Councillor recognises community excellence, champions active citizenship
Ward 38 Clr Thavha Maifala-Masebe hosted a community recognition ceremony for Brackenhurst and Brackendowns residents who continue to make a meaningful difference in the community on February 10.
The event honoured the top matriculants of 2025 from Bracken High School: Disha Misra, with four distinctions in matric, and Keesha Ramsamy, with four distinctions and the top design student in the school’s design department.
The department was also recognised as the leading design department in the Ekurhuleni South district.
Similarly, awards also went to Mbalenhle Gumede and Bokamoso Pati, each with three distinctions. They were recognised for their academic excellence, discipline, hard work, and commitment that will inspire the next generation.
In addition, community leaders who showed exceptional service were honoured: The principal of Bracken High school Mogale Mochaki, for his dedication to quality education; Tracey Owgan, a Ward 38 committee member representing the Women and Children Sector, for her leadership in championing the establishment of the Brackenhurst Estate and advocating for road closures to improve community safety.
Geoff Steyn, the chairperson of the Brackendowns CPF, named the best CPF of the year at the 2025 SAPS District Excellence Awards, also received an award.
Colonel Jacoline van der Westhuizen, the Brackendowns SAPS station commander, was awarded for leadership in strengthening local policing and ensuring responsiveness to community safety concerns, including issues related to Operation Dudula at clinics.
Members of the Brackendowns CPF and the Brackendowns SAPS were acknowledged for their efforts to keep Ward 38 safe.
Maifala-Masebe emphasised that the ceremony was about more than awards; it was about building a culture of active citizenship. Active citizenship means residents do not wait for change; they become part of the solution, as shown by the work of those recognised in their respective fields.
Whether through academic excellence, community safety initiatives, school leadership, or civic participation, everybody recognised showedthat it is possible to build a working community through commitment and partnership.
The ceremony was part of Ward 38’s commitment to fostering a community that values education, safety, accountability and collaboration.
