Community heroes to be feted and dined at gala event

Staff Reporter|Published 1 year ago

Rashaad Voegt, founder member of The Boyz, Cape Town’s original boy band who climbed the charts with their hit-maker Stay the Night, will perform at the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents’ Association (MURA) Community Service Awards. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

In a little more than a week, Mitchell’s Plain will pay tribute to deserving community leaders and volunteers, who despite many challenges, time and again put life and limb at risk to help where there is a dire need in the community.

The about 30 recipients of the inaugural Mitchell’s Plain United Residents’ Association (MURA) Community Service Awards, in partnership with the Plainsman, will be honoured at a gala dinner at the Cedar High School hall in Rocklands on Friday September 29 for the work they tirelessly do in the area, often with little thanks or recognition.

The MURA Community Service Awards is also supported by the organisers of the popular and growing DStv Kyknet Mitchell’s Plain Festival.

Recipients will be recognised for their work in the sectors of (1) arts and culture, (2) sports, (3) business, (4) welfare, (5) civic, (6) religious, (7) older persons, (8) safety and security, (9) health and (10) education.

Norman Jantjes, MURA chairperson, said one of MURA’s key objectives is to develop community cohesion and restore community pride. “The Community Service Awards furthermore hopes to promote positive role models and service excellence,” he says.

In addition to various speakers underpinning the importance of civic duty to transform communities to leave a legacy and heritage to be proud of, there will also be a host of entertainers.

Cape Town band Ambience will celebrate the people whose work make a difference in the community with their music. The members are, Sheldon Erasmus, Belinda Davids, Wayne Smith and Clive Fester. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

They include Cape Town band Ambience that’s been making music in Cape Town and surrounds for over 20 years; Rashaad Voegt, founding member of the chart-topping vocal group The Boyz, which were the supporting act for international artists such as Boyz II Men, The Manhattans, Tevin Campbell, Percy Sledge and Jonathan Butler; vocalist Lelethu Zulu, who with her rich, soothing tones, has been described as “a true all-rounder”, who can perform from Mozart to jazz to African vibes and Plainsman multi-media reporter Marsha Bothma, who is also an acclaimed singer and songwriter and who has released the singles Stronger and Vlam in my hart.

Singer and songwriter Marsha Bothma will delight with her dulcet tones at the inaugural MURA Community Services Awards ceremony. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Tickets for the 2023 MURA Community Service Awards are R200 each – tables of 10 can also be booked – the awards ceremony starts at 6pm and includes a three-course meal.

Vocalist Lelethu Zulu will also perform at the Community Services Awards ceremony.

For tickets and more information, contact Mr Jantjes on 083 628 4421 or normanj.jantjes@gmail.com, MURA deputy chairperson Michael Jacobs on 074 811 2052 or MURA administrator Clive Roger Bailey on 076 328 3280 or email cliverbailey@gmail.com