ROYAL REWARD AS BAY WOMAN HONOURED BY THE QUEEN:
Haven supervisor honoured for her work with vulnerable women and children
“THE Beatles! The Beatles got it!” These were the first words an excited Lindsay Ziehl uttered when she received a call from the British High Commissioner to South Africa five weeks ago to inform her she had been awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for her work with vulnerable women and children in South Africa.
The recipients were announced on New Year’s Eve.
“It was quite a shock. When the phone call came I could only think that this was the same award that the Beatles received,” Ziehl, who runs the Yokhuselo Haven in Port Elizabeth, laughed.
“It’s been very difficult to keep this secret for five weeks as I was informed by the British High Commission I was not to discuss the award until after December 30. Now it’s out in the open, and I can celebrate.
“This is the highest award a civilian can get in the world, and it makes me proud that it will come to Port Elizabeth, a city I love – doing work I adore, with lovely people.
Ziehl had a little get-together with friends at her house on Wednesday to announce and celebrate her award.
“The next step is the investiture at Buckingham Palace where the queen will present me with the MBE. I am not sure of the date.”
Ziehl said she must now put together an outfit for the big occasion.
“I am going to have to ask a designer to make something for me. One can’t wear pants. You must either wear a skirt or a dress with the hemline being on the knee or lower and wear a hat.
“I am thinking black and white as that is very smart.”
She said her friend, drama teacher Linda-Louise Swain, has been teaching her how to curtsy.
“I think my legs will be like jelly!” Ziehl laughed.
“You never think that you will be recognised for what you do. I feel incredibly honoured.
“The people from Port Elizabeth has been tremendous in their support and assistance with Yokuselo Haven and without them we will not have made it for 26 years. This award is for them too,” she said.
“I would like to thank all the members of the management committee, board, finance committee and trust of Yokhuselo Haven, volunteers and not forgetting Stephanie, my trusty supervisor, for their ongoing support.
“It’s important for them to know that without them this would not have been possible, as it’s always been a team effort, and always will be,” Ziehl said.
“To all our supporters, a big thank you for being there for Yokhuselo Haven, keeping us going and believing in us all these years. Once again this award would not have been possible without you,” she added.
‘ It makes me proud that it will come to Port Elizabeth, a city I love