Phoenix honours community pillars at inaugural Unsung Local Heroes Awards
Various organisations and individuals working within the Phoenix were recognised for the community work they undertake.
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The spirit of selfless service shone brightly at the inaugural Unsung Local Heroes Awards, recently hosted by the Phoenix Civic and Ratepayers Association (PCRA) at the Northmead Secondary School Hall in Whetstone.
The evening was dedicated to paying respect and giving credit to local heroes, often volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the community a better and safer place. Alice Govender, co-founder and chairperson of PCRA, highlighted the vital role these individuals play, noting that while PCRA focuses on municipality-related issues, they rely heavily on other organisations to address the wide-ranging challenges Phoenix faces. "This is where these individuals play a vital role," she said.
The packed hall celebrated various organisations and NPOs, including the longest-serving, the Phoenix Care and Dawah Centre, which has been working with the community for 45 years. Rookaya Bobat, current chairperson, expressed deep gratitude for the acknowledgement of their efforts in assisting the most vulnerable.
Other recipients of certificates and gifts included Phoenix Child Welfare, DSK, Phoenix Rotary Club, the Saps Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, the CPF, Woodview Ratepayers Association, and the Shri Msriammen and Shree Emperumal Temples, among many others.
A special mention was given to Val Pillay of Stonebridge, the first female chairperson of the Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Sector 2 chairperson.
Pillay remarked that receiving the award from Alice Govender, herself a true community hero, made the moment especially meaningful. Pillay emphasised that the "Unsung Heroes" platform highlighted the collective spirit of service in Phoenix.
"This recognition serves as encouragement to the Phoenix Community Police Forum to continue strengthening partnerships between the community and law enforcement, promoting safety, accountability, and cooperation for the benefit of all," she stated.
The PCRA’s mission is to serve as a collective voice for ratepayers, engaging with the eThekwini Municipality and government departments to ensure efficient, affordable, reliable, and sustainable services for Phoenix residents.