ETHEKWINI Municipality will host the seventh annual Living Legends Award at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 5 September 2014.
The awards ceremony will honour the legends of eThekwini who have diligently dedicated their skills to uplift communities and serve the society at large. The event forms part of the Municipality’s Heritage month celebrations.
Mayor James Nxumalo said that the awards present the Municipality with an opportunity to honour its legends while they are still alive and reflect on their distinct achievements and contribution to the community of eThekwini and the country at large.
“We are proud of their achievements and progressive contribution which serves as an inspiration to the younger generation to emulate these great legends who have selflessly served our communities,” said Nxumalo.
The legendary citizens are products of local neighbourhoods and communities, emerging from different walks of life. They were identified by ordinary citizens of the City as iconic figures. The awardees for 2014 have been nominated from the fields of arts and culture, human rights, community, academia, music and entertainment and sports. The 2014 awardees for Arts and Culture are Val Adamson (renowned theatre photographer), Kim Mathews (champion of Durban Music School), Muzomusha Lameck Chamane (dedicated karate sensei), Jay Pather (internationally accomplished choreographer). Awardees for Academic are Rodney Harber (architect), Felix Mshololo (inspirational school principal).
Awardees for sport – Penny Heyns (Olympic swimming record holder), music and entertainment – Themba Mkhize (jazz pianist), Zibokwakhe “Phuzekhemisi” Mnyandu (world famous maskandi artist). Awardees for human rights – Jeff Radebe (anti-apartheid activist and cabinet minister), Paddy Meskin (human rights activist), Paddy Kearney (activist for peace and justice), Community – Greta Schoeman (founder of the Highway Hospice).
In addition, two appreciation awards will be made out to the following organisations – Highway Hospice, for continuously providing care and comfort to patients with terminal illnesses and support to families and caregivers that have been affected by advanced incurable diseases within eThekwini Municipality and the Willowton Group for holding strong values in community and social upliftment programmes and sponsorships, essentially caring for those that are unable to care for themselves.
