67 Blankets founder and Philanthropist Carolyn Steyn is being honoured by the French Embassy with the award of Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite.
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 March 2022) – Carolyn Steyn is a force of good in South Africa. Her work has inspired thousands of South Africans and touched the lives of millions more.
Carolyn Steyn is a prominent figure in the worlds of philanthropy, art, music and media in South Africa. With an early career as an actress and decades of experience in the world of radio, Carolyn Steyn has become a household name and voice, with a dedication to various cultural or charitable organisations.
Many of our readers will know her for her work with 67 Blankets and the “KnitWits” of South Africa.
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
67 Blankets was founded nearly eight years ago by Carolyn Steyn. The idea was to use knitting and crochet to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
It all started in 2014 when Zelda la Grange, long time Personal Assistant to former President Nelson Mandela, presented her friend Carolyn Steyn with the challenge of making 67 blankets by the 18th of July for Nelson Mandela Day.
Carolyn accepted the challenge and encouraged her nearest and dearest to help make the challenge happen. She encouraged them all to help her make the blankets to give to those less fortunate. It worked and before the big day, Carolyn revealed that together, they had knitted and collected over 6000 blankets.
Knight of the French National Order of Merit
On Wednesday, 30 March 2022, the Ambassador of France to South Africa, H.E. Mr Aurélien Lechevallier, will bestow upon Ms Carolyn Steyn the award of Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the French National Order of Merit) on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron at the French Residence in Pretoria.
The National Order of Merit, as awarded by the French President, recognises services and contributions rendered to France, and was created in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle. Foreigners who have distinguished themselves by their merits in relation to France may be awarded a distinction in the National Order of Merit on the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and within the limits of specific quotas fixed by decree for a period of three years.
The award comes in recognition of Steyn’s outstanding contribution to the deepening of cultural ties between France and South Africa.
“This is a special award, to a very close friend of France. Within seconds of speaking to Carolyn Steyn about France, you can sense her undeniable love and passion for our country and its people. This is a very deep connection that we share,” said Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier.
The President of the French Republic awards this honour to French citizens and foreign nationals for distinguished achievements such as “acts of devotion, bravery, generosity, real merit or a measurable commitment to serving others”.