The City of Cape Town has announced that it will confer its most distinguished Civic Honour, the Freedom of the City, on two of the nation’s most cherished cultural figures, David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen. The honour will be formally presented in January 2026, marking the first time in almost ten years that the award has been bestowed.
Recognising Two Legends Of South African Music
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed the news in a video message shared on social media.
“Hey Cape Town, I can finally share the good news with you that I’ve been wanting to share with you for a long time. Our City will soon be awarding its highest Civic Honour, the Freedom of the City.”
He continued,
“And we’ll be awarding it for the first time in almost a decade.”
The mayor explained that the Freedom of the City is a significant and rare honour reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the city and its people.
“The Freedom of the City is a big deal and it will be bestowed on two very special people who count among Cape Town’s most beloved people, most famous and most influential cultural ambassadors.”
Honouring Lifelong Contributions
Hill-Lewis expressed deep admiration for both artists, announcing:
“I am pleased to announce that Mr David Kramer and the late Mr Taliep Petersen will receive the Freedom of the City of Cape Town, with the latter obviously a posthumous award after his sad passing.”
He added that both David Kramer and the Petersen family had graciously accepted the honour following the City Council’s approval of their nominations.
The mayor reflected on the cultural legacy that Kramer and Petersen created through decades of music and theatre, highlighting how their work continues to define Cape Town’s artistic identity.
“Taliep and David have not only entertained us over generations, but have fundamentally shaped South African musical theatre and the rich, amazing, cultural heritage of the Western Cape and Cape Town.”
A Legacy Etched In Theatre And Memory
The pair’s groundbreaking collaborations, including District Six: The Musical and Kat and the Kings, remain seminal works in South African theatre. Hill-Lewis acknowledged the importance of their creative partnership.
“Aside from their countless individual creative achievements, who can forget their masterpiece theatrical collaborations; District Six the musical and Kat and the Kings?”
He praised their ability to intertwine storytelling and activism, saying:
“The genius of these timeless productions is how Taliep and David blended entertainment with social commentary and activism, telling powerful stories of forced removals and community resilience in our city.”
Standing Among Giants
The mayor emphasised the historical weight of the honour, noting that only a select few have ever received it.
“We look so forward to presenting the award at a special ceremony in January 2026, as Taliep and David take their place alongside titans of history like [former] President [Nelson Mandela] and Archbishop [Desmond] Tutu, who are among only a tiny handful of people who have ever been awarded the Freedom of the City of Cape Town.”
Hill-Lewis also promised that the celebration would reflect the spirit of Cape Town’s artistic heart.
“So we look forward to celebrating these icons in the streets of Cape Town early next year with a ceremony that will bring to life their music and bring to life their rich cultural flair of Cape Town that these artists are known for.”
A Celebration Of Cultural Heritage
Beyond the Freedom of the City awards, the municipality will also present Civic Honours and Mayor’s Medals to various other luminaries during a Council ceremony scheduled for November. The city indicated that full details of the January event will be shared closer to the date.
This rare recognition affirms the enduring legacy of two artists whose work transcended entertainment, giving voice to Cape Town’s complex history and resilient communities.
