SA general knowledge: The National Orders and how to earn one

Heritage Day Rainbow Charities Kitchen Rules South Africans National Orders Third Standing Together

Photo Credit: On File

National Orders are the highest awards that a country can bestow on its citizens. The Awards are given out annually at a ceremony hosted by the Presidency.

South Africa (07 November 2017) – While spring cleaning the office, we found a copy of ‘The National Identity Passport of Patriotism’. The booklet is filled with valuable South African information that we never got taught at school, so we thought we would share it with you, our readers.

The first thing we plan to share is information on the six different National Orders. These are awarded to citizens that have gone above and beyond in various fields, to nominate someone for a National Order, click here.

The Order of Mapungubwe

Is awarded to South African citizens for achievements that have impacted internationally and served the interests of the Republic of South Africa. The first and highest category of this Order is awarded in platinum. Other classes are Gold, Silver and Bronze.

The Order of the Baobab

Is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. It is an award for contributions in the following areas:

• Business and the economy

• Science, medicine and technological innovation

• Community service.

The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo

Is awarded to foreign nationals (Heads of State and Government) and other foreign dignitaries.

It is awarded for friendship shown to South Africa. It is, therefore, an order of peace, co-operation and active expression of solidarity and support.

The Order of Luthuli

It is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice, peace and conflict resolution.

It symbolises the vision of the late Chief Albert Luthuli – the legendary liberation struggle leader and first African recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961.

The Order of Mendi for Bravery

It is awarded to South African citizens who have performed an extraordinary act of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives saving or trying to save the life of another person, the life of another person, or by protecting property.

The Order of Ikhamanga

It is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

The National Orders are given out at a special ceremony every year. The Government requests citizens to nominate their person of choice the year before. All that is needed is a motivation letter about the person being nominated. Self-nomination or the nomination of public servants is not permitted.

Members of the public are urged to attach a motivation on the person nominated. Self- nomination or the nomination of public servants is not permissible. The 2020 National Orders nominations will close on 31 August 2019.

To nominate someone for a National Order, click here.