Celebrating community leaders: Awards for outstanding service

Sub Council 18 recently presented certificates to community leaders in recognition of their outstanding service at its office in Lotus River, on Monday, February 16.

Wards 65, 66, 67, 68, 72, and 110 awarded recipients included Abigail Segers, Arletta Frans, Shanaaz Davids, Charmaine Arendse, and Yasmine Abrahams.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration in community development, ward 66 councillor William Akim said: “I encourage all organisations in our ward to register on the Sub Council 18 database - we need each other to bring meaningful change to our communities.”

The Remembrance of Service Award was also presented posthumously to the late Edward Samuel Copperfield for his lifelong commitment to civil society in Retreat and the surrounding areas.

His daughter, Shanon Copperfield, accepted the award on behalf of his children, and they gave a joint account of the speech: “We sincerely thank the City of Cape Town for recognising our father’s service, and his friend Denis Joseph, who submitted and championed the nomination. Born in Diep River in March 1937 and raised in Retreat, he grew up in poverty, which shaped his compassion and dedication to helping others,” his children said.

Mr Copperfield co-founded The Haven Night Shelter Retreat, which opened in 2005, serving as its first chairperson and later as a life member. He also co-founded the Langevlei Ratepayers Association and served on multiple civic forums, becoming a respected community voice.

He died on January 4, 2021. “Above all, he was proudest to be a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” said Ms Copperfield

Peter Martin, chairperson of the Steenberg Community Forum (SCF), was a recipient of the Community Service Award.

He said: “The award means a great deal to us, recognising the volunteer work SCF has done for the community. We receive no financial reward, so this recognition is meaningful. Significantly, it was given by the City and endorsed by ward councillor Marita Petersen and the SC manager, acknowledging SCF as a strategic partner capable of driving change.”

Abigail Segers, from the Destiny By Faith foundation (DBF), in Ottery, was a recipient of the Community and Youth Service Award, saying the recognition reflects the collective effort of volunteers and the resilience of youth. “This award represents our work to uplift children and create safe spaces for youth development. It is not just personal - it reflects the commitment of volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes,” she said.