Announcement of the recipients of National Orders by the Presidency
Briefing
19 Apr 2010
Mr Vusi Mavimbela, Director-General: Presidency, told the media that this year’s National Orders would be observed on 27 April 2010 which was celebrated as Freedom Day in South Africa. The National Orders were very important as they were used to take stock of how far the country had come and also recognised those who played a role in shaping the country. The nominations received comprised of individuals from a range of fields, including humanitarian work, politics, sports and music industry. The list would comprise all those who had made a contribution to the richness of the society. It was revealed that this year’s nominations would include foreign nationals who had played a part in putting South Africa on the world map. They included FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter, Issa Hayatou to mention but two. Other notable recipients from the music industry would be Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela. The President of the Republic Jacob Zuma would award the orders in Pretoria.
Minutes
Q: What is the reason for not having gold award for the order of Mapungubwe, and what were the
criteria for the nominations? Did the public have a role to play in the nominations process?
A: Mr Mavimbela replied that Gold was the highest order which was awarded to the President of the
Republic whenever he was sworn in. The bronze award was the most appropriate for emerging
Scientists.
Q: It seems as if this year many awards would be conferred to struggle veterans. Did that have
to do with the fact that the event would be held on 27 April, which also happens to be
Freedom Day?
A: Mr Mavimbela replied that given where the country had come from, it would be unrealistic to
ignore the recognition of those who played a role in helping the country achieve democracy. The
Order of Luthuli, together with the Companions of OR Tambo, were the awards which were
specifically designed to honour the struggle veterans from our country and abroad.
Q: Who nominated FIFA President Sepp Blatter and what has he done for South African football
to deserve the award which will be conferred upon him.
A: Mr Mavimbela replied that all sporting nominations were handled by the Department of Sport. Mr
Blatter had been nominated in the past, however it was felt that it would be fitting for him to receive
his award this year when the country will host the FIFA World Cup. Mr Blatter would not be
present during the awards ceremony due to prior commitments but the President of the Country will
bestow him his award during a special dinner with FIFA delegates on the eve of the World Cup kick-
off.
Mr Blatter was being honoured for his immense contribution to ensuring that the World Cup came to Africa for the first time. Mr Hayatou had also done so much to improve the state of soccer on the continent of Africa. His campaigning on behalf of South Africa to host the World Cup could also not go unnoticed.
Q: Is there any monetary value attached to the national orders?
A: Mr Mavimbela replied that other than the pride of wearing the awards, there was no money
attached to the awards.
The media briefing was adjourned
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