South Africa’s Minister of Environmental Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa to be awarded French legion of honour
Ministre d'État, Minister for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition, Mr Nicolas Hulot, will bestow on South African Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, the award of Officier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (or Officer in the French Legion of Honour) on behalf of the French President during the celebrations at the French Residence.
The French Legion of Honour celebrates the accomplishments of distinguished individuals, irrespective of sex, social background and nationality.
The national order of the Legion of Honour was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and is the highest decoration in France. It was first awarded on July 14 1804.
Minister Hulot: “Minister Edna Molewa’s commitment to South Africa, the struggle for freedom and democracy, women’s rights and the fight against climate change sets an example for us all. France will always be grateful for your contribution”.
Other prominent South Africans who have been awarded this honour are former President Nelson Mandela, late struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the late Nadine Gordimer.
Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the ancient royal fortress on this day in 1789.
Members of the media are invited to attend:
Date: Saturday, 14 July 2018
Time: 12h00 to 14h00
Address: 842 Merton Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria
Contact person on site: Lali van Zuydam - 083 457 3809
Please remember to bring the press release and identification/ press card for security purposes.
For media enquiries:
Lali van Zuydam
Press attaché
French Embassy in South Africa
Cell: 083 457 3809
E-mail: media@ambafrance-rsa.org
Albi Modise
Spokesperson: Department of Environmental Affairs
Cell: 083 490 2871
E-mail: amodise@environment.gov.za
