Cape Town honours David Kramer, Taliep Petersen with Freedom of the City

Cape Town’s Mayor has announced that the City will bestow its highest civic honour, the Freedom of the City, on legendary musical duo David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen.

Celebrating two cultural icons

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed yesterday that the honour will be awarded in a special ceremony in January 2026.

“These two remarkable artists will be awarded our highest Civic Honour,” he said. “They have not only entertained South Africans across generations, they have shaped South African musical theatre and the rich cultural heritage of the Western Cape and the Mother City.”

Kramer and Petersen will join an elite group of recipients, including President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Taliep’s daughter, Jawaahier Petersen, says the award means a great deal to the family.

“This award, for our beloved late father, brother, uncle, and grandfather and of course, with David Kramer, means so much to us. As a family, our greatest fear has always been that the circumstances surrounding his untimely and tragic death would overshadow his legacy: his immense contribution to the arts through his talent, skill, and sacrifice.

However, receiving this acknowledgement nearly 20 years after his passing reminds us that his legacy still lives on. It ensures that the next generation will come to know the magic and wonder of the work of Taliep Petersen and David Kramer. As a family, we are overjoyed, long may the legacy live!”

A partnership remembered

The release includes the last photo ever taken of Kramer and Petersen together. Captured on Bloubergstrand by well-known photographer Sharief Jaffer, it was taken just ten days before Petersen’s tragic passing in 2006.

Kramer’s latest musical shines at Artscape

Kramer’s newest hit production, Orpheus McAdoo, is currently on stage at Artscape, presented with Cape Town Opera. The vibrant and moving show has earned outstanding reviews since opening.

The cast features:

• Jody Abrahams
• Eldon van der Merwe
• Elton Landrew
• Brittany Smith (CTO)
• Conroy Scott (CTO)

The show runs until 2 November 2025. Tickets are available via Webtickets and the Artscape box office on 021 421 7695.