Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced that the City will bestow its highest Civic Honour, the Freedom of the City, on two of South Africa’s most celebrated cultural figures — David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen — at a ceremony scheduled for January 2026.
The announcement marks a defining moment for Cape Town’s cultural landscape, recognising two artists whose work helped shape South African musical theatre and celebrate the resilience of communities during apartheid.
“Taliep and David take their place alongside titans of history like President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis. “This legendary duo have not only entertained us over generations, but have fundamentally shaped South African musical theatre and the cultural heritage of the Western Cape.”
Known for their iconic collaborations on productions such as District Six: The Musical and Kat and the Kings, Kramer and Petersen brought powerful stories of identity, displacement, and resilience to audiences worldwide. Petersen, who was tragically killed in 2006, will receive the honour posthumously, with his family accepting the award on his behalf.
Mayor Hill-Lewis described the forthcoming ceremony on the Grand Parade as “an occasion that will bring to life the rich cultural flair of Cape Town that these artists are known for.”
Alongside the Freedom of the City awards, the City will also confer Civic Honours and Mayor’s Medals on individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to public service, social development, and nation building. The Council ceremony will take place in November 2025.
“We revived the tradition of Civic Honours in 2023 after a 12-year hiatus,” the Mayor said. “These awards celebrate Capetonians who have delivered exceptional service in any field of social, community, or civic interest. They represent the best of who we are as a city.”
The Civic Honours Book, the City’s second-highest honour, will include the names of four distinguished South Africans: cricketer Jacques Kallis, film-maker Oliver Hermanus, national cricket captain Temba Bavuma, and former politician and author Tony Leon.
The Mayor’s Medal will recognise achievements across multiple sectors, including community service, social impact, arts and culture, sport, and conservation.
Among the 2025 recipients are:
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Community Affairs: Prof. Brian O’Connell (posthumously) and Wendy Ackerman.
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Social Affairs and Services: The Haven Night Shelter, The Service Dining Rooms, and Victor Pick (posthumously).
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Cultural Affairs: Basil Appollis, Emo Adams, Denise Newman, Louis Heyneman, and Sylvia Mdunyelwa (posthumously).
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Recreation and Sport: Babalwa Latsha, Bernard Hartze (posthumously), and Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club.
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Conservation: Friends of the Liesbeek, Dr Joan Parker, and The Two Oceans Aquarium.
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Economic Affairs: Prof. Brian Kantor.
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Extraordinary Bravery: The Mountain Club of South Africa.
The honours follow a public nomination process earlier this year, with the final list approved by Council and accepted by the honourees.
Hill-Lewis said the awards reflect Cape Town’s commitment to recognising excellence, courage, and compassion across all areas of civic life. “From arts and culture to environmental protection and public service, these awards celebrate those who have given of themselves for the betterment of others,” he said.
Through these recognitions, the City aims to inspire future generations to serve, create, and lead with the same vision and humanity as those being honoured.
