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South Africa: President Jacob Zuma Reiterates Vision for a United and Prosperous SA |
| Source: |
www.sanews.gov.za |
| Source Date: |
Monday, April 29, 2013 |
| Focus: |
ICT for MDGs
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| Country: |
South Africa |
| Created: |
Apr 29, 2013 |
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The prestigious ceremony was held today at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, where President Zuma bestowed the Order of Mendi for Bravery; Order of Ikhamanga; Order of the Baobab; Order of Luthuli; Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery. The recipients for the Order of Mendi are Alfred Duma, Riot Makhomanisi Mkhwanazi and Cletus Mzimela.
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
Chad Le Clos was among the recipients for the Order of Ikhamanga for his excellent achievements on the international swimming stage, especially at the London Olympics in 2012, thus placing South Africa in high standing globally in the field of aquatic sports.
Other recipients for the Order of Ikhamanga are Ilse Hayes, Vusi Mahlasela, Zolani Mkiva, Kaizer Motaung and Pretty Yende.
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
The recipients for the Order of Baobab are Suraya ‘Bibi’ Khan, Nontsikelelo Qelane, Yusuf Abramjee, David Jacobus Bosch (Posthumous), Colin Wells Eglin, Herbert William Garnet De La hunt and Sayed Mohamed Ridwan Mia.
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 was be bestowed on Nomazizi Mtsotshisa (Posthumous), Neville Edward Alexander (Posthumous), Amina Desai (Posthumous), Michael Alan Harmel (Posthumous), Essop Essak Jassat, Arthur Letele (Posthumous), Mosibudi Mangena, Moosa Mooila, Richard Mothupi, David Fani Mncube, Elias Phakane Moretsele (Posthumous) and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Other orders bestowed on deserving recipients included the Order of Mapungubwe, which recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
Recipients for the Order of Mapungubwe are Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Dr Bennie Fanaroff, Professor George Ekama, Dr Glenda Gray and Professor Malegapuru William Makgopa.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals and other foreign dignitaries for friendship shown to South Africa. It is an order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo was bestowed on Dina Forti, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Enuga Screenivasulu Reddy, Giuseppe Soncini (Posthumous) and Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (Posthumous).
Zuma said the ceremony elevated the spirit expressed in the preamble of the Constitution, which is “to honour those who suffered for justice and freedom and to respect those who have worked to build and develop our country”.
“We are today honouring individuals who walked the extra mile to improve the lot of humanity and who have contributed to elevating our country to great heights among other nations.
“We are promoting the kind of society that can drive our collective zeal as a nation, and make sure that we attain the goals we set ourselves in terms of our 2030 vision espoused in our National Development Plan,” Zuma said.
He urged the recipients to continue hoisting the national flag high, emphasising that every award was important and contributed to promoting a culture of excellence and selflessness in serving society.
“Let us all continue our steadfast walk in the trails of these leading lights so that we consolidate the gains that we have made so far in our democracy. We have achieved much in various aspects of our lives in the country and much more will be achieved if we work together as one nation.”
Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, who received a silver award for the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, said he was honoured.
“I’m honoured because Oliver Tambo kept the flame of hope burning across the years.”
Jackson said the challenge after the official end of apartheid was now to ensure equity in matters of land ownership, jobs, education and trade.
“We must go for freedom to equality, freedom to struggle for equality. We must now fight for global justice. We must globalise human rights, workers’ rights and women rights,” said Jackson.
He further acknowledged progress made by South Africa after democracy, highlighting the orderly transition of leadership, growth in democracy and the Constitution.
“There’s no constitution in the world that is stronger and more informed that the South African Constitution.”
Jackson was honoured for dedicating his life to challenge societies and governments to recognise that all people are born equal, and that everyone is in equal measure entitled to life, liberty, prosperity and human rights.
He was also honoured for his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid.
Recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in silver, Pretty Yende said that the award meant the world to her, and it showed that anyone can make their dream come true.
“It’s like a fairy tale. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the time we have and the government we have. I would be lost somewhere trying to be somebody but this government helped me to find myself and gave me the opportunity to be myself and to express myself internationally,” said an elated Yende.
She was honoured for her excellent achievement and international acclaim in the field of world opera and serving as a role model to aspiring young musicians.
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