As if getting a planet named after him wasn't enough, Siyabulela Xuza joined an eminent group of South Africans and foreigners last week to be recognised by President Jacob Zuma.
At the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Friday, the 28-year-old was one of the youngest recipients of a national order.
“The award is less about me and more about the confidence in the young people of this country," Xuza said.
"The fact that I come from humble beginnings and now I am bestowed with such an exceptional award is reason to believe that anything is possible.”
The national orders are the highest awards the country can give, and through the sitting president they recognise excellence.
Zuma bestowed the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
Xuza received the order of Mapungubwe in Silver. It is awarded to citizens who have made an impact internationally and served the national interest. He was recognised for his contribution to scientific innovation at an early age, proving to himself and others that through determination and hard work one could achieve career heights.
Xuza had a planet named after him, in honour of his work in developing a rocket and creating safer, more energy-efficient rocket fuel in the process.
He won the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the US in 2007 in a competition against 1500 students from 52 countries.
The Nasa-affiliated Lincoln Laboratory was so impressed with the young engineer’s achievements that it named a minor planet after him. Planet 23182, discovered in 2000, is now known as Siyaxuza.
The list of recipients included sporting sensation Wayde van Niekerk, who received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold.
“The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South Africans who have excelled in the field of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
“This year it is conferred on nine recipients for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields,” said Zuma.
The first woman to hold the position of Human Sciences Research Council chief executive officer, Professor Olive Shisana, was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Bronze.
It is awarded to citizens for distinguished service in business, the economy, science, medicine and for technological innovation and community service.
She received the order for championing public health care and for her contribution to the fight against HIV/Aids.
Labour specialist Neville Rubin was awarded the Order of Luthuli, given to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution in the struggle for freedom, democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice, peace and conflict resolution.
This year’s Order of
Companions of OR Tambo were bestowed on Maurice Bogatsu, of Botswana (posthumously), Euzhan Palcy, of Martinique, and a former president and prime minister of East Timor, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.