By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed national orders to 32 recipients esteemed South Africans in the music, arts, journalism and entertainment sectors.
National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
The orders were bestowed on Tuesday during a ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane.
Ramaphosa bestowed national orders on filmmaker Angus Gibson, jazz musician Dr Madala Kunene, cultural activist Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu, the inspiring mountain climber, Saray Nkusi Khumalo, African hip hop activist Emile Lester Jansen etc.
Posthumously, Dr Madosini Latozi Mphahleni – for the preservation of indigenous music, Trevor Dundas Mweli Skota – for the promotion of black African knowledge through his trailblazing work, Nontando ‘Noni’ Helen Jabuva – for her contribution to the field of journalism and scholarship on the liberation struggle and Aggrey Klaaste – for his contribution as a journalist and exposing the evil apartheid regime.
The recipients are as follows:
The Order of Mendi for Bravery in Silver:
- Ms MaWilliams Kekana
- Mr Ignatius ‘Iggy’ Mthebule (Posthumous)
- Mr Makhwezi McDonald Mtulu (Posthumous)
- Mr Robert Anthony Basil Waterwitch (Posthumous)
- Ms Coline Denise Williams (Posthumous)
The Order of Ikhamanga in Gold:
- Ms Nontando ‘Noni’ Helen Jabavu (Posthumous)
- Dr Aggrey Klaaste (Posthumous)
- Dr Muziwakhe ‘Madala’ Kunene
The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver:
- Mr Angus Gibson
- Mr Emile Lester Jansen
- Ms Saray N’kusi Khumalo
- Ms Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu
- Dr Latozi ‘Madosini’ Mpahleni (Posthumous)
- Mr Trevor Dundas Mweli Skota (Posthumous)
The Order of the Baobab in Gold:
- Ms Blanche Valeria La Guma (Posthumous)
- Ms Zukiswa Patricia Matolengwe
The Order of Luthuli in Gold:
- Mr Mxolisi ‘Dicky’ Jacobs (Posthumous)
- Mr Peter Cyril Jones (Posthumous)
- Mr Benjamin Langa (Posthumous)
- Mr Thobekile ‘Topsy’ Madaka (Posthumous)
- Mr Siphiwo Mtimkhulu (Posthumous)
- Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu
- Mr Kenneth Hlako Rachidi (Posthumous)
- Ms Annie Silinga (Posthumous)
- Ms Nokuthula Simelane (Posthumous)
The Order of Mapungubwe in Silver:
- Prof Mulalo Doyoyo (Posthumous)
The Order of The Companions Of Or Tambo In Silver:
- Mr Huub Bammens – The Netherlands
- Ms Donna Katzin – United States of America
- Mr Ken Luckhardt – Canada
- Sir Nicholas Stadlen (Posthumous) –United Kingdom
- Mr Fulco Van Aurich – The Netherlands
- Ms Brenda Wall – Canada
This year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom. This would not have been possible without the bravery, fortitude and noble acts of those the preamble of our Constitution recognises as having suffered for justice and freedom in our land.
“The men and women we honour here today have played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Africa that we all enjoy today,” said Ramaphosa.”
“Our nation owes each of them a great debt. By bestowing these National Orders, we want to ensure that their contributions are recognised and spoken of by generations to come.
“The recipients of the National Orders are chosen by the South African people themselves. It is the South African people who make nominations for consideration. This is most appropriate because the recipients are the heroes and heroines of the entire nation.
“The truest test of heroism is that these acts are not done for the sake of name, prestige, fortune or fame. They are done out of conscience and an unwavering sense of responsibility. They are born of a burning quest for social justice,” added Ramaphosa.