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The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo
This Order is awarded to foreign nationals (Heads of
State and Government) and other foreign dignitaries. It is awarded for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an
order of peace, co-operation and active expression of solidarity
and support. The Order constitutes an essential pillar of
international and multilateral relations.
Organisation
This Order can be awarded in three classes:
- Class 1 = Supreme Companion of OR Tambo (Gold)
- Class 2 = Grand Companion of OR Tambo (Silver)
- Class 3 = Companion of OR Tambo (Bronze).
All the awards include four elements: a walking stick, a neck
badge, a miniature and a lapel rosette. The last Order consists
of three elements: a neck badge, a miniature and a lapel
rosette.
Symbolism/design elements
Central motif/symbolism
OR Tambo: OR Tambo played a major role in the growth and development
of the international movement of solidarity against racism and
Apartheid. Among others, he established the first Missions of the liberation
movement in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana and London. This was a modest
start to bring the friends of South Africa together throughout
the world in a continuous and sustained mobilisation of the
international community in support of a free and democratic
South Africa and against the evils of racism, oppression and
Apartheid.
Majola (mole snake): The snake that visits babies when they
are born. It never harms the baby or members of the family and
the only friendly way to drive it away is for the mother to
squirt it with her own breast milk. It visits the baby to
prepare it for a successful and safe adult life. It comes as a
friend and protector. The friendship it expresses is not
anchored in a benign demonstration of goodwill but rather an
active expression of solidarity and striving to support and
encourage long-term success of the young and growing members of
the human race. The snake lives on in African mythology because
of a classical narrative called The wrath of the ancestors by AC
Jordan. This narrative subverts the conventional notion of a
snake as merely venomous and introduces a broader African
interpretation that understands the serpent as a friend and a
member of a dynamic ecology.
Elements
| 1. Walking stick -
carved out of dark, indigenous wood it is a symbol
of appreciation for the support and solidarity
shown, and similarly a commitment to support and
stand by the recipient in return. |
Walking stick |
| 1. Majola - the
watchful eye with hooks at both the top and bottom
symbolises recognition for the active expression of
solidarity and support for South Africa.
2. A tomoye of four sections - is inspired by the
universal ying and yang that speak of a meeting
point for diverse spiritual energies. |
Neck badge |
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Miniature |
Lapel rosette |
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Last modified: 28 November 2007 14:23:06.
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