Call for 2017 National Orders nominations

The public is invited to put forward their nominations of persons from all walks of life that they believe deserve to receive the country’s highest honours, the National Orders.

The next National Orders awards investiture ceremony will take place in April 2017, honouring South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed to the achievement of a free, united, non-racial, democratic, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa in various ways.

Also honoured are citizens who have sacrificed life and limb to save others and those who have excelled in various fields.

The ceremony contributes towards unity, reconciliation and nation building.

The Grand Patron of the National Orders, President Jacob Zuma, has invited the nominations before the 31 August 2016 deadline.

There are six orders that are bestowed to deserving recipients, including:

• 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 Mapungubwe which recognises South Africans who have excelled and attained exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
• 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.

Members of the public are urged to attach a short motivation on the person nominated. 

Self-nomination or the nomination of public servants is not permissible.  

Nominations forms are available on The Presidency website on: www.thepresidency.gov.za