PLETTENBERG BAY - Otto Olivier, head of operations at the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA), has received Rotary's highest award for a member of the community for his outstanding contribution to society.
Olivier could not receive the prestigious award in person on 18 July at the Plettenberg Bay Country Club - he was in hospital recovering from a double knee replacement operation
Instead, his brother Waldo, co-owner of Plett Security, and Logan Harris, PBCPA executive, received the award on his behalf.
"Without the assistance and dedication of the many volunteers, security, and emergency partners, this award would not have been bestowed on me. I am humbled and truly honoured to receive the Paul Harris award," said Otto, whose life goal is to create a safe and crime-free Plett. "Many thanks to Plettenberg Bay Rotary Club for the nomination and support."
Citation
According to his mother, Ina Olivier, he was deeply moved by the citation, which read: "Sometime champion of the PBCPA, Otto Olivier has been at the forefront of both the institution and development of combined structure for law enforcement, safety, and security in Plettenberg Bay on the Southern Cape Coast.
Following to the letter the Rotary international principles of service above self, Otto has on many accessions put his own life on the line, as well as his own private resources at risk to pursuit of law and order.
"Most remarkable of his achievements, however, in consort with the South African Police Services, his fellow private security providers, neighbourhood watch and rapid response unit, had been his ability to transcend racial and class distinction to establish a bond of friendship and fellowship among all communities across the apartheid era division of residential areas in the Bitou Municipality.
"It is in recognition of this momentous achievement in drastically reducing the crime rate in the municipality that we wish to nominate Otto for the Paul Harris award for service to his whole community."
The Paul Harris Award is the highest award by the worldwide Rotary organisation and can be given to a Rotarian or a member of the community.
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