Presidency on withdrawing three National Order nominees

24 April 2023

The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals.

Following objections from various sectors of society and on the recommendation of the National Orders Advisory Council (NOAC), President Ramaphosa has accepted the withdrawal of three nominees who were nominated to receive respective Orders in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria. The three are Mr. Duma Ndlovu, Mr. Freek Robinson and Mr. Mike Horne from the list of 35 chosen recipients to be conferred.

To uphold the integrity of National Orders, the NOAC will further adopt measures to strengthen the selection process. These measures include a workshop which will be undertaken by Council members at the end of April 2023. Timelines of the selection process will also be reviewed.

Issued by Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, 24 April 2023