About South Africa
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About South Africa |
National Orders
1. History 2. National Orders 3. Context 4. 5. Gold Mametja: Designer of the National Orders 6. Nominations for National Orders [PDF]
History
The birth of a new non-racial and non-sexist democracy in South Africa necessitated a critical review of the system of National Orders. The previous system consisted of one decoration and four orders whose symbolic aesthetic was representative of the past.
Seeking to move away from the past, in May 1998, the newly-instituted President's Advisory Council on National Orders was given the task and responsibility to review the system of National Orders and awards. To implement the task, a technical committee was constituted which embarked on an extensive and inclusive research process that involved public consultations, interviews with stakeholders on a national scale, group discussions focusing on alternative systems, the commissioning of historical research and the gathering of jewelry and medal designers to design new medals through a design brief.
As part of this process, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in co-operation with the Government Communication and Information System investigated further symbols and symbolism in an attempt to capture the essence of a new aesthetic that will reflect the spirit of a new country. A panel of academics and specialists versed in indigenous symbols and symbolism was 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 this process resulted in the commissioning and ultimate design of the new National Orders.
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National Orders
National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.The President as the fount (holder, cradle, main source) of honour in the country bestows these orders and decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in the Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility.
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Context
South Africa has taken many strides away from its past of exclusion and discrimination on the basis of sex, colour and creed. The country has been steadily moving forward in a direction that reasserts our humanity. In this march towards humanity, a new culture of human rights and a respect for the dignity of the human spirit have become characteristics of South Africa.
One of the symbolic moments of the exodus from the past was the raising of the new flag in 1994. This moment aptly affirmed the pride and dignity of an unfolding country and a celebration of humanity. Another was the unveiling of a new Coat of Arms on 27 April 2000 that embraced the collective historical essence of the people of the country. In so doing, a new aesthetic that takes consideration of Africa and her symbols became part of the new culture that informs a South African rebirth.
The new National Orders have been conceived in the spirit of that rebirth.
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The three different new National Orders are:
THE ORDER OF MAPUNGUBWE
This Order is to be awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement.
Organisation
This Order can be awarded in three Classes:Class 1 = The Platinum Order of Mapungubwe (Platinum)
Class 2 = The Gold Order of Mapungubwe (Gold)
Class 3 = The Bronze Order of Mapungubwe (Bronze).Symbolism / Design Elements
Central Motif / Symbolism
Mapungubwe: The Mapungubwe Kingdom existed in the northern corner of our country a millennium ago. The Kingdom had a sophisticated state system and developed agriculture. It also developed a mining and metallurgy industry. The Kingdom traded with countries as far as China. During its time, it represented excellence of human thought and ingenuity.Elements
- Four corners of the globe - symbolise the achievements of South Africans all over the world.
- Rising sun - the new dawn emerging from Africa.
- Mapungubwe hill - forms the background, a sandstone hill on mudstone deposit in an arid subtropical area with erratic summer rains. Excavations showed that excellence grew out of the most difficult natural circumstances.
Neck badge
- Mapungubwe rhino - the now most well-known artifact found in a grave at the excavation site, a gold-plated figurine formed around a soft core, probably sculpted wood, testimony to the excellence of human resourcefulness present in the Kingdom.
- Mapungubwe scepter - emerging from the gold melting pot on either side; another of the artifacts found in a grave at the excavation site.
- Decorated gold melting pot - the basic symmetric forms on the overflowing gold melting pot symbolises the abundance of excellence, science and creativity, testimony to the earliest achievements in metallurgy.
- Furnace - the purifying and life sustaining properties of fire, employed since the Iron Age, to advance development and excellence in societies and communities.
Miniature
Lapel rosette>>Back to Top<<
THE ORDER OF THE 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, sport and music
- Business and the economy
- Science, medicine and technological innovation
- Community service.
Organisation
This Order can be awarded in three Classes:Class 1 = Supreme Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab (Gold)
Class 2 = Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab (Silver)
Class 3 = Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab (Bronze).Symbolism / Design Elements
Central Motif / Symbolism
This Order finds its inspiration from the Baobab which is a tropical African tree. The origins of the name Baobab is part of the many rich legends and mysteries of Africa. It has probably been more often described than any other tree in Africa for among other things its vitality, and magical and symbolic value to indigenous people. The endurance and tolerance shown by the tree in growing old is reflective of the sustained and exceptional service to South Africa that is awarded by this Order. Similarly the service rendered, still ensures the enduring and growing status of South Africa.The Baobab is an important element in many African agro forestry systems. It provides bark for cloth and rope, fruits for food and fuel, and many other useful products. The familiar, broad and strong protruding root system supports a massive tree commonly known as a place for many important meetings and protection in traditional African societies.
Elements
- Baobab (Baobab or Adonsonia Digitata) - known for its roots and longevity. Provides not only shade and a place for meetings, but is also central in supporting the communities it is found in.
- Nonagon shape - a nine-sided polygon background symbolising the many different areas of possible contribution and service to building a prosperous and advancing nation. The icon is also symbolic of the nine provinces of our country.
- Exterior organic holding shape - Baobab bark texture finish; the bark is
commonly used for the making of mats and hats.
Neck badge
Miniature
Lapel rosette>>Back to Top<<
ORDER OF THE COMPANIONS OF O.R. TAMBO
This Order is to be awarded to foreign nationals (Heads of State and Government) and other foreign dignitaries. It is 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 constitutes an essential pillar of international and multilateral relations.
Organisation
This Order can be awarded in three Classes:Class 1 = Supreme Companion of O.R. Tambo (Gold)
Class 2 = Grand Companion of O.R. Tambo (Silver)
Class 3 = Companion of O.R. 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
O.R. Tambo: Played a major role in the growth and development of the international movement of solidarity against racism and apartheid. 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 an 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Miniature
Lapel rosette>>Back to Top<<
GOLD MAMETJA:
DESIGNER OF THE NATIONAL ORDERS
Gold Mametja has a fortunate name that underpins his talents. His designs were selected among dozens of other designs submitted after the Government Communication and Information System invited jewellery designers to submit designs for the new National Orders. His biography is a long list of achievements since he left Technikon Witwatersrand. These include a series of designs in corporate South Africa including the commemorative gold bars for the Comrades Marathon. Soft spoken and modest, he feels that working on the national orders was: 'the best thing that ever happened to me. Just by allowing me to do these designs, is the best accolade that the country could give me'. Mametja works as an industrial designer at the CSIR in Pretoria. He lives in Kempton Park with his wife and two children.
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[Please note the nomination form is in PDF format. You need the Acrobat Reader to open it.]
Compiled by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), April 2002
