Barrydale was represented with great pride on December 15 by Derek Joubert and Peter Takelo who each received gold medal awards from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for the extraordinary contributions they had made in the upliftment of the community through exceptional leadership, community involvement and related activities.
The UWC’s virtual graduation ceremony was live-streamed at the Net vir Pret Offices where these men conduct most of the work that has resulted in this great honour being bestowed on them.
For Joubert, the moment was one in which he could reflect on his time at UWC.
He noted that that the university played a leading role in abolishing Apartheid and that it still continues to bring about positive change.
“I’m proud to be honoured by this institution which has played, and is still playing, such a pivotal role in the transformation of this country,” said Joubert.
“Thank you very much for the award, it really means a lot to me and I’m deeply honoured.”
To watch the presentations CLICK HERE
A very proud Takelo came out guns blazing in a second language speech of note and he was not about to let the opportunity of promoting Barrydale and Net Vir Pret pass him by.
He spoke about the many programmes that have been established to uplift the community and welcomed the 7500 people who have to date viewed the graduation ceremony to come and experience Barrydale for themselves.
Feel the Riel(dans)
His passion for Rieldans again shone through and he was as delighted as Joubert that the work they did was recognised by such a prestigious organisation.
“It was a great honour and a privilege to receive a gold medal award from the UWC. I’m feeling blessed, thank you very much, ” Takelo said.
The day after the graduation ceremony the annual Net vir Pret puppet parade took place and in a significant change to the normal procedure the parade was concluded in the Gwarrie Camp – and not at Laerskool BF Oosthuizen.
This was done to ensure that the main prop, a the tree, would double as a Christmas tree decorated with flowers made in true Magpie Art Collective style – thus honouring the life of the late Shane Petzer.
Although the parade was not quite the huge spectacle residents had become accustomed to, the fact that far more children, puppets and supporters of the organisation could participate in this year’s event marked a symbolic change in positivity in town.
It coincided with the opening of the long vacant Karoo Art Hotel’s entertainment section and to cap off the day, Petzer’s memory was honoured at the lighting of the Magpie Christmas tree.
There are many reasons to be a proud Barrydale resident and, although we don’t really need it, these gold medals are proof.
