21 September 2006
President Thabo Mbeki, as the Patron of the National Orders, will bestow
National Orders on outstanding South African citizens at a prestigious event to
be held on 27 September 2006, at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, from
10h00.
The event will honour and recognise South Africans who have accomplished
excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of the country and
through their acts gave expression to government's commitment to improve the
lives of South Africans in this "Age of Hope". This will be the eighth ceremony
whereby 28 recipients will be conferred the country's highest awards. Amongst
those who will be honoured on Wednesday, 27 September 2006, are Don Mattera,
Can Themba, Andre Brink, Ryk Neethling, Roland Schoeman, Alan Paton and Tiyo
Soga. These outstanding South Africans will receive the Order of Ikhamanga.
The orders to be awarded on the day are the following:
* Order of Mapungubwe - awarded to South African citizens for achievements
that have impacted internationally and served the interest of the Republic of
South Africa.
* Order of Ikhamanga � awarded to citizens who have excelled in the fields of
arts and culture, literature, journalism and sport.
* Mendi Decoration for Bravery � awarded to South Africans who have performed
acts of bravery, who in the process, would have lost their lives or may have
placed their lives in great danger in their efforts to save others.
The event will be attended by Chancellor of the National Orders, Reverend
Frank Chikane, members of the Advisory Council on National Orders, recipients
and family members as well several Cabinet Ministers.
NB: Members of the media are requested to submit their names and identity
numbers (ID) numbers for accreditation purposes by Friday, 22 September
2006.
Enquiries:
Malerato Sekha
Tel: (012) 300 5447
Cell: 082 467 8579
Matome Sebelebele
Tel: (012) 314 23121
Cell: 072 710 1814
Issued by: The Presidency and Government Communications (GCIS)
21 September 2006
