Pretoria – Thirty-six South Africans, including struggle heroes, will be awarded the highest orders that can be bestowed on citizens later this evening.
President Jacob Zuma is to bestow the National Orders following today’s national Freedom Day events at the Union Buildings. From this year, the ceremony will take place on the same day as Freedom Day following a decision by Cabinet.
The order of Ikhamanga, awarded to those who have excelled in the fields of art, culture, music, journalism and sport, will be bestowed on 14 individuals including Irvin Khoza for his contribution in South Africa’s hosting of the World Cup and Danny Jordaan who will receive the Order in gold.
The Order of the Baobab, awarded for distinguished service which is above and beyond the ordinary call of duty and awarded for exceptional and distinguished contributions in business and the economy will be awarded to Nowongile Cynthia Molo for her work in the development of women through the Women in Agriculture and Rural Development initiative. Four others will receive it too.
Tsietsi Mashinini will receive the Order of Luthuli posthumously for the role he played in the 1976 Soweto student uprisings. Eight others will be bestowed with this order.
The Order of Mapungubwe which is the highest order for citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement will be awarded to Prof Pieter Steyn for his work in chemistry.
Four foreign nationals, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva, will be awarded the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. The orders are awarded to “deserving citizens and international people,” the Presidency’s Director General Cassius Lubisi said.
Most living recipients will attend the ceremony on Wednesday, he said. – BuaNews
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