Afrikaans musos, actors honoured
RECOGNITION: Colin ‘Bones’ De Light, Danie van Wyk, Jerry Watts, Theo Watt
Members of two bands were among those who were honoured by the DAK Netwerk on Saturday night for their contribution towards local music.
The star-studded event took place at the City of Grace church hall in Belhar where anti-apartheid hero Dr Alan Boesak delivered the keynote address and RSG presenter Jacqui January was the emcee.
Several actors such as Cedwyn Joel and Vinette Ebrahim received awards for their contribution to Afrikaans, while members of The Rockets and The Invaders, two of the oldest and still active bands in South Africa, received awards for their over 50 years of making music and bringing communities together.
The DAK Netwerk promotes and empowers previously disadvantaged Afrikaans-speaking communities.
About 150 people attended the event and Joe Moses from The Invaders also performed with his famous red guitar.
Among the other recipients were Karl Cloete, Melene Rossouw, Simon Sigelaar, Vivian Kleynhans, Anthony Wilson, Willem Fransman [Junior], Danie van Wyk [DAK Netwerk chairperson], Jerome Topley, Danneline Ramsden as well as Dr Boesak.
Danie van Wyk said: “I take my hat off to these people who have stood at the vanguard of keeping Afrikaans alive with TV dramas or music.
Jerry Watt of The Rockets said it was a huge honour to be recognised for their work.
“It was also wonderful to have a former member Colin ‘Bones’ De Light perform with us on stage, singing our evergreen hit Loving You.
Actress Vinette Ebrahim also thanked the DAK Netwerk for promoting die taal, adding: “I was very proud to be in the film Barakat, where we spoke Kaapse Afrikaans.
“That was one of the best things about the film.”