President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the recipients of the 2026 National Orders as men and women whose contributions have helped shape a democratic South Africa based on equality, justice and dignity for all.
There was joy, applause and celebration at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Tuesday as recipients, their families, dignitaries and guests gathered to witness the country's highest honour.
The venue was filled with excitement as moments of pride and emotion punctuated the formal proceedings.
Speaking moments before the presentation of the country's highest honour, the President said the recipients have become pillars of the nation through their work and activism.
President Ramaphosa said, “We gather here this morning to honor those who, in so many different ways, have shaped the country we call home.”
National Orders are the highest awards given by the President to South African citizens and distinguished foreign nationals who have made extraordinary contributions to the country and humanity.
President Ramaphosa said the recipients represent generations of patriots whose sacrifices and achievements helped realize the dream of a free and just South Africa.
The President said, “His activism extends to music, politics, sports, literature, culture, medicine, science, education and the advancement of human rights. In his many fields of endeavor he has made invaluable contributions to our national life.”
i read Presidency announces recipients of National Orders
The President awarded the Order of Ikhamanga, Order of Baobab, Order of Luthuli, Order of Mapungubwe and Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
Speaking at the Order of Ikhamanga, which recognizes excellence in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport, President Ramaphosa said this year's recipients reflected the enduring power of sport, arts and culture to achieve the nation's hopes and triumphs.
He added, “It is also a testament to the diversity and richness of the South African experience and the many ways of interpreting and expressing the life of our nation.”
On the Order of Mapungubwe, which recognizes South Africans who have achieved excellence and extraordinary achievement for the benefit of the country and beyond, the President said the achievements of this year's recipients reflect South Africa's growing international standing in science and medicine.
“His achievements remind us that scientific endeavor is inseparable from the pursuit of human progress and well-being.
He said, “We seek knowledge not for its own sake, but to preserve life, improve health, and create a better life for all.”
The President said that recipients of the Order of the Baobab have left their mark in areas that have become the building blocks of modern South African society.
Meanwhile, recipients of the Order of Luthuli were recognized for their dedication to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
The president said, “It recognizes the men and women whose activism paved the way for our freedom and who keep that flame burning.”
He stressed the importance of honoring the veterans and veterans of the liberation war while they are still alive to share their stories and preserve the living history of the country.
He said, “Although time has robbed us of many of the brave men and women who were at the forefront of the struggle for liberation, we celebrate those who are still here: to tell their stories and provide a living legacy to the next generation.”
President Ramaphosa also paid tribute to foreign nationals awarded the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo for their friendship and solidarity with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
He said, “We did not achieve our independence alone. We were inspired by a great tide of human solidarity that swept across our continent and the world.”
The President thanked the families of the recipients for supporting these distinguished South Africans and sharing them with the nation.
“I want to thank the families present here today and thank them on behalf of all South Africans for producing these great sons and daughters of our soil,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the recipients reflected the same values of dignity, equality and freedom that underpin the Constitution.
The President said, “In the land of countless heroes and heroines, South Africans have decided that they will lift these men and women to the sky. This is the greatest honour.”
He officially confers national orders under the powers conferred by the Constitution and declares recipients to be honored members of the order.
“The people of South Africa salute them all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za