President Jacob Zuma will award outstanding South Africans and eminent foreign nationals in Pretoria on Tuesday.
According to a statement released by the Presidency, Zuma will bestow National Orders on those that “have contributed immensely towards the advancement of democracy, excelled in various endeavours as well as those who have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans in various ways.”
Some of the National Orders include:
* The Order of Mendi for Bravery, which recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
* The Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
* The Order of the Baobab, which recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
* The Order of Luthuli, which recognises South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict.
* The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo? which? recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an Order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.
Here are some of the awardees:
* Mpumelelo Washington Bongco(Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution to the pursuit of equality and universal suffrage in South Africa. He never relented and paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and democracy.
* Darius Mfana Dhlomo (posthumous): For his excellent talent in various professional sporting codes. His tenacity, sheer talent and triumph in sport inspired generations of aspiring footballers and boxers who saw in him the epitome of excellence.
* Winnie Mahlangu: For her excellent contribution to the field of broadcasting and for keeping the listenership of the largest radio station in the country informed and entertained.
* Ramakgobotla John Mekoa: For his excellent contribution to the development of jazz music in South Africa. He established a jazz music centre that contributed to the growth of the careers of many South African jazz musicians.
* Mbulelo Vizikhungo Mzamane(Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the development of African literature and the upliftment of African languages on the global stage.
* James David Lewis-Williams: For his exceptional and distinguished contribution to the field of archaeology. His research on the rock art of the ancient people of Southern Africa has contributed invaluable knowledge about their lives and times.
* William Frankel: For his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid. He played a significant role in raising funds for those detained by apartheid security forces and those charged under apartheid legislation.
* Johnson Malcomess Mgabela(Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution to the fight against oppression. He understood that human beings are naturally equal, and that the subjugation of one race by another must be opposed at all costs.
* Petros Nyawose (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid. He paid the ultimate price for his involvement in the liberation struggle in South Africa.
* Jabulile Nyawose (Posthumous): For her excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid. She paid the ultimate price for her involvement in the liberation struggle in South Africa.
* Mohammed Tikly: For his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid. He groomed many young freedom fighters while he was director of the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) during the days of exile.
* General Hashim Mbita (Tanzania) (posthumous): For his exceptional and gallant support of African Liberation Movements and his tireless efforts in ensuring that the struggle for freedom throughout the African continent bore fruit.
IOL Mojo