The Presidency has invited South Africans to nominate people from their communities and sectors for the country’s highest honours -- the National Orders.
In a statement on Tuesday, The Presidency said nominations are open to recognise people who have recorded exceptional achievements or made outstanding contributions to communities or the nation at large.
Nominations for the National Orders close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
National Orders are the highest awards bestowed by the country, through the President, on South African citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
The President, as the custodian of honour in the country, bestows the Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders, and the Advisory Council on National Orders.
Chancellor of National Orders Phindile Baleni called on citizens to make nominations as part of sustaining the integrity, inclusiveness and diversity of the institution of recognition of outstanding personal endeavour, social cohesion and nation-building.
“The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery and honouring the nation’s esteemed scientists and innovators, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful to people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
“We, therefore, remind people from all walks of life and backgrounds - including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order,” Baleni said.
The National Orders include the Order of Mapungubwe, awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement, and the Order of the Baobab, awarded for distinguished service well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
The Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo is awarded to eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa, while the Order of Luthuli recognises South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution.
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 Mendi for Bravery is awarded to South African citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives while performing such acts.
Nomination forms, which outline guidelines for nominators, can be downloaded from the Presidency’s website on https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785.
Each completed nomination form must be accompanied by a motivation, which should include an introductory paragraph summarising the nominee’s achievements, a list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in their career and/or international arena, and a description of the exceptional, outstanding or dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee.
The Presidency said that details of the annual National Orders Ceremony will be provided at a later date. – SAnews.gov.za
