PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has paid homage to the South African citizens and others who received their National Orders on Tuesday, 30 April, calling them an invaluable part of South Africa’s history.
The 32 recipients were honoured and bestowed during a ceremony held at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane.
“This year marks 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,” Ramaphosa said.
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He said this year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom. This would not have been possible without bravery and courage.
Ramaphosa further said the men and women honoured today have played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Africa that we all enjoy today.
South Africans who excelled in the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport were honoured with The Order of Ikhamanga.
“By bestowing these National Orders, we want to ensure that their contributions are recognised and spoken of by generations to come,” President Ramaphosa said.
The prestigious National Orders, the highest awards in South Africa, are the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.