Ramaphosa to Honour Rugby Icons, Scientists and Cultural Legends at 2026 National Orders Ceremony

Baleni said the National Orders remain a powerful symbol of South Africa’s constitutional values and democratic journey.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will next week bestow South Africa's highest civilian honours on an extraordinary group of national and international figures whose contributions have shaped democracy, science, sport, culture, medicine and social justice.

The Chancellor of the National Orders and Director-General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni, officially announced the 2026 National Orders recipients on Thursday ahead of the prestigious investiture ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

The awards, regarded as the country's most distinguished national recognition, honour South Africans and eminent foreign nationals whose work has significantly advanced democracy, social cohesion, scientific innovation, nation-building and human development.

This year's recipients include Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, internationally acclaimed scientist Prof Tulio de Oliveira, HIV/AIDS researcher Prof Salim Abdool Karim, jazz pioneers, liberation veterans, literary icons, community activists and global allies of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle.

National Orders Reflect South Africa's Democratic Identity

Baleni said the National Orders remain a powerful symbol of South Africa's constitutional values and democratic journey.

"National Orders are the highest awards that the country, through the President, bestows on our citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans," Baleni said.

The honours also recognise individuals who contributed to building a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa envisioned in the Constitution.

This year's ceremony will include recipients of:

• The Order of Ikhamanga

• The Order of the Baobab

• The Order of Luthuli

• The Order of Mapungubwe

• The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo

Rassie Erasmus Among Top Honourees

One of the most high-profile recipients this year is Springbok director of rugby Johan "Rassie" Erasmus, who will receive the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for his transformative leadership in South African rugby.

Government credited Erasmus with helping guide the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup victories while fostering national unity and restoring South Africa's standing in international sport.

"Victory on the field of play has advanced social cohesion among South Africans and raised the nation's esteem in the international community," the citation reads.

Erasmus joins an elite group of sports figures recognised for using sport as a unifying force in post-apartheid South Africa.

Scientists Behind COVID-19 and HIV Breakthroughs Honoured

The 2026 National Orders strongly emphasise scientific innovation and medical leadership, particularly South Africa's globally recognised response to infectious diseases.

World-renowned geneticist Prof Tulio de Oliveira will receive the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold for leading the groundbreaking identification of the Omicron COVID-19 variant — a discovery that placed South Africa at the forefront of global genomic surveillance.

Government praised the discovery for enabling rapid international responses that helped reduce infections and deaths worldwide.

Leading epidemiologist Prof Salim Abdool Karim will also receive the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold for decades of pioneering HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis research, as well as his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional scientific and medical honourees include:

• Prof Keertan Dheda for advances in tuberculosis and respiratory medicine

• AI and data science expert Prof Vukosi Marivate

• Electro-analytical chemistry leader Prof Priscilla Baker

• Cardiologist Prof Karen Sliwa-Hahnle for maternal cardiovascular health research

The inclusion of AI, public health and biomedical innovation reflects South Africa's growing recognition of science as a strategic national asset in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Cultural Icons and Jazz Legends Celebrated

The Order of Ikhamanga category this year honours an exceptional list of artists, musicians, writers and cultural activists whose work shaped South Africa's creative identity during and after apartheid.

Among those receiving the award in Gold are:

• Grammy-winning flautist Wouter Kellerman

• Legendary journalist and composer Todd Matshikiza (posthumous)

• Jazz pioneer Kippie Moeketsi (posthumous)

• Music scholar Prof Khabi Mngoma (posthumous)

• Cultural organiser Queeneth Ndaba (posthumous)

• Multi-disciplinary artist Molefe Pheto (posthumous)

In the Silver category, celebrated musician Jonathan Butler is recognised for using jazz, gospel and R&B to bridge cultural divides globally.

Kwaito pioneer Oskido is also honoured for creating opportunities for emerging musicians and shaping South Africa's modern music industry.

The awards additionally recognise language preservation and literary excellence, including Prof Deuteronomy Ntuli for translating major international works into isiZulu, and author Dalene Matthee for preserving South African heritage through literature.

Liberation Veterans and Activists Recognised

Several recipients are being honoured for their roles in the anti-apartheid struggle and broader human rights activism.

The Order of Luthuli in Gold will be awarded posthumously to Jack and Ray Alexander Simons for their lifelong commitment to liberation and their contributions to South African historiography and democratic transition.

Other notable recipients include:

• Mmagauta Molefe, former apartheid detainee and activist

• Caiphus Nyoka (posthumous), recognised for sacrificing his life in the struggle

• Adele Kirsten, founder of Gun Free South Africa and anti-violence advocate

Government noted that these individuals demonstrated extraordinary courage in the fight against oppression and social injustice.

Global Allies of South Africa Also Honoured

The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo will recognise foreign nationals who demonstrated solidarity with South Africa during apartheid and beyond.

Recipients include:

• Teresa Hillary Clarke (USA), for contributions to education and human rights

• Pierre Magnee and Naomi Kleinfeld (Netherlands), for supporting liberation efforts inside South Africa

• Antonio da Silva Gomes Cordeiro (Mozambique) (posthumous)

• Prof Cherif Keita (Mali), recognised for preserving the legacy of ANC pioneer Nokuthela Dube

The honours reflect South Africa's enduring commitment to international solidarity, diplomacy and historical remembrance.

National Orders Highlight South Africa's Broad Talent and Resilience

The 2026 National Orders arrive at a time when South Africa is increasingly leveraging soft power, science, culture and historical memory to strengthen national identity and global influence.

This year's recipients collectively represent a cross-section of South African excellence — from cutting-edge medical research and artificial intelligence to jazz heritage, sports leadership, community activism and liberation history.

Analysts say the awards also underscore government's broader effort to celebrate nation-building achievements amid ongoing economic and social challenges.

"We congratulate the recipients and call on all South Africans to join us in celebrating these outstanding South Africans and distinguished friends of South Africa," Baleni said.