National Orders nominations open

President Cyril Ramaphosa is inviting deserving South Africans to nominate people from all walks of life to be bestowed with National Orders.

National Orders are the country’s highest honours to South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed to the achievement of a free, united, non-racial, non-sexist, prosperous and democratic 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.

Calling for nominations – the Presidency said the ceremony contributes towards unity, reconciliation and nation building.

The selection process of the awards will be processed and administered by the National Orders Advisory Council,- appointed by the President of the Republic.

Members of the council include, Chairperson Brigitte Mabandla who heads the Advisory Council  and her Deputy Chairperson Mandla Langa.

The other members of the council are Glenda Gray, Molefi Oliphant, Lindiwe Mabuza, Dr Malegapuru Makgoba, Sally Padayachie, Buti Tlhagale, James Motlatsi, Fazel Randera and Nothembi Mkhwebane.

The following six orders are bestowed annually on deserving recipients:

• The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
• The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
• The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
• The Order of Luthuli 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 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 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 motivation about the person nominated. Self- nomination or the nomination of public servants is not permissible. The next National Orders awards ceremony will take place in April 2020. SAnews.gov.za

The 2020 National Orders nominations will close on 31 August 2019.

Nomination forms are available on The Presidency website: www.presidency.gov.za.

You can also send an email to  nominations@presidency.gov.za