The six National Orders are 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.
These orders are the highest awards that the country, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
“A member of society merely exists. A citizen embraces the concept of civic virtue – of dedication to the common welfare of their community and their country.” - President Cyril Ramaphosa
Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga, actress Mary Twala Mhlongo, mathematician and teacher William Smith and veteran journalist Mathata Tsedu were among the recipients who attended the ceremony. The family of the late Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, who received the order of the Baobab in gold, received the award on her behalf.
Thapelo Tambani, a selfless nine-year-old boy who lost his life on 28 February 2018 after a successful effort to save the life of his friend Mulalo Sien Muelelwa, received the order Order of Mendi for bravery in silver.
Mathata Tsedu, who received the order of the Ikhamanga, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport, emphasised that the onus is on every citizen to build the country.
“This is the only country we have, and this South Africa has to work, and for it to work it means each one of us has to do the best we can in whatever field." - Mathata Tsedu
(Adapted from the original article by Brent Lindque, source: goodthingsguy.com)