Hunt for The Herald GM Citizen of the Year begins

THE search for the region's most inspiring resident has begun for the 19th time as The Herald GM Citizen of the Year campaign, sponsored by General Motors South Africa (GMSA), begins today. (Download nomination form at

Annually, Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas' most outstanding citizens, often unsung heroes, have been awarded for uplifting their communities by what has become known as the region's "Social Awareness Oscar".

This year is no different as The Herald and GMSA aim to recognise the activities of an exceptional individual of any age.

The Herald editor Heather Robertson said: "This is the fourth year I have been involved in the search for our region's most inspiring citizen and it is always a deep honour to be able to highlight the good works of those who go beyond the call of duty to sacrifice for others.

"I call on all our readers to think carefully about what exactly is exceptional service when nominating contenders for the citizen of the year. Think of all fields of endeavour, be it sports, arts, business, working with youth or children, literacy, academia, health, social work, environmental activism, anti-gangsterism work or anti-drug abuse campaigns.

"We should also think of exceptional public servants, lawyers and judges, policemen and women, emergency services personnel, firefighters, surf rescue and lifesavers, and campaigners for our built environment to be protected.

"Let's celebrate as wide a range of active citizens this year."

Anyone living in the circulation area of The Herald – which extends as far as Mossel Bay, George, GraaffReinet and East London – may nominate a third party or enter.

The nomination form is on Page 10 of today's paper or you can get it on our website at www.theherald.co.za

Nomination boxes have also been placed at the following libraries: Algoa Park, Booysen Park, Gelvandale, New Brighton, Newton Park, Uitenhage Market Square, Walmer and West End as well as at the main library in Govan Mbeki Avenue.

There are also boxes at the NMMU South and North campus libraries, the Business Chamber, Kingfisher FM, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, the Mandela Bay Development Agency and Bay FM.

Entries close on August 14. - Alvené du Plessis