The Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria is bustling with activity as the Advisory Council on National Orders gathers ahead of today’s grand National Orders Awards Ceremony.
Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Grand Patron, this prestigious event will honor South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to uplifting the nation and humanity at large.
The 11-member Advisory Council, chaired by Dr. Mandla Langa, comprises luminaries from across South African society tasked with evaluating nominations.
Among them are academic leaders like Professor Glenda Gray, Professor Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, Professor Momokgethi Phakeng, and Professor Sarojini Nadar. Business stalwart Dr. Irvin Khoza and former Public Protector Dr. Peki Emelia Mkhwebane also lend their expertise.
This esteemed panel has advised President Ramaphosa on prospective recipients of the nation’s highest honors – the Order of Ikhamanga, Order of the Baobab, Order of Luthuli, and Order of Mapungubwe. These prestigious orders celebrate the inspiring determination of humanity to attain a caring and humane society in fulfilment of the ideals of freedom.
The ceremonial investiture at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse promises to be a proud celebration of excellence epitomizing the nation’s commitment to upholding democratic values.
The honored recipients’ remarkable works have uplifted communities, inspired the nation, and embodied the commitment to an equitable society for all South Africans.