Western Cape Cultural Awards honours Loukmaan Adams and local arts icons
Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation at the the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted the annual Cultural Awards at the Artscape theatre, pictured with Provincial MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie
Image: Supplied
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted its annual Cultural Awards at the Artscape theatre, in Cape Town, with Ministerial Commendations given to Cape Town musician, Loukmaan Adams, Ministerial Legacy awards to photographer, Fanie Jason and many others in various fields.
The Department said the event celebrates the contributions made in the fields of arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives in the province.
Winners were crowned in various categories across the sector on Tuesday.
Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, while Dr Isaac Balie, received a Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong contribution in his field.
This also included Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, who was also recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts.
Head of Department Guy Redman said: “May, tonight's awards remind us that thriving is not the absence of struggle, it is the courage to grow despite it. As Vusi Mahlasela may say ‘The sun has risen.’ Let us ensure it never sets on our collective dream to make culture the soul of this province.”
Provincial MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie said: “Art is the mirror and heartbeat of our society.
“It captures our shared struggles and triumphs, reminding us that creativity is both our refuge and renewal. The theme ‘Journey from Darkness into Light: Thrive’ speaks to the spirit of our province, a spirit that refuses to be defeated by hardship and instead transforms it into hope, beauty, and understanding.
“When we celebrate our artists, we celebrate resilience, imagination, and the belief that through culture, we all move forward together.”
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted the annual Cultural Awards at the Artscape theatre, in Cape Town.
Image: supplied
Other commendations and awards included Ministerial Commendations for Joline Young, Nkosikho Juqu and Marco Olivier.
Ministerial Legacy Awards went on to also recognise, Charmain Plummer, Eleanor Damon, Mxolisi Patrick Holo Mtshamba and Fanie Jason.
Jason discovered photography as a teenager and began freelancing in 1975, gaining prominence in the 1980s with Drum and Pace magazines. His work has appeared in major South African newspapers and international publications, documenting events from South Africa’s first democratic elections (1994) to conflicts in Rwanda, the West Bank, Kosovo, and street children in Rio. Jason has exhibited nationally and internationally, receiving awards including the Abdul Sharif Award, Fuji Press Award, and the Judges’ Special Recognition Award (Fifty Crows Foundation).
“He was also selected among the world’s top 100 photojournalists to contribute to A Day in the Life of Africa, showcasing his enduring impact on documentary photography,” the department said.
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