President Zuma to bestow 2016 National Orders Awards 

20 APRIL 2016

President Jacob Zuma will on Thursday, 28 April 2016, bestow 2016 National Orders on distinguished local citizens and eminent foreign nationals.

The National Orders Awards are the highest form of acknowledgement that South Africa 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.

During the ceremony, President Zuma will 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.

The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.

The order will be bestowed in Silver on:

Hermanus Gabriel Loots aka James Stuart (Posthumous): For his gallant fight against the oppression of the majority of South Africans during the hard times of apartheid injustice and despotism. He spoke truth to power without fear or favour.

Maqashu Leonard Mdingi: For his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle and steadfast belief in the equality of all who lived in South Africa. His conviction spurred him to distant lands to enlist with the anti-apartheid organisations and push back against the tyranny of racism.

Ulysses Modise (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the struggle for the liberation of the people of South Africa. He selflessly left his loved ones for exile where he devoted his military skills to fight the apartheid regime.

Peter Sello Motau aka Paul Dikeledi (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle. His selfless sacrifice, bravery and thirst for freedom led to democracy at the ultimate cost of his own life.

Wilson Ndaliso Boy Ngcayiya aka Bogart Soze (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the fight for the liberation of this country. He courageously placed his life in constant danger, inspired by a solid conviction that one day South Africa will be free from oppressive apartheid rule.

Mr Joseph “Mpisi” Nduli (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the fight for the liberation of the people of South Africa. His steadfast belief in the equality of all citizens inspired him to fight until democracy was realised.

Sam Ntuli (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution in the field of peace-building during a particularly violent and delicate time in the history of the liberation struggle. He paid the ultimate price for his dedication to peace.

Major General Jackie Refiloe Sedibe: For her excellent contribution and courage in joining Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). She fought for the liberation of our people and selflessly sacrificed home comforts to ensure that all South Africans live as equals.

Dr Sizakele Sigxashe (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution in the fight against the oppression of the people of South Africa. His bravery and courage of convictions saw him leave his home and loved ones into distant lands to fight for the freedom that is enjoyed today.

Major General (Peter Lesego Tshikare (Posthumous): For his selfless contribution to the struggle for the liberation of the people of South Africa. He gallantly joined the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC) with the conviction that no one deserved to be treated with indignity.

The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

The Order will be bestowed in Bronze on:

Laurika Rauch: For her outstanding contribution in the field of music and raising awareness on political injustices through music. She bravely deployed her artistic talents to highlight the injustices and tyranny of the apartheid rule.

The Order will be bestowed in Silver on:

Thomas Hasani Chauke: For his excellent contribution to the development and promotion of Xitsonga traditional music in the country. His prolific song-writing and performances have put Xitsonga music in the forefront.

Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser: For her excellent contribution to the field of dance and transference of skills to the young people from all racial backgrounds, fostering social cohesion in the time of apartheid. 

Marguerite Poland: For her excellent contribution to the field of indigenous languages, literature and anthropology. Her literary works are taught widely in South African schools.

The order will be bestowed in Gold on:

Benedict Wallet Vilakazi (Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution to the field of literature in indigenous languages and the preservation of isiZulu culture. A world famous street in Soweto, where two noble prize winners once resided, bears his name.

Professor Rosina Mamokgethi Phakeng: For her excellent contribution in the field of science and representing South Africa on the international stage through her outstanding research work.

The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.

The Order will be bestowed in Silver on:

Professor Helen Rees (Order of the British Empire (OBE)): For her excellent contribution in the field of medical science and research. Her work gives hope to communities who have been affected by the scourge of HIV and AIDS.

The Order will be bestowed in Gold on:

Marina Nompinti Maponya (Posthumous): For her exceptional contribution to the field of entrepreneurship at a time when economic development for the majority was proscribed. Her selfless giving to poor communities remains her legacy.

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 Order will be bestowed in Bronze on:

Suliman “Babla” Saloojee (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid. He paid the ultimate price for dedicating his life to fighting political injustice in South Africa.  

The Order will be bestowed in Silver on:

Brian Francis Bishop (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle and fighting the tyranny of the oppressive State. He gave his life for the liberation of the people of South Africa.

Msizi Harrison Dube (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to the struggle for liberation, and his persistent pursuit of justice and better living conditions for his community and the people of South Africa in general.

Rev Dr Simon Gqubule: For his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle and in the field of education and religion. His inherent belief in equality prompted him to join the United Democratic Front (UDF) to speak truth to the power that was evil and oppressive apartheid power.

Sathyandranath Ragunanan Maharaj: For his excellent contribution to the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. Inspired by the courage of his convictions he bravely endured the fight against the despotism of the oppressive apartheid government over many years.

Mary Thipe (Posthumous): For her excellent contribution to the liberation struggle and the fight for social justice. Her bravery and bold stance against the brutality of the security branch remains legendary in the Chesterville area in Durban.

Amy Rietstein Thornton: For her excellent contribution and unflinching commitment to the struggle for liberation and equality for all South Africans. Her bravery in the face of an oppressive regime is commendable.

John Zikhali (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution to fighting for justice, challenging unjust labour laws through union development and galvanising workers. He paid the ultimate price for the love of his country and its people.

The order will be bestowed in Gold on:

Cleopas Madoda Nsibande (Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution to fighting for the rights of workers. He steadfastly challenged unjust labour laws through efficient organisation and galvanising workers to take a stand for their rights.

The Order of Mapungubwe recognises is awarded to South African citizens for achievements that have impacted internationally and served the interests of the Republic of South Africa.

The order will be bestowed in Gold on:

Zwelakhe Sisulu (Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution to quality journalism; and as a reporter exposing the cruelties of apartheid and encouraging unity among the people of different political persuasions to fight for liberation.

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.

The order will be bestowed in Silver on:

Noureddine Djoudi (Algeria): For his steadfast support of the South African liberation movement during the hard times of oppression. He stood in firm solidarity with the stalwarts of the liberation struggle and sacrificed to support the realisation of democracy.

Maria Petronella Adriana Kint (The Netherlands): For her excellent contribution to the liberation movement and her courage to challenge policies that violated human rights. Her commitment to the liberation movement contributed to the democracy we enjoy today.

The order will be bestowed in Gold on:

Her Excellency President Michelle Bachelet Jeria (Chile): For her exceptional contribution to the fight for democracy at the global stage. She was imbued with a deep sense of justice and the courage of her convictions, which drove her from Chile to exile.

“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.

Issued by Bongani Majola, The Presidency, 20 April 2016