[ Home ]
[ Speeches & statements ]
PROVINCIAL HONOURS: MEDIA CONFERENCE, MONDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2001, 7 WALE STREET, M-FLOOR, 11H30.
People who have made exceptional contributions in the interest of the Western Cape Province, have now, for the first time ever, an opportunity of receiving appropriate recognition for their services. Provincial honours, in terms of the Western Cape Provincial Honours Act of 1999, can now be bestowed following the formation of a Western Cape Provincial honours advisory panel.
The Western Cape is the only province able to bestow Provincial Honours as it is the only province with its own constitution in which provision is made for the establishment of a system of provincial honours.
The nine member panel, chaired by Judge Nathan Erasmus, will hold its first meeting on Monday, 26 February in the Provincial Legislature Building. The meeting will be followed by a press conference.
The functions of the panel will be to advise the Provincial Cabinet about suitable candidates to receive awards for exceptional services rendered to the province. The award process will involve the participation of the Western Cape public who will be called on to nominate candidates.
There will be five Provincial Honours categories: The highest award will be the Golden Cross awarded for exceptional achievement. The Order of the Disa Commander is for excellent meritorious service; The Order of the Disa Officer will be for outstanding meritorious service and The Order of the Disa Member will be for noteworthy meritorious service - all in the interest of the Province of the Western Cape. The fifth award will be the Premier's Commendation Certificate.
The panel members are the Chairman, Judge Erasmus, Mr Mervyn Smith, Mr Chris du Toit, Dr W A Boezak, Ms Pat Gorvalla, Mr Sam Montsi, Mr Ebbe Dommisse, Mrs Pam Golding, Dr L D Barnard (ex officio member) and Dr Jannie Roux, advisor.
Note: The panel's first meeting is scheduled to end at about 11h30 on Monday 26 February 2001, and the media is invited to attend the first press conference at 11h30, 7 Wale Street, M-floor. Cameras should be set up shortly before this time. Press kits will be available.
Inquiries: Dirk Brand: 0825671004
Issued by the Office of the Premier, Western Cape, 23 February 2001