Humanitarians shine at Absa Jewish Achiever Awards

JORDAN MOSHE

“Many are surprised to learn that Freedom Under Law is a very, very small organisation. It has a single employee – that’s me,” she quipped on accepting the award on behalf of the organisation.

Yet, the fact that FUL and the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) were jointly recognised for their accomplishments proves that even the small are capable of punching well above their weight when it comes to fighting the good fight.

Their receipt of the award last year is proof of the impact they have made in fighting for the administration of justice in our country.

“We are here to promote our constitutional democracy, defend the Bill of Rights, and hold those in power accountable,” Fritz declared.

FUL Chairperson Johann Kriegler, a retired Constitutional Court judge and life-long human-rights lawyer, as well as Francis Antonie, the HSF’s executive director, joined the ranks of an esteemed cadre of winners.

In jointly accepting the award, Antonie paid tribute to the powerful woman whose legacy his organisation upholds.

“We can give thanks for Helen’s life, especially the values she brought to public life, which we endeavour to honour in our work,” he declared.

A number of household names have been honoured at the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards for their humanitarian work.

These include former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, a remarkable public servant determined to battle corruption. He is currently minister of public enterprises, and is involved in evaluating the damage wreaked by state capture, and implementing a lasting solution for Eskom.

Gordhan clearly believes that anyone can make an enormous difference to the lives of others. “[Corruption and state capture] are not issues for politicians, but issues for people,” he said when accepting the award in 2017.

“The Jewish community is extremely resourceful, with great skills, talent, and entrepreneurs, some of whom are here today. It has produced fascinating freedom fighters from whom my generation learnt some of their politics and principles.

“We have to find bridges for [our differences], and that requires people of foresight … This community has produced illustrious people who’ve contributed to the Freedom Charter, which stands as a testament to real imagination, foresight, but above all, humanity.”

Other previous winners are clearly of the same calibre as Gordhan, including human rights lawyer and icon, George Bizos; Thuli Madonsela, whose reports into governance changed the face of South African politics; and Professor Jonathan Jansen, who has done great things to address our country’s quality of education.

There is certainly no shortage of people who, like Madonsela, Gordhan, and Bizos, contribute to the betterment of our lives on a daily basis.

You know who they are, so nominate them now. Email your nominations for this and other awards to nominations@sajewishreport.co.za