South African animator Lesego Vorster receives France’s prestigious Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres honour.
South Africa (09 March 2026) – South African animator, director and visual artist Lesego Vorster has been awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of the highest cultural honours bestowed by the French Republic. The distinction was presented by David Martinon, the Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, during a ceremony held at the Residence de France in Pretoria.
Established in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, the Order of Arts and Letters recognises individuals whose work has made significant contributions to the arts, literature and the international influence of culture. Over the decades, the honour has been awarded to artists, writers and cultural leaders whose work has shaped creative industries around the world.
Presenting the award, Ambassador Martinon praised Vorster for his role in helping develop the animation industry in South Africa while also strengthening cultural exchange between France and the African continent. Speaking during the ceremony, he highlighted how Vorster’s work extends beyond his own artistic achievements.
“Through your artistic vision, your commitment to mentorship, and your dedication to creating opportunities for young creators, you have helped shape a new generation of African storytellers and strengthened the cultural dialogue between our two countries,” Martinon said.
Vorster’s creative journey began in Diepkloof, Soweto, where a childhood love of drawing eventually evolved into a multidisciplinary artistic career. He later studied Fine Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand before completing a postgraduate diploma in animation, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually take him onto the global stage.
A pivotal moment came when Vorster became the first South African accepted into the International Master’s programme at Gobelins, l’École de l’image, one of the world’s most respected animation schools. After first attending a summer programme there in 2014, he returned to join the newly established master’s programme in 2016, further strengthening the creative links between France and South Africa.
Following his return home, Vorster helped establish and grow the animation programme at the Tshimologong Digital Precinct in Johannesburg. Developed in partnership with Gobelins and supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the initiative has helped train and mentor a new generation of African animation talent.
Beyond education, Vorster has continued to build his own creative ventures. He co founded The Hidden Hand Studios and founded Toe Dash, both focused on advancing the technical and creative future of animated filmmaking in Africa. His distinctive artistic approach, known as the Vovo_Stayela style, blends African visual references and storytelling traditions while placing African characters and experiences at the centre of modern animated narratives.
His work has also gained international recognition through his contribution to the Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a Disney+ animated anthology series showcasing emerging African animation talent. In 2023, Vorster received an Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Character Design, marking an important milestone for African animation on the global stage.
Related Stories
Mama Rittah’s Vision for Her Under-Resourced ECD Inspires Midmar Community Support
PhD Student Leads Way in Exercise Oncology in South Africa!The Order of Arts and Letters has previously been awarded to a number of influential South African cultural figures, including Mary Sibande, Phyllis Klotz, Zanele Muholi and Gregory Maqoma.
Through this latest honour, the French Republic recognises Vorster not only for his artistic achievements, but also for his commitment to supporting emerging creators and strengthening cultural collaboration between France and Southern Africa. It is recognition of a career that continues to open doors for African storytellers while placing their voices firmly on the global creative stage.
by 
