National Orders recipients reflect on honour and lifelong impact

Recipients of the 2026 National Orders described the recognition as a deeply emotional and humbling milestone, adding that the honours affirmed their lifelong contribution to South Africa’s arts, culture and social development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Grand Patron of the National Orders, bestowed the awards on distinguished South Africans and foreign nationals who contributed to democracy and improved the lives of citizens.

Speaking at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane recently, recipients of the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver reflected on their journeys and what the national recognition meant to them.

Internationally acclaimed musician Jonathan Butler was honoured for his contribution to music as a jazz, R&B and gospel artist, songwriter and producer.

From humble beginnings in Athlone, Cape Town, Butler rose to international prominence as a teen performer and built a global career spanning decades.

Speaking after receiving the award, Butler said the moment marked a personal and national milestone.

“I feel humbled and honoured in this moment. I feel in this season of my life to be recognised in my country is the greatest blessing anyone could ever ask for,” he said.

Activist Andiswa Precious Gebashe was recognised for advancing South African Sign Language and advocating for greater inclusion of the Deaf community in arts, media and education.

She had been at the forefront of efforts to ensure accessibility and representation, including work in theatre productions performed in South African Sign Language.

Gebashe emphasised the importance of recognising South African Sign Language as a fully developed language rather than a disability-related tool, adding that meaningful change required collective responsibility from institutions and decision-makers.

Reflecting on the honour, she described the recognition as surreal and said more work was needed to ensure accessibility across all sectors.

Veteran DJ, producer and kwaito pioneer Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa (Oskido) was also honoured for his contribution to music and for mentoring generations of South African artists.

A key figure in the rise of kwaito and the Kalawa Jazmee legacy, Oskido played a central role in shaping South Africa’s modern music industry.

He described the award as a collective achievement shared with fellow pioneers, artists, fans and the broader music community.

“This is a journey which I haven't walked alone,” he said, crediting the Kalawa family, kwaito pioneers and supporters who contributed to his success.

Oskido said the recognition marked a new chapter rather than the end of his career, adding that genres such as amapiano and Afro house reflected the industry’s continued growth and evolution.

Speaking before the presentation ceremony, President Ramaphosa said the recipients had become pillars of the nation through their work and activism.

“We have gathered here this morning to honour those among us who, in many diverse ways, have shaped the country that we call home,” the President said.