New members join National Orders council

Monday, October 13, 2014

By More Matshediso

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma on Sunday announced Brigitte Mabandla as the new chair for the National Orders Advisory Council.

Mabandla has been the Minister of Public Enterprises, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Minister of Housing and Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and is currently a consultant on public policy.

The President also announced the appointment of other new members of the Advisory Council, with Mandla Langa as Deputy Chairperson.

The Presidency said Langa is a veteran of the struggle for liberation, celebrated poet, short story writer and novelist and businessman.

“He is also an esteemed member of the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals,” said the Presidency.

Other members of the Advisory Council are James Motlatsi, Sally Padayachie, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Dr Glenda Gray, Molefi Oliphant, Lindiwe Mabuza, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, Mary Burton, Dr Fazel Randera, and Peki Emelia “Nothembi” Mkhwebane.

President Zuma extended his gratitude to the outgoing members of the Advisory Council, which was chaired by Dr Yvonne Muthien.

“The outgoing council has served the country exceptionally well over many years. We thank them wholeheartedly for this national service. We welcome Ms Mabandla and the new team, and look forward to working with them as we celebrate excellence, selflessness and the promotion of a common nationhood,” said President Zuma.

“They process nominations of deserving South Africans and foreign nationals and advise the President to assist him in the execution of this important responsibility,” the Presidency said.

South Africa currently bestows National Orders on distinguished persons for the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe, the Order of the Baobab, and the Order of the Companions of O R Tambo. - SAnews.gov.za