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The President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will have the first opportunity to award the new National Orders to recipients at a prestigious event on 10 December 2002 in Pretoria. National Orders (medals) are the highest award that a country, through its President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals.

The event on 10 December 2002 aims to recognise and award South Africans for their excellence, exceptional achievement and distinguished service. It also seeks to award foreign nationals and foreign dignitaries for the friendship they have shown to South Africa. This way, by awarding excellence, the awards would assist in reinforcing South Africa's democracy and new identity.

The South African Constitution of 1996 established the President as the fount of honour in the country. It is therefore the prerogative of the President to bestow orders and decorations to the nominated recipients

In an effort to break with the apartheid and colonial past, in May 1998, the President's Advisory Council on National Orders was given the task and responsibility to review the old system of National Orders and awards. To implement this task, a technical committee was constituted. The technical committee embarked on an extensive and inclusive research process, that involved public consultation, interviews on a national scale with stakeholders, group discussions focusing on alternative systems, the commissioning of historical research and gathering of jewellery and medal designers to design new medals through a design brief.

As part of this process, the then Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, with the assistance of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), investigated further symbols and symbolism in an attempt to capture the essence of the new aesthetic that will reflect the spirit of a new country.

A panel of academics and specialists versed in indigenous symbols and symbolism were asked to identify key factors and elements that denote the collective and inclusive history and experience of Africa with South Africa as the main point of reference. The collective end result of the process has resulted in the commissioning of new designs for the National Orders.

Through public participation, eminent nominations were forwarded to the Presidency. Subsequent to these processes, approximately 18 individuals will be awarded on the 10th. The theme and venue of the procedures will be made available in due course.

The three different types of the new National Orders are:

THE ODER OF MAPUNGUBWE

This Order is to be awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement on the international stage. Three categories can be distinguished:

Category 1: the Order of Mapungubwe (Platinum)
Category 2: the Order of Mapungubwe (Gold)
Category 3: the Order of Mapungubwe (Bronze)

THE ODER OF BAOBAB

This order is to be awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. The service awarded is well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty. It is an award for exceptional and distinguished contributions in the following categories:

* The struggle for democracy
* Building democracy and human rights
* Nation building
* Peace and security
* Journalism, literature, arts, culture and music
* Business and the economy
* Science, medicine, technological motivation and community service

The Order of Baobab can be awarded in three categories:

* Supreme Counsellor of the Order of Baobab (Gold)
* The Grand Counsellor of Baobab (Silver)
* The Counsellor of Baobab (Bronze).

THE ORDER OF THE COMPANION OF O.R TAMBO

This Order is to be awarded to individuals of foreign nationalities (Heads of States and Governments and other dignitaries). It is also to be 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 primarily constitutes an essential pillar of international and multilateral relations.

The Order of the friends of O.R Tambo can also be awarded in three classes:

* Supreme Companion of O.R Tambo (Gold)
* Grand Companion of O.R Tambo (Silver)
* Companion of O.R Tambo (Bronze)

For further information please contact: Mack Lewele on 082 389 1452, Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133

Issued by Department of Arts and Culture

4 December 2002