By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday honoured distinguished South Africans and foreign nationals with National Orders in recognition of their contributions to nation-building, democracy and social progress, describing their achievements as integral to strengthening the country’s constitutional values.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, Pretoria, Ramaphosa bestowed the country’s highest honours on prominent figures across fields including arts, science, sport and medicine.
“By equal measure, these men and women who are today being bestowed with the highest accolade this country can give, are also a mirror of society. Their life works and their achievements reflect those same values we hold dear and that continue to guide us along our journey as people,” Ramaphosa said.
The awards recognised recipients for their contributions to democracy and nation-building through various fields of endeavour. The president conferred the Orders of Mendi for Bravery, Ikhamanga, Baobab, Luthuli, Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
Ramaphosa said South Africa remained indebted to foreign leaders and nations that showed solidarity with the country’s liberation struggle during apartheid, adding that the National Orders reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace and friendship with nations that share the values of equality and human dignity.
Among the recipients was Oskido, born Oscar Mdlongwa, who received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his contribution to music.
Speaking to Inside Politics, Oskido said the award reflected the collective efforts of Kwaito pioneers, including Mdu Masilela, and others who helped shape the genre.
He urged industry veterans to educate young and aspiring artists about the music business and the realities of sustaining a career in the industry.
“We also need to educate people about our music industry because people do not know what is happening in the industry. The more we start telling our stories through the content we are creating, the world is going to understand who we are,” Oskido said.
Order of Ikhamanga Gold recipient Wouter Kellerman said the honour affirmed his mission of using music to unite people.
“This is a moment to recognise that music has the power to heal us and unite us. It is an incredible moment for me to show that we can bring the world together,” Kellerman told Inside Politics.
Kellerman said he was working on a historical project celebrating Gallo Records, Africa’s oldest music label, in collaboration with musicians from across the continent.
Hillary Clarke received the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Silver for her role in advancing human rights, education and the arts in South Africa and across the continent.
Describing herself as a “friend of South Africa”, Clarke said her media company focused on promoting African business success stories to attract investment into the continent.
“We run a media platform that reports on all 54 countries in Africa and helps tell the stories of successful African businesses, which in turn helps attract more investment into Africa,” Clarke said.
Photos: Eddie Mtsweni/Inside Politics
