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Our heroes and icons

Recipients of National Orders in 2012

The names and faces that are seen on these pages represent what is possible through sacrifice, bravery, courage and dedication. These are extraordinary men and women from both inside and outside our country, some who are no longer with us. Some are born and bred of this soil, others of distant lands. Yet, all are deeply rooted to our beloved country, South Africa.

Those who received National Orders this year are:

South Africa’s National Orders

The Baobab, a tropical African tree, depicts endurance, wisdom, endowment and bounty. These are characteristics that the recipients of this Order should possess.

Various elements in the Order’s design symbolise longevity, community support, contribution, and prosperity.

Celebrating freedom, celebrating honour

Every year, on Freedom Day, South Africa pays homage to its heroes and heroines and eminent foreign nationals who have played their part in making South Africa what it is today.

South Africa is proud of you

Photo caption: Recipients of National Orders listen attentively to President Jacob Zuma’s address during the Awards Ceremony.

When a bus carrying 44 children overturned and fell into a river, Neil John Sharrocks did not think twice. He put aside his own fears and put his own life at risk to save the lives of those children.

Nqobile Nkosi is the proud owner of NQ Jewellery Design Services, the first black-owned jewellery manufacturing and retail business in Soweto. The business uses precious stones such as silver, gold, platinum and diamonds to manufacture jewellery.

Photo caption: Ponstho Kopung attending to a client.

The beauty of an entrepreneur

Young and driven, Pontsho Kopung (25) is the owner of Setsoto Hair and Beauty Salon. Based in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein, the salon offers a wide range of beauty treatments including manicures and pedicures.

In March 2011, DMT Agricultural Services Co-operative acquired a R2,5 million loan through the National Youth Development Agency’s (NYDA) SME Funding Programme. The young entrepreneurs grow plants such as tea tree and lemongrass for essential oils as well as vegetables such as maize, cabbage, spinach, green pepper, potatoes and butternut.

Photo caption: Sebenza Nathi graduates.

Eleven graduates now have a bright future after graduating from the Sebenza Nathi Project. The project, headed by the Gauteng region Department of Water Affairs and the Gauteng based Rand Water Foundation, is aimed at fighting unemployment by developing skills amongst the youth.

Samona Murugan

Photo caption: Xolile Mabika.

For 21-year-old Xolile Mabika of Jozini village in KwaZulu-Natal, the thought of ever sailing the seven seas and be- coming the captain of a ship someday was just a dream. But now, thanks government and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), she is on the fast track to making her dream a reality.

Photo caption: Abel Malebela

Hard work pays

Losing his job at the age of 44 after suffering a stroke, Abel Malebela was faced with the daunting reality of not knowing how he would provide for his family. “I have two daughters, aged 14 and 17, to support, so sitting at home was not an option.”