Cape Town to honour David Kramer and Taliep Petersen with Freedom of the City

Cape Town is set to celebrate its cultural heritage in a grand fashion as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced that two cultural icons, David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, will receive the esteemed Freedom of the City honour. This significant award will be conferred at a ceremony in January 2026, paying tribute to the profound impact both artists have had on the musical landscape of South Africa.

“We look forward to awarding the Freedom of Cape Town to two very special individuals who count among our city’s most-loved, most famous, and influential cultural ambassadors: David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis. Petersen, who tragically passed away in 2006, will be represented by his family during the ceremony.

This award places Kramer and Petersen alongside South Africa’s historical giants, such as President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who have also received the Freedom of the City. “These legendary artists have profoundly shaped South African musical theatre and contributed richly to the cultural tapestry of the Western Cape,” the Mayor added.

The collaboration between Kramer and Petersen yielded timeless productions like "District Six: The Musical" and "Kat and the Kings," which not only entertained audiences but also delivered poignant social commentary on issues of forced removals and community resilience.

Anticipating the celebration,  Hill-Lewis promised a vibrant event on the Grand Parade that would reflect the cultural flair that these artists embodied. “We are excited for Capetonians to join us at the ceremony early next year to celebrate these icons,” he said.

In addition to this prestigious accolade, the City will also host a Council ceremony in November this year to honour a broader spectrum of individuals and organisations. This ceremony will award Civic Honours and the Mayor’s Medals to those who have made significant contributions to the community, nation-building, and social service.

“To promote pride in our city, we revived the tradition of Civic Honours in 2023 after a hiatus of 12 years, establishing them as a regular fixture every two years,” said the Mayor. “These awards focus on recognising remarkable contributions and exceptional public service across various fields.”

A rigorous public nominations process took place earlier in 2025, culminating in a formal ceremony to take place at the City Council Chambers on 14 November 2025.

The Civic Honours recipients for 2025, who will be recorded in the Civic Honours Book, include legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis, acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, World Cup-winning Test cricket captain Temba Bavuma, and renowned public intellectual Tony Leon, highlighting their significant public service to Cape Town.

Furthermore, the Mayor’s Medals will recognise outstanding contributions across multiple sectors, including community service, the arts, social services, and extraordinary bravery. Notable recipients include Wendy Ackerman, philanthropic icon, and the Haven Night Shelter, which has worked tirelessly to provide shelter for those in need.

From renowned artists, sports figures, and environmentally-conscious organisations, these awards encapsulate the spirit of communal achievement and dedication to uplifting the city.