By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The Presidency on Sunday announced the withdrawal of nominations for National Orders for Duma Ndlovu, Freek Robinson and Mike Horne.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said the decision followed apparent backlash from some members of the public.
“Following objections from various sectors of society and on the recommendation of the National Orders Advisory Council (NOAC), Ramaphosa has accepted the withdrawal of three nominees who were nominated to receive respective orders in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria,” it said.
Those who have now been given the snub include renowned veteran TV and film producer Duma Ndlovu of the popular “Muvhango” and “Imbewu” soapies among others, journalist and radio and TV presenter Freek Robinson as well as South African-born Swiss professional explorer and adventurer Mike Horn.
This follows allegations that Ndlovu was involved in the collapse and capture of the South African Revenue Service under former president Jacob Zuma’s administration.
The State Capture Commission revealed that the founder of Word of Mouth and Ambrobrite received funding for introducing consultancy firm Bain and Company to Zuma and for providing strategic advice.
During the State Capture Inquiry, former Bain partner Athol Williams disclosed that the company paid R3.6 million a year to Ndlovu and producer, Mandla KaNozulu.
Meanwhile, Horn was set to receive a bronze Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to action and endurance sport, which has earned him a reputation as one of the ‘greatest living explorers’ of our time.
Horn recently was blasted over his revelation that he was part of the military during the apartheid era in the 1980s.
He was quoted as saying: “I was part of the official forces of the South African army at the time. I was doing my compulsory military service there. I strictly obeyed the orders given to me.”
In defence of his military past he indicated that it was a “long time ago” and that his life had taken a different turn since then.
The army in which Horn was part of was held responsible for being behind a massacre at a meeting of Swapo (an armed rebel group fighting for the independence of Namibia) in the Namibian capital Windhoek.
It is unclear if Horn’s military past was the main reason behind the withdrawal and who submitted the objection.
The Presidency also did not go into further details pertaining to Robinson’s objection.
They were part of the 35 South African and foreign nationals who were due to receive the awards in a few days time.
Prominent icons who will receive national orders include Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, Mfundi Vundla and musician Tracy Chapman.