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Nomhle Nkyonyeni, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Mary Twala are among the incredible women honoured with National Orders by the president, Cyril Ramaphosa.
National Orders are recognised by the state as the highest honour on South Africans who played a role in bettering and serving their communities.
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The president said in his address at the ceremony that “these Orders celebrate individuals who have excelled; whose actions and works represent the triumph of the human spirit”.
These are the exceptional women who were honoured:
Mary Twala
Seasoned actress Mary Twala is awarded the Order of Ikhamanga. This order is given to South Africans who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport. Mary is being recognised for her contribution to performing arts and raising awareness on women’s health issues in her storytelling.
Mary is known for her roles in television series such as Skwiza and Home Affairs among other notable shows.
The Order of #Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019
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
Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Internationally renowned singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka has also been honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga award. She is recognised for her excellence in music and her contribution to social cohesion.
The Order of Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019
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
Nomhle Nkyonyeni
Nomhle Nkyonyeni has had an illustrious career spanning more than 50 years in film and television.
She has appeared in international movies Skin and Catch A Fire in addition to appearing in some of South Africa’s notable shows including Scandal! and Zero Tolerance. She has now been honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga for her contribution to the performing arts.
The Order of #Ikhamanga is bestowed in SILVER on:
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019
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
Edna Molewa (posthumous)
Honoured with the Order of Mapungubwe is the late Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa, awarded to her for excellence and exceptional achievement in her work in environmental affairs.
The Order of #Mapungubwe is bestowed in GOLD on:
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019
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
Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe
Former South African ambassador and diplomat Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe has been honoured with the Order of Luthuli – 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 – for her contribution to the liberation struggle of South Africa.
The Order of #Luthuli in SILVER is bestowed on:
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) April 25, 2019
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
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Other women honoured by the president are Constance Koza who received the Order of the Baobab (posthumous) for her contribution to education and community development, Dora Phillips is honoured with the Order of the Baobab (posthumous).
Honoured with the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is Paulette Pierson-Mathy from Belgium and Lucia Raadschelders (posthumous) from the Netherlands.
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