Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile sends his congratulatory message to several Gauteng based recipients of the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver and Gold respectively bestowed by President Cyril Ramaphosa today 19 May 2026 in Pretoria.
The National Orders are bestowed on citizens and foreign nationals who contributed and impacted society in different ways and the Order of Ikhamanga is specifically for those who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, sports, literature, music, and journalism.
Congratulating the recipients, MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng Lebogang Maile said, “We want to take this moment on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government to congratulate the individuals from our province who are recipients of the order of Ikhamanga bestowed by President Ramaphosa today. Amongst them are Oscar Mdlongwa, Wouter Kellerman, Norman Hlabane. Their recognition at this highest level will serve as motivation for others to follow in their footsteps. The order of Ikhamanga is the highest honour in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport and being a recipient of this should serve as the highest source of motivation. Sport, art, culture, music and other crafts continue to serve as levers to build and promote social cohesion and should be used to preserve our heritage”.
Oskido, as Mdlongwa is popularly known is counted amongst the early inventors of the popular Kwaito music that took the country by storm in the 1990s. Kwaito went on to define youth and township culture at the time and other genres were born out of it which proves its immense influence. Amongst his other successes, Oskido co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records which produced many stars.
Wouter Kellerman on the other hand is renowned for his unique flute sounds which won him a Grammy and SAMA awards. His music transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. He has demonstrated his ability to help others grow through collaborations with musicians from diverse genres across the continent and the world. Kellerman is credited for his efforts to continue nurturing talent particularly his passion for helping the youth and uplifting communities.
Norman Hlabane has made a name for himself as a boxer and trainer over the years. He has trained many boxers who went on to win world titles and continues to groom youngsters in boxing and is widely recognized as a mentor to many aspirant boxers.
MEC Maile also congratulates those in the sport, arts and culture fields who may not come from Gauteng but made a significant contribution to the field with some being honoured posthumously.
Media Enquiries:
Onwabile Lubhelwana
Spokesperson: MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Cell: 071 531 4513
Email: Onwabile.Lubhelwana@gauteng.gov.za
Phaladi Seakgwe
Director Communications: Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Cell: 0790751673
Email: phaladi.seakgwe@gauteng.gov.za
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