On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded nine South Africans with national honors in music, arts, journalism, and entertainment.
The National Orders Awards are the greatest honors that a country bestows on its residents and distinguished foreign nationals.
During the 2024 National Orders Awards, held at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane, Ramaphosa bestowed national orders on filmmaker Angus Gibson, jazz musician Dr Madala Kunene, cultural activist Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu, inspiring mountain climber Saray Nkusi Khumalo, and African hip hop activist Emile Lester Jansen.
Posthumously honored are Dr. Madosini Latozi Mphahleni for preserving indigenous music, Trevor Dundas Mweli Skota for pioneering black African knowledge, Nontando ‘Noni’ Helen Jabuva for journalism and scholarship on the liberation struggle, and Aggrey Klaaste for exposing apartheid.
Deserving awardees received the Order of Mendi for Bravery, Order of Ikhamanga, Order of the Baobab, Order of Luthuli, Order of Mapungubwe, and Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
“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.
“The men and women we honour here today have played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Africa that we all enjoy today,” said Ramaphosa.
