President Cyril Ramaphosa has bestowed the 2018 National Orders Awards on a range of South Africans and others who have contributed to South Africa’s democracy.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Guest House Mhlambandlophu in Pretoria on Saturday.
The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa bestows on South Africans and foreigners alike – who have played or made an impact on building a free and peaceful democratic South Africa and improving the lives of South Africans in various ways.
The President of the Republic presents them to those who contributed meaningfully towards making the country a successful nation, united in its diversity.
Retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke and struggle activist Zondeni Sobukwe are among those who were honoured.
Mama Sobukwe, now aged 92, is the widow of PAC founder Robert Sobukwe. She and Judge Moseneke received the Luthuli Order for services to democracy, human rights and nation-building.
The late Mary Fitzgerald, regarded as South Africa’s first female trade unionist in the early 20th century, is an another recipient of the Luthuli Order.
The Order of Ikhamanga for services to arts, culture and sports was bestowed on singing legend Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, late opera singer Johan Botha, Afcon-winning former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey, World Cup-winning former Springbok captain John Smit, Proteas batsman Hashim Amla and Olympic medalist, track athlete Elana Meyer.
President Ramaphosa hailed the Orders recipients their efforts in his opening remarks.
“Our freedom opened windows of opportunity for many to chase their dreams for many to excel, to succeed and in so doing to inspire others to reach beyond what they imagined was possible themselves. We dedicate this year’s ceremony to the memory of the father of our nation former president Nelson Mandela, who more than any other embodied the spirit and the meaning of these national orders,” he said.
Former leaders from the SADC region including Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Ketumile Masire of Botswana and Samuel Nujoma of Namibia as well as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia were also honored. They are amongst others honored for supporting South Africa during liberation struggle and promoting peace on the continent.
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