Awards recognise local excellence

Local movers and shakers were recognised at the inaugural Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Prestige Awards held at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre last Friday.

The award categories included excellence in sport, music, politics and business.

Awardees were surfer Heather Clark, musicians Professor Langa and Lungile Khumalo (Naima Kay).
Musa Mseleku of Uthando Nes’thembu was also a recipient.

Politician Peggy Nkonyeni was also honoured alongside former soccer star Ayanda Gcaba.
Snooker champion Senzo Gumede and freestyle dance champ Sizolwethu Ngidi were also recognised.
Opening the awards, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality deputy mayor Sibusiso Shange said the ceremony celebrated excellence and affirmed the richness of talent, leadership and dedication that comes from local communities.

“For too long, many of our own sons and daughters have carried the name of Ray Nkonyeni far and wide through music, entertainment, politics, sports, dance and many other fields. Their achievements have shed a bright light on our municipality, reminding the world that greatness is not confined to big cities or global stages. But it begins right here in Ugu. The awards are our way of saying we see you, we appreciate you and we honour you,” he said.

Shange said that the municipality is committed to creating an environment where talent can be nurtured, where dreams can be realised and where the next generation can be inspired by those who came before them.

“This evening is not just about awards, it’s about legacy pride and the collective celebration of who we are as people. On behalf of the municipality, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our awardees. Your achievements are not just personal victories, but they are victories for our community as a whole,” he said.

Accepting her award, Clark said she has been on a world surf tour representing South Africa and the South Coast.

“There is no place like home. I was born in Port Shepstone, and I am very proud. I would like to thank the municipality for the recognition,” she said.

Ayanda Gcaba said the recognition humbled him. “A lot of us come from humble beginnings, where we were never given such chances,” he said.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Pat Symcox was the keynote speaker. He said the areas under the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality are full of potential.

Symcox said there was strength in collaboration.

“For me, it is all about us collaborating. If you look at the Tidy Towns example, it has singularly changed the narrative of the South Coast. Stephen Herbst and his team have done an outstanding job. We need to cut through the political discourse. I don’t care which political party you belong to, what religion you are, your age, height, or how wealthy you are. All I ask is that you put your best foot forward and come together to collaborate in making the South Coast a better place for all,” he said.

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