The Chancellor of the South African National Orders, Director-General in the Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi calls for nominations of people from any level of society and any community, whose work and experiences inspired or continue to inspire the building of a great South Africa, to be considered to receive the National Orders.

The National Orders are the highest form of recognition that a country confers on its citizens.  The President, as the Grand Patron of the National Orders, awards the orders on Freedom Day, 27 April each year.

Awards are made in the fields of politics, sports, arts, science and technology, bravery and a host of other fields fitting the various categories mentioned below.

 “We invite nominations from every corner of the country.  People must not assume that the person they are thinking of has been nominated, it may not be the case. We want to receive as wide a selection of nominations as possible’’ said Dr Lubisi.

Foreign nationals who have contributed to the history or present in manner that builds our country also qualify for nomination.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

The Order of Mapungubwe

1.        Platinum

2.        Gold

3.        Silver

4.        Bronze

The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to South African citizens for achievements that have impacted internationally and served the interests of the Republic of South Africa.

The Order of the Baobab

1.     Gold

2.     Silver

3.     Bronze

This Order is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. The service awarded is well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.

The Order of Luthuli

1.     Gold

2.     Silver

3.     Bronze

The Order is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution.

The Order of Ikhamanga

1.     Gold

2.     Silver

3.     Bronze

The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sport. This award is made in three categories. For exceptional achievement the Order is awarded in gold It is awarded in sliver for excellent achievement, and in bronze for outstanding achievement.

The Order of Mendi for Bravery

1.     Gold

2.     Silver

3.     Bronze

The Decoration is awarded to South African citizens who have performed an extraordinary act of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives including in trying to save the life of another person, or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.

NOMINATION SUBMISSION:

Nominations consist of the following:

(1)  A completed nomination form to be published in some newpapers this week. The form can also be downloaded on http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=743 or the South Africa Government Online website, http://www.info.gov.za/aboutgovt/orders/index.htm.

(2) A motivation letter on a separate page that has an introductory paragraph with a summary of the nominee’s achievements. A list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in his/her career and/or international arena and a description of the exceptional, outstanding, dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee

The completed nominations can be posted to the following postal address: The Chancery of Orders, Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 or hand deliver to the following address: The Chancery of Orders, The Presidency, Room 20, West Wing, Union Buildings, Pretoria 0001

Nominations close on 25 October 2011.

For more information contact Zanele Mngadi at 082 330 1148 or Mandla Feni on 082 339 4285