As South Africa celebrated some of its most influential thinkers, artists and innovators after the Presidency released its 2026 list of national orders, two University of Pretoria (UP) academics emerged as symbols of a country that is increasingly shaped by both technological innovation and creative imagination.
Recipients of 2026 National Orders – Credit GCIS
At the official ceremony, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the recipients for their contributions to democracy, social progress, culture and knowledge production and described them as individuals who have helped strengthen the foundation of the nation. He said, “Today we honor the men and women who have raised to the skies our greatest aspiration: to build a democratic South Africa based on equality, justice and respect for all.”
Recipients included UP computer science professor Vukosi Mariwet, who received the Order of Mapungubwe in silver for his contributions to artificial intelligence and computer science, and performance artist and UP Drama Department lecturer Gavin Crustin, who received the Order of Ikhamanga in bronze for his contributions to the arts.
Professor Vukosi Mariwete receives the Order of Mapungubwe (Silver) – Credit GCIS
Gavin Crustin receives the Order of Ikhamanga (Bronze) – Credit GCIS
The Order of Mapungubwe is one of South Africa's highest honours, awarded to citizens who have achieved excellence in science, medicine, technology and innovation. The Order of Ikhamanga recognizes South Africans who have achieved excellence in the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
Although Professors Marivat and Crustin work in very different disciplines, both incorporate themes of representation, inclusion and the centrality of South African voices in shaping the country's future in their work.
One of Africa's leading voices in artificial intelligence
Professor Marivat says that this national recognition is deeply emotional and reflective. “It's slowly draining away, and to be completely honest, I'm struggling to feel worthy of our nation's highest recognition for scientific excellence,” he says.
Rather than seeing the honor as an individual achievement, he describes it as the culmination of years of collaboration between researchers, students, teachers and communities committed to building African-centric technological innovation. “When I look at this milestone, I don't see any individual accomplishment. I see a mirror that reflects a huge, beautiful village of researchers, students, and community-builders who decided to build a shared vision with me.”
Professor Mariwet has become one of Africa's leading voices in artificial intelligence, particularly through his work advancing African language technologies and inclusive AI systems. His research has contributed to broader conversations about digital sovereignty, ethical AI, and Africa's role in shaping emerging technologies rather than simply consuming them.
He says a defining moment in his career came when researchers began to recognize that African languages, histories and contexts were largely absent from global technological systems. “Seeing the rapid rise of movements like Masakhane and Deep Learning Indaba proved that creating localized AI tools was not just a niche academic exercise, but a societal need,” he says.
Professor Marivat believes that Africa cannot afford to remain on the margins of technological development. “For too long, the narrative has kept Africa safely hidden away in the future. AI in Africa should not be something that just happens to us from the outside. It should empower our youth, protect our digital sovereignty and solve local socioeconomic challenges using our own data.”
He said institutions like UP's Data Science for Social Impact Lab and the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) have helped create spaces where students and researchers can turn ambitious ideas into practical impact. “I want young scientists to know that our languages, our data and our perspectives are inherently valuable and at the forefront of global science.”
Challenging traditional views of theater and performance
While Professor Marivat's work focuses on ensuring African voices shape the digital future, Mr Crustin's contribution lies in challenging audiences to rethink identity, society and belonging through experimental performance art.
He described receiving the Order of Ikhamanga as “extremely humbling”, especially because he considered his work to be outside the mainstream. “Most of my work exists in spaces that are experimental, marginal and often difficult to sustain, so to have live art, performance and curation recognized in this way by the Presidency feels incredibly meaningful,” he says.
He further said that this honor equally belongs to the many colleagues, technicians, students and fellow artistes who have contributed to his creative journey over the years. “It also confirmed for me that artistic practice can contribute meaningfully to cultural, intellectual and political conversations in society.”
As a lecturer in UP's drama department, Mr. Crustin says teaching has become the center of both his artistic and intellectual life. “There is a constant creative feedback loop between lecturer and student where one is constantly exposed to new ideas and approaches. Teaching keeps me intellectually alert, creatively energetic and connected to the emerging generations of artists who are reshaping the future of performance in South Africa.”
His work in interdisciplinary live arts fields has consistently challenged traditional views of theater and performance. She believes the arts remain essential in a society that still grapples with inequality, historical trauma, and questions of identity and belonging. “I think performance should not only entertain but inspire thought, create dialogue and open up imaginative possibilities for alternative futures. The arts help us practice new ways of being together as a society.”
A comprehensive vision of SA's future
Together, the honors bestowed on Professors Marivat and Crustin reflect a broader vision of South Africa's future, shaped not only by scientific innovation and technological progress but also by imagination, creativity and the courage to challenge existing boundaries.
For the University of Pretoria, the awards reinforce the institution's growing role as a center of both cutting-edge research and cultural innovation, while positioning its academics among the leading voices shaping the conversation around technology, identity and social impact in Africa and beyond.