The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will host the Annual Ubuntu Awards on 11 February 2017 in Cape Town. The Awards will be held under the theme: “OR Tambo… in his footsteps”.

The Awards celebrate South African citizens who, through their integrity, passion, patriotism and humility, have raised the South African flag high on the international stage.

All nominees for the Ubuntu Awards should meet the broad criteria of:

• Creating a favourable image for South Africa.
• Engaging with, and influencing, the international public
• Making a sustainable and enduring impact.
• Embodying the values of Integrity, Passion, Patriotism and Humility.
• Celebrating and promoting African unity and diversity.

The Award categories include:

• Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Africa),
• Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Global),
• Ubuntu Social Responsibility Award,
• Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Veteran)
• Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Youth)
• Ubuntu Sport Diplomacy Award,
• O. R. Tambo Lifetime Achievement in Diplomacy Award, and
• O. R. Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nominations are open until 08 December 2016.

As from 12 December 2016, the public can vote for nominees in the following two categories:

1.  Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Veteran)
2.  Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Youth)

All Award winners, except in the aforementioned two categories, will be determined by a panel of judges.
For online nominations and voting, please visit the Ubuntu Awards website: www.ubuntuawards.co.za

Enquiries: Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974