South Africa - National Orders Awarded - 2012

[JPL]

President Jacob Zuma honoured men and women who have made great contributions to South Africa's democracy by bestowing National Orders on them at a ceremony. The recipients were recognised for their acts of bravery, for their contribution in educating others and for their role during the struggle for freedom.

The following orders were awarded: the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of Companions of OR Tambo.

The recipients for the Order of Mendi are Neil Johnson Sharrocks, for putting his life at risk saving the lives of 44 children who were in danger of drowning when the bus they were traveling in capsized and fell into the river and Michael Janse van Rensburg (posthumous) for the act of bravery, courage and fearlessness by putting his life in danger to save a fellow human being who was drowning.

For the Order of Ikhamanga, the recipients are Gladys Faith Agulhas, Jonathan "Johnny" Clegg, Muthal Naidoo, Joseph Nong "Joe" Thloloe, Daniel "Cheeky" Watson and Julian Sebothane Bahula.

For the Order of Baobab, the recipients are Selwyn "Scully" Levin, Gladys Ramahuta, Zane Maureen Wilson, Professor Daniel Gerhardus Krige, Reverend Fenner Christian Kadalie (posthumous), Professor Christopher John Robert Dugard, Frank Kennan Dutton, Lwandle Wilson Magadla (posthumous), John Stephen Gomas (posthumous), Elizabeth Sophia Honman (Bettie du Toit) (posthumous) , Peter Ramoshoane Mokaba (posthumous), Josiah Tshangana Gumede (posthumous), Zaccheus Richard Mahabane (posthumous) , Sefako Mapogo Makgatho (posthumous), James Sebebubijwasekgogobontharile Moroka (posthumous) and Alfred Bitini Xuma (posthumous) .

Recipients for the Order of Mapungubwe are Dr Patience Mthunzi, Professor Barry David Schoub, Albert Mvumbi Luthuli (posthumous) and Oliver Reginald "OR" Tambo (posthumous).

For the Order of Companions of OR Tambo, the recipients are, Professor Apollon B Davidson, Randall Robinson and Edward M Kennedy (posthumous).

Read the complete news story: http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/12/12042809551001

Jean-Paul

[Strapper]

The spoils go to the victors, and the "honour" of writing history as you would like it to be remembered. The medals awarded to those brave enough to risk their lives, excluded from this observation. As for the musicians, freedom fighters and academics who never did anything of any significance other than to oppose a "Regime" while not actively supporting any other and reaping the benefits of both. Yes Mr. "Zulu Blanc" and others, how about a little medal for the losers, so we have something to show our kids, what "Dad did in the War" because, as other losing sides, we were DAMN GOOD soldiers. QED.