President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday bestow National Orders on South Africans and foreign nationals, who have dedicated their lives to making a difference.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Grand Patron of the National Orders, will on Saturday bestow the 2018 National Orders Awards on distinguished local citizens and eminent foreign nationals, who have played a momentous role towards building a free and peaceful democratic South Africa and improving the lives of South Africans in various ways,” said the Presidency.
The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa bestows, through the President of the Republic, upon citizens and members of the international community, who have contributed meaningfully towards making the country a free democratic and successful nation, united in its diversity.
During the ceremony, President Ramaphosa will bestow the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo to the deserving recipients.
The ceremony, which will get underway at 11:00, is scheduled to take place at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, in Tshwane.
The National Orders will be bestowed a day after South Africa commemorates Freedom Day.
Last week, the Chancellor of the National Orders, Director-General in The Presidency, Cassius Lubisi, announced the names of the recipients at a briefing at the Union Buildings.
The orders highlight various achievements and contributions made by South Africans and foreign nationals and are given on different levels such as platinum, gold, silver and bronze.
Among the recipients for the Order of Luthuli is retired Justice Dikgang Moseneke for his contribution to “the field of law and the administration of justice in South Africa”.
Former Liberian President and the first female President on the African continent, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will receive the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo for her efforts towards women’s leadership on the continent.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/04/25/news/south-africa-to-take-stock-as-it-marks-freedom-day/
