WeeklySA_AdminRepressed: The recipients lived at a time when apartheid repression was at its zenith
By Monk Nkomo
The recipients of this year’s National Orders included men and women who were anti-apartheid activists born of a burning quest for social justice, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He was speaking at the conferring of these orders which he described as the highest accolade bestowed by a country on the men and women, citizens and non-citizens who had played an invaluable role in building the South African nation. The event was held at the Sefako Makgatho Guest House.
Those who were being honoured had played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Africa enjoyed by all today. This also came at a time when the nation recently celebrated Freedom Day and the victory of the democratic breakthrough that enabled South Africans of all races to cast their votes for the first time. ‘’This year marked 30 years since we attained our freedom.
This would not have been possible without the bravery, fortitude and noble acts of those the preamble of our Constitution recognises as having suffered for justice and freedom in our land.
Our nation owes each of them a great debt. By bestowing these National Orders, we want to ensure that their contributions are recognised and spoken of by generations to come,’’ Ramaphosa said.
The recipients of the National Orders are chosen by the South African people themselves. They made nominations for consideration. This was appropriate because the recipients were the heroes and heroines of the entire nation. Amongst those who were honoured- posthumously – was Aggrey Zola Klaaste, former Editor-in- Chief of Sowetan newspaper who received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold.
The truest test of heroism was that these acts were not done for the sake of name, prestige, fortune or fame.
They were done out of conscience and an unwavering sense of responsibility. They were born of a burning quest for social justice.
‘’They are anchored in the belief that the achievement of equality and human dignity for all is the highest aspiration of humankind’’.
One of the awards, The Order of Mendi for Bravery, was made to South Africans who had performed acts of great bravery. All the recipients of this Order were anti-apartheid activists and they were being awarded posthumously.
Ramaphosa added : ‘’ They lived at a time when apartheid repression was at its zenith and they displayed the outmost courage. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their memories live on’’.
The Order of Luthuli was awarded to South Africans who had contributed to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace. Several of the recipients of this year’s Order of Luthuli were brutally killed by the apartheid regime.
One of them was Nokuthula Simelane, an Umkhonto we Sizwe operative, who was abducted and tortured by the apartheid Security police. Her remains were never found.
‘’This is a wound that will never heal for her family, like the scars of many other South Africans whose loved ones disappeared during the repressive years of apartheid. By honouring those fallen heroes with National Orders we are saying that no matter how great the passage of time, they have not been forgotten’’.
The Order of Ikhamanga recognised South Africans who had excelled in the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
In this, the 30th year since the nation achieved their freedom, they also celebrated the democratic gains that had been made in enshrining the principle of a free and independent media.
Among those being honoured this year were legendary journalists who were the voice, words and conscience of an oppressed people during the darkest periods in our history. The standard they set for media ethics and freedom were embodied in today’s generation of journalists and media workers.
The Order of the Baobab recognised South Africans who had made a difference in business and the economy, in science, medicine and technological innovation and in our communities.
‘’As we strive to bring about social and economic transformation in South Africa, we are keenly aware of the importance of every endeavour, be it in business, in science or in innovation, being put in the service of social justice for all’’, the President said.
The recipients of The Order of Mapungubwe displayed excellence in scientific endeavours for the benefit of South Africa and beyond. This year’s recipient undertook valuable research in the aerospace field and set a standard that today’s generation of researchers would strive to emulate for time to come.
The Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo recognised the great friends of the South African people from beyond our shores, whose sense of moral duty to oppose apartheid saw them undertake acts of solidarity and cooperation in the cause of the liberation struggle.
‘’We honour journalists who helped amplify the voice of the liberation movement abroad, campaigners and fundraisers for the anti-apartheid movement, and activists who played an important role in the sports boycott against the regime’’.
THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO RECEIVED NATIONAL ORDERS
The Order of Mendi The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
• The Order of Mendi in Silver recipients:
Mawilliams Kekana (posthumously).
Ignatius ‘Iggy’ Mthebule (posthumously.
Makhwezi McDonald Mtulu (posthumously)
Robert Anthony Basil Waterwitch (posthumously):
Coline Denise Williams (posthumously)
The Order of Ikhamanga
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
• The Order of Ikhamanga in Gold recipients:
Nontando ‘Noni’ Helen Jabuva (posthumously)
Aggrey Klaaste (posthumously)
Madala Muzwakhe Kunene.
• The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver recipients:
Agnus Gibson.
Emile Lester Jansen.
Saray Nkusi Khumalo.
Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu.
Madosini Latozi Mphahleni (posthumously).
Trevor Dundas Mweli Skota (posthumously).
The Order of the Baobab
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
• The Order of the Baobab in Gold recipients:
Blanche Valeria La Guma (posthumously).
Zukiswa Patricia Matolengwe.
The Order of Luthuli
The Order of Luthuli recognises South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict.
• The Order of Luthuli in Gold recipients:
Mxolisi ‘Dicky’ Jacobs (posthumously).
Peter Cyril Jones (posthumously).
Benjamin Langa (posthumously).
Thobekile ‘Tobsy’ Madaka (posthumously).
Siphiwo Mthimkhulu (posthumously).
Prof. Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu.
Kenneth Rachidi (posthumously).
Annie Silinga (posthumously).
Nokuthula Simelane (posthumously)
The Order of Mapungubwe
The Order of Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
• The Order of Mapungubwe in Silver:
Prof Mulalo Doyoyo (posthumously).
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals and other foreign dignitaries for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.
• The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recipients:
Huub Bammens from the Netherlands.
Donna Katzin from the United States.
Ken Luckhard from Canada.
Nicholas Stadlen from the United Kingdom.
Fulco van Aurich from the Netherlands.
Brenda Wall from Canada.
