Dawie Zwiegelaar, former station commander of the NSRI Station 15 was named the Rotary Mossel Bay Citizen of the Year 2013.
"How quick is the world to judge, yet there is nothing nicer than giving praise when praise is due," said Van Rensburg, also Master of Ceremonies at the event hosted at the Protea Hotel. She referred to the nominees as 'quiet giants in own right', working towards the improvement of quality of life.
New award category introduced
Upon introducing the Vocational Award, presented for the first time this year, current President Yolandi Lombard, commented: "For us as Rotarians, it is great to think that these people apply the principles we advocate and uphold, simply out of love for their fellow man."
Criteria for this award acknowledges individuals who has made an extra-ordinary contribution, or rendered an outstanding service towards the community and/or town of Mossel Bay through their vocation and abilities. The Vocational Courtesy Award was awarded to Shireen Gelderbloem, described in her nomination as 'an ordinary person, doing extraordinary things'.
This nursing assistant, having served her community through her vocation for 20 years, seems to have an amazing grasp of their needs, giving meticulous attention to her patients' welfare and quality of life.
"I'm so nervous, but so grateful," she laughed humbly upon accepting the award. She was quick to clearly state she just love what she does.
The Vocational Merit Award went to former Rotarian and Superintendent of the Mossel Bay and Riversdale provincial hospitals, Stan Janicki. Proving a most valuable member of the club, but having to withdraw due to work pressure, he committed his ongoing support of the Rotary Cataract project.
This annual project is done in partnership with the provincial hospital and to date over 500 eyes have been operated on with great success.
Receiving the award on his father's behalf who was unable to attend the event, Steven said: "Knowing my father, just having been nominated for this award is a tremendous honour."
Living 'service above self'
Having received a wealth of nominations, Vuyo Mfumbe was named runner up to the coveted 'Citizen of the Year' Award, given to those making an outstanding contribution to the community through service.
Phrases used to described this young man, included "an inspiration to our youth and excellent role model"; "humble, down to earth" and "committed anti-drug campaigner". Vuyo is known in his community as "khanya Kwekhezi", which means shining star.
Currently, a guest relations officer at the Garden Route Casino, he is also an active member of the Mossel Bay tourism economy. Instead of boasting about his title as Mr Western Cape in 2011, he optimised this as the perfect platform to allow him to help those in need. He has collected numerous amounts of clothing, food, toys and blankets for those in need.
Vuyo organises various events like the KwaNonqaba Biggest Loser competition, a weight loss competition that also encourage people to live more healthily as well as an array of beauty pageants promoting the value of a positive self image. He also started a model / dance school for younger children in an effort to keep them busy with constructive projects, keeping them away from the streets and the dangers of abuse.
"I am standing here tonight with much happiness in my heart. It was not easy growing up in KwaNonqaba, but I believe there is a shining star in each one of us. It is up to us to make it shine," he said. He dedicated his award to his late mom, whom he lost at the tender age of 12.
Citizen of the Year
Former station commander of the NSRI Station 15, Dawie Zwiegelaar is the well deserving Rotary Citizen of the Year, 2013. Zwiegelaar joined the Mossel Bay NSRI Station in June 1988 and, with absolute dedication worked his way up through the ranks from crewman to commander. Having been Station Commander for 12 years, serving with great distinction, he decided in 2012 not to stand for re-election, due to work constraints.
During his time in command of Station 15, Mossel Bay, the Station undertook 248 rescue operations, rescued 607 persons, and assisted 182 boats in difficulty. As Station Commander, when not at sea on an operation, Dawie was at the Rescue Base offering advise, manning the radios, waiting for the safe return of the crew.
During his term in command, Station 15 was twice awarded the prestigious Pat O'Sullivan Trophy for being the best NSRI Station in the Country. The Station also hosted the bi-annual Station Commanders Conference twice during this period. Blessed by his outstanding leadership, Dawie is not lost to Mossel Bay nor the NSRI, as he will continue as a Coxn and crewman at Station 15.
True to his straightforward and humble manner, Zwiegelaar joked that he thought after serving such a term, his 'days of making speeches were finally over'. "If I didn't know myself, listening to that citation I would have thought 'that must be one hell of a guy'. In fairness, I can only dedicate this award to Station 15," he concluded.
Giving praise when it's due…
In congratulating the winners, Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderlady Marie Ferreira said that she quite happily boasts about having such wonderfully selfless people in her community.
She said that awards such as this makes a significant contribution to all-round community involvement and sets a sterling and visible volunteer example to all. "Mossel Bay is truly fortunate to have citizens who have given of themselves so selflessly, expecting nothing more in return than creating a better place for all to live," she said.
"We are truly humbled by what you do," concluded Christine van Rensburg.
The Rotary Club of Mossel Bay also welcomed newly appointed President Claire du Plessis. This marks the fourth consecutive female President of the club.
Rotary Mossel Bay makes it four female Presidents in a row with Claire du Plessis (far right), newly appointed and taking the reigns from current President, Yolandi Lombard (second left). Also in the photograph is former Presidents Mika Lutchman (far left) and Kate Barker (second right).
ARTICLE AND PHOTO: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
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