Former chairman of the Central City Improvement District, Theodore Yach, is one of 26 exceptional individuals and organizations who were honoured by the City of Cape Town at a special City Council meeting on 28 April 2010.

Also honoured were five city councillors. Civic Honours, which date back 50 years, are annual awards that the City makes to acknowledge individuals, organisations and military units that have distinguished themselves through extraordinary acts of service, or outstanding contributions to their community and to the city.

Yach was one of a number of people who were awarded the Mayor’s Medal for their individual contributions to community development, cultural affairs, sport and conservation. The others were: May Abrahamse, Anne Bean, Hansie Christians, Shamiel Davids, Robbie Jansen, Fenner Christian Kadalie, Dawood Khan, Michael Koopman, Leonard Koza, Graham Power, Andrew Talliard, Okkie van Sensie. The Mosaic Training Service and Healing Centre also received the Mayor’s Medal.

Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato officiated at the function. A total of 11 individuals (the most in one year) were selected to sign the Civic Honours Book, one of the highest accolades that the City can confer on its residents. They were Pick ‘n Pay Chairman Raymond Ackerman, politician Colin Eglin, architect Gawie Fagan, Academic and businessman Professor Jakes Gerwel, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, poet, publisher and political activist James Matthews, ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval and chairman of the Naspers group Ton Vosloo.

Posthumous honours were awarded to the late activist and lawyer Dullah Omar, musician, composer and director of popular musicals Taliep Petersen and Black Sash founding member Eulalie Stott.

The Freedom of Entry to the City was granted to 3 Medical Battalion Group of the South African National Defence Force. The unit operates from Goodwood with about 350 part-time members and five permanent members. Five councilors were promoted to the rank of alderman. They are Garin Cavanagh, Owen Kihahan, Anthea Serritslev, JP Smith and Marian Niewoudt.

This title is awarded to councillors who have served the City Council with honour and distinction for a combination of criteria including long service and executive office.

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