South African orders and decorations

South African orders and decorations are a set of awards and honors bestowed by the Government of South Africa to recognize outstanding contributions and achievements by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and other notable South Africans. These orders and decorations are conferred by the President of South Africa, who is advised by the National Orders Advisory Council, which includes members such as Ahmed Kathrada and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The awards are presented at an annual ceremony, often attended by dignitaries like Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, and Cyril Ramaphosa. The orders and decorations are also closely associated with other African National Congress leaders, including Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu.

History of South African Orders and Decorations

The history of South African orders and decorations dates back to the Union of South Africa, when awards like the Order of the Companions of Honour and the Order of the British Empire were conferred on South Africans like Jan Smuts and Louis Botha. After the country became a republic in 1961, new orders and decorations were established, such as the Order of the Star of South Africa and the Order of the Southern Cross. These awards were conferred on notable South Africans like Helen Joseph and Alan Paton. In 1994, after the end of apartheid, the Government of National Unity established new orders and decorations, including the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Baobab, which have been conferred on Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and other notable South Africans, as well as international figures like Kofi Annan and Jimmy Carter.

Orders of Precedence

The orders of precedence for South African orders and decorations are determined by the President of South Africa, with the advice of the National Orders Advisory Council, which includes members like Cheryl Carolus and Frank Chikane. The orders of precedence are as follows: the Order of Mapungubwe, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo, the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, and the Order of Mendi for Bravery. These orders are conferred on notable South Africans like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, as well as international figures like Mandela's friend, Fidel Castro, and Yasser Arafat.

Civilian Orders and Decorations

The civilian orders and decorations in South Africa include the Order of Mapungubwe, which is the highest award for outstanding contributions to South Africa, and has been conferred on Nelson Mandela and other notable South Africans like Desmond Tutu and Nadine Gordimer. The Order of the Baobab is awarded for distinguished service to South Africa, and has been conferred on South Africans like Helen Suzman and Zola Skweyiya. The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is awarded for friendship to South Africa, and has been conferred on international figures like Kofi Annan and Jimmy Carter, as well as South Africans like Tokyo Sexwale and Cyril Ramaphosa.

Military Orders and Decorations

The military orders and decorations in South Africa include the Order of the Mendi for Bravery, which is awarded for bravery and selflessness, and has been conferred on South African National Defence Force members like Siphiwe Nyanda and Godfrey Ngwenya. The Order of the Leopard is awarded for meritorious service, and has been conferred on South African National Defence Force members like Constand Viljoen and George Meiring. The Order of the Protea is awarded for distinguished service, and has been conferred on South African National Defence Force members like Andries Mahommed and Linda Mti.

Insignia and Ribbons

The insignia and ribbons for South African orders and decorations are designed to reflect the country's African National Congress heritage, with symbols like the African National Congress logo and the South African flag. The ribbons are colored to reflect the different orders and decorations, with the Order of Mapungubwe having a gold and blue ribbon, and the Order of the Baobab having a green and gold ribbon. The insignia are designed by South African artists like Esther Mahlangu and Cecil Skotnes, and are manufactured by companies like Mintek and South African Mint.

Notable Recipients

Notable recipients of South African orders and decorations include Nelson Mandela, who received the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Baobab, and Desmond Tutu, who received the Order of the Baobab and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. Other notable recipients include Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who received the Order of the Baobab, and Nadine Gordimer, who received the Order of Mapungubwe. International figures like Kofi Annan and Jimmy Carter have also received South African orders and decorations, including the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. Category:South African orders and decorations