Honours Wall
SARZA is built on dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives. Our members go above and beyond in their service, and it is only fitting that we recognize those who have made exceptional contributions. The Honours Wall stands as a testament to the courage, perseverance, and teamwork that define our organization.
Each year, we acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and support within SARZA. Some of these awards honor members who have left an indelible mark on our unit, while others recognize those who continue to uphold our values in the field.
In addition to individual achievements, SARZA itself has been recognized for its contributions to Search and Rescue in South Africa. These awards are more than just trophies—they represent the spirit of SARZA, the sacrifices made, and the camaraderie that binds us together.
Clive Carr Memorial Trophy
V16 Clive joined SARZA in September 2001, bringing with him a wealth of radio and rescue knowledge.
It was Clive who migrated the unit from 29Mhz CB radios to VHF with our own licensed frequencies and later a repeater.
It was in July 2004 while on a multi-agency training exercise in the Blouberg Mountains in Limpopo and during helicopter operations that Clive was climbing into a SAAF Oryx busy doing one-wheel landings on the mountain peak that a gust of wind blew and the aircraft dislodged off the peak and Clive fell between the mountain edge and the helicopter. He dropped some 40 metres and was killed on impact.
While all safety protocols were in place there is no accounting for nature and the wind.
Clive drove a dark green Land Rover Defender 90 and hence the trophy with a green Landy mounted on a plinth came into being.
This trophy is awarded annually to a senior GP member who has excelled within that year. Once awarded the trophy should not get re-awarded to a member. The award of this trophy is decided by the GP chair.
Past Recipients:
2024 – R48 Robert Izzett
2023 – Q24 Annelien Oberholzer
2022 – R87 Iain Sherwood
2021 – L65 Leon Fouché
2020 – W07 Hugo du Rand
2019 – G10 Grant Tyson
2018 – N72 Kyle Nesbitt
2017 – Q27 Avril Else
2016 – P30 Pierre Slabbert
2015 – R27 Ricardo Faria
2013 – V58 Russel Makin
2012 – T09 Ivor Rimmer
2011 – VT2 Allen Hobson
2010 – M95 Chris Barnard
2009 – T46 Ian McCabe
2008 – T68 Simon McDonnell
2007 – T50 Alan Reid
2006 – V32 Bruce Hepburn
2005 – T09 Ivor Rimmer
Navelan Padayachee Trophy
R79 Nav joined SARZA in June 2011 and quickly became a key member in the team. Both him and his twin brother Kailen, attended all the training and always volunteered for rescue missions. Never seen without a broad smile on his face and always ready to support another member or just be your friend.
It was on the early morning of 09 May 2016, during a call out into the Magaliesberg mountains with a long and difficult rescue that had taken all night to get to a fallen climber, lower him to safety and then a technical carry-out, to an area suitable for a HEMS helicopter to land, where the patient was handed over and flown off to hospital where he later recovered.
On the hike back out to the vehicles, Nav collapsed and in spite of the team, including paramedics and all the right equipment, Nav succumbed on the trail. It was later established that he had a pre-existing and latent heart condition that chose that fateful night to take him from us.
Nav, and his twin Kailen, had just completed their Masters degrees in environmental studies and both were avid bush and animal lovers.
Kailen later started the KaiNav Conservation Trust focussing on removing snares from the bush. He funded this trust from using the snare wire for artists to create wire artefacts which they sell overseas.
Nav was known for his Yellow Defender 90 and so it was decided to create a trophy from snare wire in the shape and rendition of his yellow Land Rover.
This trophy is presented annually to the best junior member of the year. The award of this trophy is decided by the GP Committee.
Past Recipients:
2024 – D34 Deon Fawell
2023 – W96 Wayne Kruger
2022 – C77 Cat Allan
2021 – A56 Andy Stuart
2020 – I15 Ian van Schalkwyk
2019 – D94 Darren Ternent
2018 – O24 Riaan Oberholzer
2017 – Q86 & H86 Carina & Harold Kotze
2016 – B18 Brenwin Traill
The Spanner Trophy
The GP committee decided to initiate a trophy to be presented to the member who in that year, had given the most in the way of supporting other members.
When one looks at the list of recipients we will note the true nature of the award, epitomized by the deserving members who were awarded the trophy.
While some may say this is a lesser award than the first two, to add your name to this trophy really shows the passion and dedication of a true member.
This award is decided by the GP committee.
Past Recipients:
2024 – C77 Cat Allan
2023 – L24 & A24 Leyla & Adriaan Oberholzer
2022 – T57 Mark Shute
2021 – R48 Robert Izzett
2020 – T32 Dominic Pais
2019 – H23 Harald Behr
2018 – T81 Ian Hoy
T41 Stuart Grobler Regional Excellence Award
T41 Stuart joined as a founding member back in late 1990 and he chaired the Gauteng region for 1998, 1999 and 2000 stepping down at the end of 2000.
On 18 April 2010, Stuart became one of the first Honorary Life Vice Presidents.
He was instrumental in the creation of SARZA’s new constitution which was brought into being in February 2018 when the National Council was formed. Stuart served on the National Council until his passing on 23rd July 2023
In 2021 when SARZA went through the name change and rebranding, Stuart was again a driving force, guiding and steering everyone through the process.
Always in the background but always with a guiding hand on the wheel.
The T41 Stuart Grobler Memorial trophy was introduced in 2024 to recognize regional excellence within SARZA.
Past Recipients:
2024 – Free State
2023 – Limpopo
Other Awards
SASAR Award
The SASAR (The South African Search & Rescue Organization) Award was awarded to SARZA for acquitting themselves exceptionally well towards the success of the mission .
Awarded by Honorable Mr. F.A. Mbalula, Minister of Transport (MP)
SASAR Meritorious Award
The SASAR (The South African Search & Rescue Organization) Meritorious Award was awarded to SARZA in grateful appreciation for many years of outstanding service and commitment to The South African Search & Rescue Organization.
Awarded by Honorable Mr. F.A. Mbalula, Minister of Transport (MP) 2023