President Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed National Orders upon 36 recipients during an investiture ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. The prestigious event recognized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made profound contributions to South African society and beyond. The President stated that the recipients represented "a mirror of South African society" and had "lifted to the sky our greatest aspiration." This sentiment showed the diverse achievements celebrated, reflecting the broad spectrum of talent and commitment present within the nation. Ramaphosa emphasized that the nation seeks knowledge "not for its own sake, but to protect lives, to improve health and to build a better life for all," noting the practical and humanitarian impact of the honorees' work. He noted, "By bestowing this award, we affirm once more that the story of our freedom should not pass into distant legend but should continue to be carried by successive generations into the future." This statement reinforced the idea that the National Orders serve as a vital mechanism for preserving national memory and inspiring future generations by celebrating those who embody the nation's highest ideals. The ceremony itself is a significant annual event, symbolizing the nation's gratitude and respect for its most distinguished citizens and international friends.
Categories and Recipients
Honours were conferred across five distinct categories: the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. Each order recognizes specific types of contributions, ranging from arts and culture to science, leadership, and international cooperation. Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus was among the recipients, honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold. This recognition acknowledged his inspirational leadership within the sport of rugby, particularly in guiding the national team to significant triumphs and fostering national pride. The Order of Ikhamanga is specifically awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, or sport, making Erasmus a fitting honoree for his impact on the nation's sporting landscape.
Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa also received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold. His award specifically recognized his significant contributions to the development of kwaito music and youth music culture in South Africa. Mdlongwa’s pioneering work has been instrumental in shaping the country’s contemporary music scene and providing a voice for a generation.
Professor Tulio de Oliveira was honoured with the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold. His award cited his key role in the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, a finding that had global implications for public health and scientific understanding of the pandemic. The Order of Mapungubwe is reserved for South African citizens who have achieved excellence and made extraordinary contributions in their respective fields, particularly those involving intellectual endeavors and service to humanity, making Professor de Oliveira a deserving recipient for his critical scientific work.
Significance of National Orders
The National Orders are South Africa's highest recognition for national service, acknowledging outstanding contributions by both South African citizens and foreign nationals. These prestigious awards honour individuals for their work across various fields, including democracy, science, arts, sport, and nation-building. They serve as a testament to the diverse ways in which individuals can contribute to the betterment of society and the advancement of the nation's goals. The Chancellor of the National Orders, Phindile Baleni, plays a key role in the administration and presentation of these significant accolades. Her involvement ensures the integrity and solemnity of the investiture process. The awards serve to formally recognize and celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on the country and its people, inspiring others to strive for similar levels of excellence and dedication. By publicly honouring these individuals, the nation reinforces its values and celebrates the spirit of service and achievement.
Presidential Remarks
Professor Salim Abdool Karim was honored with the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold. His recognition specifically cited his extensive work in the fields of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) research. Additionally, Professor Karim was acknowledged for his significant contributions to public health leadership, particularly during critical health crises. The Order of Mapungubwe is bestowed upon South African citizens who have achieved excellence and made extraordinary contributions in their respective fields, often involving intellectual endeavors and service to humanity. This particular accolade shows Professor Karim's impact on critical health issues affecting South Africa and the wider global community, reflecting his dedication to advancing scientific understanding and public well-being through research and leadership. His work has not only advanced medical knowledge but has also directly improved the lives of countless individuals affected by these devastating diseases. The President's remarks throughout the ceremony consistently noted the importance of these contributions in building a more resilient, knowledgeable, and compassionate society.
