said Makana Council Speaker Rachel Madinda, of the Grahamstown-based non-profit organisation, Gadra Advice.
She was addressing more than 100 councillors and community members in the Alicedale Town Hall on Friday afternoon, during the Makana Civic Awards – won overall by the non-profit organisation established in Grahamstown 43 years ago.
And the announcement, following an address by the Makana Mayor, Vumile Lwana, to officially open the Council for the year, was met with thunderous applause from the capacity crowd. "As Makana, we are very happy to be giving these awards to these deserving people who work tirelessly in serving people other than just themselves and their families," Madinda said. "We must feel proud to have these people among us, and they must feel proud of themselves, too."
Emphasising that the work of the other nominees was just as valuable, Madinda said, "We are recognising the efforts of those who work hard but do not do so to be seen. These are selfless people." The Grahamstown Area Distress Relief Association (Gadra) was established in 1968 to help residents in dire poverty. It set up feeding schemes and raised funds to pay children's school fees.
They were recognised in the category of community service and were also the overall winner, getting R5 000 in each case, as well as framed certificates. The prizes were accepted by Ron Roberts, a volunteer from New Zealand, and Zukiswa Ngcete, an office administrator at Gadra Advice.
Ngcete said, "As Gadra Advice we are delighted about this recognition from the municipality, as it shows that they are watching and recognising our efforts. "This only encourages us to work even harder, as we now have set ourselves standards that we have to protect."
Ngcete acknowledged the work done by Gadra Advice Director, Carol Johnson, who is on maternity leave. She said, "Carol (Johnson) is a really hard-working person who is very dedicated to her work. Without her contribution and leadership, much of this couldn't have happened."
The other winners on the day were Nosiphiwe Mtshali, for Sports, Arts and Culture; Dr Jim Cambray, for Environmental Conservation and Tourism; and the A and K Sisters Trading Company, for Business.
