The South African government has announced the list of recipients for the 2026 National Orders, the country’s highest honours recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to democracy, development, and the advancement of society.
The awards, to be presented at an investiture ceremony scheduled for May 19, 2026, will be conferred by President Cyril Ramaphosa across four categories: 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.
The Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises excellence in arts, culture, literature, journalism, music, and sport, will honour several prominent figures, including rugby coach Rassie Erasmus for his leadership of the Springboks, and flautist Wouter Kellerman for his contribution to music and youth development. Several posthumous awards were also announced for cultural icons such as Todd Matshikiza, Khabi Mngoma, Jeremiah Moeketsi, Queeneth Ndaba, and Molefe Pheto for their lasting impact on South African arts and resistance history.
Other recipients in the arts and culture category include jazz legend Jonathan Butler, DJ and producer Oskido Mdlongwa, translator Prof. Deuteronomy Ntuli, and other contributors to performance, literature, and cultural preservation.
In the Order of the Baobab, which recognises contributions to community service, business, science, and innovation, honours will be awarded to individuals such as cardiology expert Prof. Kubedi Mokhobo and social cohesion researcher Prof. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela. Posthumous recognition will also go to intellectual activist Prof. Chabani Manganyi.
The Order of Luthuli, awarded for contributions to the struggle for democracy and human rights, includes posthumous recognition of liberation figures Jack Simons, Ray Alexander Simons, and others who played key roles in anti-apartheid activism. Additional recipients include activists and advocates for peace, community safety, and justice.
The Order of Mapungubwe, which recognises global excellence in science and innovation, will honour researchers including Prof. Tulio de Oliveira for his role in identifying the COVID-19 Omicron variant, Prof. Salim Abdool Karim for his work in public health, and other leading scientists in medicine, data science, and climate-related research.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, which celebrates foreign nationals who have supported South Africa’s liberation and development, will be awarded to individuals from countries including the United States, Netherlands, Mali, and Mozambique for their solidarity and contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle and nation-building.
The Presidency described the recipients as individuals whose work has strengthened democracy, advanced knowledge, promoted peace, and improved the lives of South Africans.
