South African Jewish Community Celebrates Achievers at Investec Awards

The Investec Jewish Achiever Awards recently took place, celebrating the remarkable contributions made by the South African Jewish community to the country. This year's event saw 861 members of the community nominated for 10 awards, with 104 finalists interviewed by five panels of judges. Nearly 11 000 people voted for their favourite nominees, demonstrating the community's enthusiasm and support. The awards are made possible by a large team of people, many of whom are volunteers, who believe in building a stronger community by celebrating each other's successes.

The event was sponsored by Investec, which has a long-standing relationship with the South African Jewish community, serving as a trusted banker and investment partner. Other sponsors included families who have played a significant role in building the community and the nation, such as the Kirsh, Ellerine, Lubner, Ichikowitz, and Mann families. The awards also recognised the contributions of various individuals, including Dina Diamond, Dori Weil, Marc Hirschowitz, Jodi Kramer, and Tammy Brower, who were honoured for their achievements.

The Investec Jewish Achiever Awards also celebrated the rich heritage of Jewish communities around the globe. The event highlighted the diversity and resilience of Jewish communities, who have lived in every corner of the world for over 2 000 years. From the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the highlands of Ethiopia, Jewish communities have thrived and enriched the societies in which they have lived. The first formal Jewish Hebrew congregation in South Africa was established in 1841, and the community has since grown and contributed significantly to the country.

The event also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, which saw pupils protesting the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in African schools. Morris Isaacson, a Jewish philanthropist, had donated and rebuilt the Morris Isaacson High School to uplift the quality of black education in the township. The uprising turned violent, resulting in the deaths of 575 people, including Dr Melville Edelstein, a Jewish social worker and community activist. The event honoured Dr Edelstein's daughter, who was present at the awards.

The Morris Isaacson Centre for Music played a significant role in the event, with its penny whistle ensemble opening the awards gala dinner and its female string quintet performing. The centre was established thanks to the efforts of Joy Coplan and the Kaplan family, who rebuilt the Morris Isaacson school hall after the 1976 uprising. Wayne Sussman chairs the Morris Isaacson Centre for Music, highlighting the community's ongoing commitment to education and the arts.

The Investec Jewish Achiever Awards demonstrate the significant contributions made by the South African Jewish community to the country. The community has connections to their spiritual home and friends and family around the world, but for them, South Africa is home. The event celebrated the community's achievements and recognised the importance of their contributions to the country's history, soil, buildings, and stores.

The event was a testament to the community's resilience and commitment to their home. Howard Sackstein, chairperson of the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, judges, volunteers, and professional staff who made the event possible. The awards highlighted the community's diversity, achievements, and contributions to South Africa, showcasing their fingerprints and DNA spread across the country's soil, buildings, and history.

Key points

• The Investec Jewish Achiever Awards celebrated the contributions of 861 nominees, with nearly 11 000 people voting for their favourites.
• The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising and recognised the contributions of the Morris Isaacson Centre for Music.
• The awards demonstrated the significant contributions made by the South African Jewish community to the country, highlighting their achievements and commitment to their home.