Zuko Komisa
President Ramaphosa announces the latest recipients of National Orders.
The recipients of National Orders have been announced by Phindile Baleni, Director-General in the Presidency and Chancellor of the National Orders. These are the highest honor bestowed by South Africa, through the President, on citizens and notable foreign nationals who have improved democracy and had a major influence on South Africans’ lives.
The names of South Africans and foreign nationals who will receive National Orders at a distinguished ceremony on April 30, 2024, were released on Tuesday.
The Order of Mendi
The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognizes South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
The Order of Mendi in Silver recipients:
Mawilliams Kekana (posthumously): For her generosity and courageous act of sheltering freedom fighters when it was illegal to align with revolutionaries.
Ignatius ‘Iggy’ Mthebule (posthumously): For his gallant fight against an unjust system of apartheid.
Makhwezi McDonald Mtulu (posthumously): For his excellent contribution to the liberation of the people of South Africa.
Robert Anthony Basil Waterwitch (posthumously): For courageously pushing back against the oppressive system of the apartheid government.
Coline Denise Williams (posthumously): For courageously pushing back against the oppressive system of the apartheid government.
The Order of Ikhamanga
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The Order of Ikhamanga in Gold recipients:
Nontando ‘Noni’ Helen Jabuva (posthumously): For her excellent contribution to the field of journalism and scholarship on the liberation struggle.
Aggrey Klaaste (posthumously): For his exceptional contribution to quality journalism and as a reporter.
Madala Muzwakhe Kunene: For his exceptional contribution to the arts, especially jazz music.
The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver recipients:
Agnus Gibson: For his contribution to filmmaking.
Emile Lester Jansen: For his contribution to the field of arts and hip-hop culture in South Africa.
Saray Nkusi Khumalo: For being an inspiring way-maker for many women through her quest of summiting seven mountains while raising funds.
Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu: For her excellent contribution to the development of indigenous Ndebele arts.
Madosini Latozi Mphahleni (posthumously): For her exceptional service in preserving and elevating indigenous South African musical traditions.
Trevor Dundas Mweli Skota (posthumously): For his contribution to the promotion of black African knowledge through his trailblazing work.
The Order of the Baobab
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
The Order of the Baobab in Gold recipients:
Blanche Valeria La Guma (posthumously): For her courageous fight for social justice and equality for all South Africans.
Zukiswa Patricia Matolengwe: For her commitment to realising social justice for the homeless and downtrodden.
The Order of Luthuli
The Order of Luthuli recognises South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict.
The Order of Luthuli in Gold recipients:
Mxolisi ‘Dicky’ Jacobs (posthumously): For his ultimate sacrifice to the struggle for liberation.
Peter Cyril Jones (posthumously): For his courageous contribution in mobilising communities across the length and breadth of South Africa.
Benjamin Langa (posthumously): For his ultimate sacrifice for equality and social justice in South Africa.
Thobekile ‘Tobsy’ Madaka (posthumously): For his gallant fight against the oppression of our people.
Siphiwo Mthimkhulu (posthumously): For his gallant fight against the oppression of our people.
Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu: For his gallant fight for the liberation of the people of South Africa.
Kenneth Rachidi (posthumously): For his courage to face a repressive government and resist its unjust laws that promoted inequality.
Annie Silinga (posthumously): For her commitment to the liberation struggle.
Nokuthula Simelane (posthumously): For her incredible bravery in the face of brutal security operatives.
The Order of Mapungubwe
The Order of Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
The Order of Mapungubwe in Silver:
Prof Mulalo Doyoyo (posthumously): For his enormous contribution to academia and research in the field of aerospace.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals and other foreign dignitaries for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recipients:
Huub Bammens from the Netherlands: For his contribution to promoting awareness of human rights violations by the South African apartheid government to the world via Radio Freedom.
Donna Katzin from the United States: For her innovative thinking in assisting post-apartheid South African businesses get ethical investments by promoting networking between South African businesses and American investors.
Ken Luckhard from Canada: For his selfless service to South Africa through anti-apartheid activism.
Nicholas Stadlen from the United Kingdom: For his steadfast standing with the South African liberation movement at a time when it was not convenient to do so.
Fulco van Aurich from the Netherlands: For his contribution to promoting awareness of human rights violations by the South African apartheid government to the world via Radio Freedom..
Brenda Wall from Canada: For her selfless service to South Africa through anti-apartheid activism.
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