And the National Orders Award winners are…

Household names and icons, citizens and eminent foreign nationals were honoured for their meaningful contribution in their respective industries over the decades by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2019 National Orders Award on Thursday.

Some of the recipients were award-winning local artist Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, decorated actresses Mary Twala and Nomhle Nkonyeni, and former national cricketer Jacques Kallis under the Order of Ikhamanga category. It is awarded to citizens who have excelled in arts, culture

Some of the recipients were:

The Mendi of Decoration Bravery in SILVER is bestowed on:

THAPELO TAMBANI: For his selfless act of saving a life, which led to his unfortunate demise. His courageous act remains his legacy to all who knew him & got to know of him after his courageous sacrifice.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/gRuw1Q0Tob

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA MHINGA: For her excellent contribution to the field of music & her contribution to social cohesion. Her melodic voice reverberated and found resonance across our continent and around the world.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/Cda1JPuAdM

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of #Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:

NOMHLE NKONYENI: For her brilliant contribution to the performing arts. She has graced national and international stages and her mastery of her craft has moved many audiences locally and around the world.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/Y6FoLu0Xtu

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of #Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:

MATHATHA TSEDU: For his excellent contribution to South African journalism and to journalism on the African continent, as well as his selfless contribution to the liberation of our country and continent.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/RQIaaxispQ

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of #Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:

JACQUES KALLIS: For his contribution to the sport of cricket and for placing South Africa on the world sporting map. His stellar career & commitment to the sport inspired many young people to aim for excellence.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/aL1KEKh3HY

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of #Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:

MARY MHLONGO TWALA: For her excellent contribution to the performing arts & raising awareness on women’s health issues through storytelling. Her sense of humour & humility have endeared her to the nation at large.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/ab7MHL5kD4

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of the #Baobab is bestowed in SILVER on:

WILLIAM SMITH: For his superb contribution to the teaching and demystification of mathematics and science. Through TV, he made mathematics and science accessible even to the most marginalised in our society.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/I4lHqpBI9b

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of #Luthuli in SILVER is bestowed on:

THANDI LUJABE-RANKOE: For her excellent contribution to fight for South Africa’s liberation. She raised awareness on repression & mobilised support for those who were facing the apartheid security forces inside SA.#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/jDaemtdZPg

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of #Mapungubwe is bestowed in GOLD on:

BOMO EDNA MOLEWA: For her exceptional contribution to the fight to save our planet. Through her tireless efforts, South Africa is recognized as one of the global leaders in matters of environment of justice.
#NationalOrders pic.twitter.com/YvZ2zpoQ53

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019

The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in GOLD is bestowed on:

His Excellency Admiral Didier Ignace Ratsiraka (Madagascar): He offered the liberation movement a platform to operate #RadioFreedom in the battle of ideas between apartheid propaganda & non-racial democratic values. pic.twitter.com/p87773Uw2o

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019