Pretoria (April 29, 2024) – President Cyril Ramaphosa will recognize South Africa’s most distinguished citizens and eminent foreign nationals at the annual National Orders Awards ceremony on Tuesday in Pretoria.
As the Grand Patron of the National Orders, Ramaphosa will bestow the country’s highest honors on those who have made exceptional contributions toward advancing democracy and improving the lives of South Africans.
The prestigious ceremony at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse will see recipients awarded the Order of Mendi for Bravery, Order of Ikhamanga, Order of the Baobab, Order of Luthuli, Order of Mapungubwe, and Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo.
“National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals,” said Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the Presidency. “It recognizes distinguished service and achievement.”
While the identities of this year’s honorees remain confidential until the ceremony, previous recipients have included struggle icons, human rights champions, scientists, artists, and leaders across sectors.
Only accredited members of the media will be permitted at the 11am event, with arrivals beginning at 8:30am. A formal ceremonial dress code will be in effect.
The ceremony reflects South Africa’s ongoing commitment to honor those striving to build a more just, equitable, and prosperous nation, nearly 30 years after achieving democracy.
It will be livestreamed on the PresidencyZA’s social media platforms and major news channels for those unable to attend in person.
Nominations are accepted annually for the National Orders program, which has been continually awarded since the end of apartheid rule in 1994.
