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President Jacob Zuma, the Grand Patron of the National Orders, invites members of the public to nominate the recipients of the 2016 National Orders Awards.

National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.

The ceremony contributes towards unity, reconciliation and building the nation. It is a way that government gets to recognise the contributions made by individuals towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in our Constitution.

There are six orders that are bestowed to deserving recipients; 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.

The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.  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 the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.

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 Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.

The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an Order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.

NB: The nomination form with all details can be downloaded from the Presidency website and on following the link (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=7526). The form should be accompanied by a one page motivation on the profile of the nominated person.   Self- nomination is not allowed and public servants do not qualify.


The closing date for the 2016 nomination is the 31 August 2015.

Issued by The Presidency