Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will next Thursday bestow the 2016 National Orders on distinguished local citizens and eminent foreign nationals, says the Presidency.
The National Orders Awards are the highest form of acknowledgement that the country bestows on distinguished and foreign nationals to recognise the sacrifices and contributions that they have made towards building a free, united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in the Constitution.
The awards also celebrate achievements and sacrifices, and also contribute towards unity and nation building.
The Presidency on Wednesday said President Jacob Zuma will during the ceremony bestow to deserving recipients the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
Order of Mendi for Bravery
The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
The Presidency said this order will be bestowed in silver on Hermanus Gabriel Loots aka James Stuart (Posthumous), Maqashu Leonard Mdingi, Ulysses Modise (Posthumous), Peter Sello Motau aka Paul Dikeledi (Posthumous), Wilson Ndaliso Boy Ngcayiya aka Bogart Soze (Posthumous), Joseph “Mpisi” Nduli (Posthumous), Sam Ntuli (Posthumous), Major General Jackie Refiloe Sedibe, Sizakele Sigxashe (Posthumous), and Major General (Peter Lesego Tshikare (Posthumous).
Order of Ikhamanga
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The Presidency said the order will be bestowed in bronze on Laurika Rauch. It will also be bestowed in silver on Thomas Hasani Chauke, Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser, and Marguerite Poland.
The Presidency said the order will be bestowed in gold on Benedict Wallet Vilakazi (Posthumous), and Professor Rosina Mamokgethi Phakeng.
Order of the Baobab
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
The Presidency said the order will be bestowed in silver on Professor Helen Rees (Order of the British Empire), and will also be bestowed in gold on Marina Nompinti Maponya (Posthumous).
Order of Luthuli
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 Presidency said the order will be bestowed in bronze on Suliman “Babla” Saloojee (Posthumous), and in silver on Brian Francis Bishop (Posthumous, Msizi Harrison Dube (Posthumous), Rev Dr Simon Gqubule, Sathyandranath Ragunanan Maharaj, Mary Thipe (Posthumous), Amy Rietstein Thornton, and John Zikhali (Posthumous).
The Presidency said the order will be bestowed in gold on Cleopas Madoda Nsibande (Posthumous).
Order of Mapungubwe
The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to South African citizens for achievements that have impacted internationally and served the interests of the Republic of South Africa.
The Presidency said the order will be bestowed in gold on Zwelakhe Sisulu (Posthumous).
“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,” said the Presidency.
It said the order will be bestowed in silver on Noureddine Djoudi (Algeria) and Maria Petronella Adriana Kint (The Netherlands). The Presidency said the order will also be bestowed in gold on her Excellency President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of Chile.
“We congratulate the nominated recipients and express our sincere gratitude to members of the public for participating in the nomination process,” said President Zuma, the Grand Patron of National Orders. - SAnews.gov.za
