By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: President Cyril Ramaphosa, Grand Patron of the National Orders, joined by Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister, Mr Gayton McKenzie, Chancellor of the National Orders Ms Phindile Baleni, Advisory Council on National Orders, and recipients for the official National Orders 2026 group photographs at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane, Gauteng. The occasion brought together honourees across the Orders of Ikhamanga, the Baobab, Luthuli, Mapungubwe, and the Companions of OR Tambo. Photo Credit: Presidency.
President Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed the 2026 National Orders Awards on distinguished citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy.
Ramaphosa said the orders reflect South Africa’s commitment to peace and friendship based on equality and dignity.
“On the day that the Constitution was adopted 30 years ago, I said that it is the mirror of South African society, reflecting both the history from which we have emerged and the values of human dignity, equality, and freedom we now cherish.”
He added that the large presence of artists, filmmakers, writers, and athletes among the recipients highlights the role of sports and culture in expressing the hopes, triumphs, and diversity of South Africa.
Among the Order of Ikhamanga recipients, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport, were rugby coach Rassie Erasmus, jazz musician Jonathan Butler, and house DJ Sibonginkosi ‘Oskido’ Mdlongwa.
Speaking after receiving the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, Butler said the moment marked a personal and national milestone.
“I feel humbled and honoured in this moment. I feel in this season of my life to be recognised in my country is the greatest blessing anyone could ever ask for,” Butler said.
He thanked the Presidency and South Africans who have supported his journey, saying the award carries deep emotional significance at this stage of his career.
A key figure in the rise of kwaito and the Kalawa Jazmee legacy, Oskido has played a central role in shaping the country’s modern music industry.
Mdlongwa said the award reflected a shared journey with collaborators, artists and fans who have supported his work over the years.
“I’m really thrilled. It shows that what we’ve built over the years is being recognised at this level. It shows what we have planted and the seed is germinating and these are the fruits,” he said.
He described the honour as a collective achievement rather than an individual one, crediting his team, fellow pioneers and the broader music community.
“This is a journey which I haven’t walked alone, it’s for all the people I’ve worked with, especially the Kalawa family, the pioneers of Kwaito like Mdu and Arthur and all the artists and the fans who have always been there, my family and the Almighty God,” the Kwaito legend said.
The recipients of the Order of Mapungubwe for excellence and exceptional accomplishment to the benefit of South Africa and beyond included Professor Tulio de Oliveira, for his discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, and Professor Salim Abdul Karim, for his research on HIV/Aids and tuberculosis.
“The achievements of all of our recipients this year speak to the country’s growing international standing as a global centre of medical and scientific best practice,” Ramaphosa said.
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and the economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
Recipients included professor Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo, for his contribution to cardiology and his impact on academic and medical communities, and professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, for her work on conflict resolution, social cohesion and the psychology of forgiveness.
The Order of Luthuli recognises dedication to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa. It was awarded to Jack Simons (posthumous) for his role in the liberation struggle and Ray Alexander Simons (posthumous) for her role in building communities during apartheid.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals and dignitaries for the friendship they have shown South Africa and for their solidarity with the country.
“We did not win our freedom alone,” Ramaphosa said. “We were carried by a great tide of human solidarity that stretched across our continent and the entire globe.”
Recipients included Teresa Hillary Clarke (US), for her contribution to education, human rights and media; Pierre Magnee (the Netherlands), for supporting the liberation movement inside South Africa; Antonio da Silva Gomes Cordeiro (Mozambique) (posthumous), for supporting anti-apartheid activists; professor Cherif Keita (Mali), for preserving the legacy of Nokuthela Dube through documentary filmmaking and historical research; and Naomi Kleinfeld (the Netherlands,) for supporting the liberation movement while working in South Africa during apartheid.