Time to nominate Jewish achievers

JORDAN MOSHE

This unique awards ceremony celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It is a special event which recognises local personalities for the influential and life-changing roles they played and continue to play in South Africa.

“We are calling for nominations,” says Howard Sackstein, the chairperson of the SA Jewish Report. “The award categories are broad and diverse, allowing people from across the spectrum to be recognised for the impact they have had on us and our society. It’s time to recognise these unique individuals.

“Our community has contributed four of the seven South Africans who have Nobel Prizes for science and literature,” he says. “It serves us well to remember and honour laureates Nadine Gordimer, Sydney Brenner, Aaron Klug, and Michael Levitt. They, like so many others, have brought pride to our community and country.”

The awards enable us to rejoice in a community that has thrived on freedom and contributed so remarkably to the development of South Africa in every sphere, says Sackstein.

“The shadow of our impact looms large. These awards recognise talent, determination, and tenacity. But most importantly, they create role models for our community and South Africa as a whole.”

The nine categories for which individuals can be nominated are comprehensive and inclusive, including three categories created by title sponsor Absa bank. It gives us the opportunity to recognise personalities from across the professional spectrum for their tremendous contribution to our society, Jewish and beyond.

Last year, a record 774 people gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre to recognise the achievements of more than 430 people who were nominated in nine award categories. The stars of the evening included hotel mogul Sol Kerzner; theatre doyenne Hazel Feldman; the Chevrah Kadisha’s Colin Datnow; Professor Bonita Meyersfeld, and marketing visionary Jason Xenopoulos.

Organisations Freedom under Law and the Helen Suzman Foundation were also acknowledged, as were Judge David Unterhalter, business leader Mike Abel, and former Investec Chief Executive Stephen Koseff.

“Each nominee is worthy of an accolade,” says Sackstein. “Each inspires us.”

Nominations are open to the public. All nominations should be sent via email to nominations@sajewishreport.co.za. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, telephone number and email address; the award for which the nominee is nominated; as well as a short motivation for the nomination. Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019.