Long-serving City Councillors honoured

21 August 2026

The City of Cape Town honoured several councillors today by awarding them Aldermanship, long-service recognition and naming the Councillor of the Year.

Today, the City of Cape Town honoured a number of its councillors for their exceptional commitment and longstanding service to the City, Council and the residents of Cape Town. 

Speaker of the City of Cape Town, Alderman Felicity Purchase, said the occasion provided an important opportunity to recognise those councillors who have devoted many years of public service to their communities and to the institution of local government. 

‘Public service is a commitment that demands integrity, dedication and perseverance. Today, we recognise councillors whose years of service have made a meaningful contribution to the City and its residents,’ said Alderman Purchase. 

Aldermanship

The title of Alderman is awarded to a councillor who meets the prescribed service requirements, recognising a substantial and sustained contribution to local government.

A councillor may qualify through having served on one or more local government bodies within the Republic of South Africa for a period of 20 years or more, or by obtaining a minimum of 20 points on the prescribed points system. The points recognise completed years of service as a councillor; service as a chairperson of a portfolio or standing committee; membership of an Executive or Mayoral Committee; service as Mayor; and, subsequent to 5 December 2000, service as Deputy Mayor, Speaker, or Chief Whip of the City of Cape Town.

The criteria also recognises qualifying years of service to communities through non-statutory organisations or bodies prior to 1 February 1995, subject to the prescribed proof requirements.

Aldermanship is conferred for life and recipients are presented with a lapel badge or medal with a neck ribbon at the ceremony.

The following councillors were awarded Aldermanship:

• Cllr Errol Anstey (Sea Point and Gugulethu)
• Cllr Zahid Badroodien (Athlone)
• Cllr Chantel Cerfontein (Helderberg)
• Cllr Daniel Christians (Mitchells Plain)
• Cllr Delmaine Cottee (Belhar)
• Cllr Grant Haskin (Lavender Hill, Muizenberg)
• Cllr Elton Jansen (Mitchells Plain)
• Cllr Mercia Kleinsmith (Bellville)
• Cllr Phindile Maxiti (Khayelitsha and Milnerton)
• Cllr Siseko Mbandezi (Kraaifontein)
• Cllr Angus McKenzie (Bonteheuwel)
• Cllr Mzwakhe Nqavashe (Gugulethu)
• Cllr Albert Ntsodo (Philippi)
• Cllr Xolisa Peter (Khayelitsha)
• Cllr Solomon Philander (Mitchells Plain)
• Cllr Paul Swart (Blaauwberg)
• Cllr Goawa Timm (Mitchells Plain)
• Cllr Patricia van der Ross (Lotus River and Athlone)
• Cllr Beverley van Reenen(Ravensmead)
• Cllr Desiree Visagie (Delft and Kuils River) 

Long-service recognition

Long-service awards were also presented to councillors who have served the City of Cape Town, its Council and its residents for 20 years or more.

The recipients are: 

• Cllr Daniel Christians - 20 years (Mitchells Plain)
• Cllr Willie Jaftha - 20 years (Belhar)
• Cllr Goawa Timm - 20 years (Mitchells Plain)
• Ald Grant Twigg - 20 years (Kraaifontein)
• Cllr Xolisa Peter - 26 years (Khayelitsha)
• Ald Stuart Pringle - 26 years (Helderberg)
• Ald JP Smith - 26 years (Langa)
• Ald Xolani Sotashe - 26 years (Helderberg)
• Ald Ian Neilson - 31 years (Blaauwberg)
• Ald Felicity Purchase - 31 years (Deep South)
• Ald Clive Justus - 38 years (Goodwood, Athlone, Thornton) 

‘These years of service represent far more than a number. They represent decades of engagement with communities, difficult decisions, changing, often challenging circumstances and a sustained commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to elected representatives,’ said Alderman Purchase.

Councillor of the Year 

The Speaker’s Award for City of Cape Town Councillor of the Year is awarded to a councillor who has exhibited a high standard of performance excellence in terms of the norms and standards set by the Office of the Speaker.

The award celebrates councillors who go above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating a strong commitment to local government and making significant contributions to their respective communities.

The Councillor of the Year for 2026 is Alderman Clive Justus.

Alderman Justus has served the City of Cape Town for an exceptional 38 years and has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public service.

Throughout his career, he has led various committees, served as a Mayoral Committee Member and Portfolio Committee Chair, and has made an enduring contribution to the work of Council.

He has also been a valued mentor to young and newly elected councillors, generously sharing his considerable knowledge and experience and helping to strengthen the institution he has served for so many years.

‘Alderman Justus has consistently conducted himself with dignity and courtesy. He is, without question, a perfect gentleman, and has always been exemplary and correct in his dealings with members of the public. His integrity and professionalism have earned him the respect of both City officials and fellow councillors,’ said Alderman Purchase. 

‘As Alderman Justus concludes his long service to Council, it would be remiss of us not to express our sincere appreciation for the qualities he has brought to public life and for the many years he has devoted to the service of our City. This award is a fitting recognition of his distinguished contribution and the high standard he has set throughout his career.’ 

Alderman Purchase said the awards serve as a reminder of the importance of recognising dedicated public service. 

‘On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I extend my sincere congratulations to every recipient. Their collective contribution has helped shape our Council and our City, and their service deserves our respect and appreciation.’

Captions: 

Picture 1: Councillor of the Year 2026, Alderman Clive Justice and City Speaker, Alderman Felicity Purchase 

Picture 2:  New Aldermen – from left to right

Alderman Anda Ntsodo, Alderman Solomon Philander, Alderwoman Beverley van Reenen, Alderman Danny Christians, Alderman Desiree Visagie, Alderman Errol Anstey, Alderman Patricia van der Ross,

Alderman Elton Jansen, Alderman Paul Swart, City Speaker Alderman Felicity Purchase, Alderwoman Goawa Timm, Alderman Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Alderman Phindile Maxiti, Alderman Zaid Badroodien,

Alderman Chantel Cerfontein, Alderwoman Mercia Kleinsmith, Alderman Angus McKenzie