Rassie Erasmus to receive SA’s highest award for uniting the country

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is set to add another major achievement to his name.

The Presidency has confirmed that the World Cup-winning coach will be awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold on Tuesday, 19 May.

Phindile Baleni, the Presidency’s director-general and Chancellor of National Orders, announced that this specific honour is reserved for South Africans who have achieved greatness in sport, arts, culture, music, journalism and literature.

“His [Erasmus] inspirational leadership in national and international rugby has propelled the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup championships,” said Baleni.

“Victory on the field of play has advanced social cohesion among South Africans and raised the nation’s esteem in the international community.”

Erasmus follows in the footsteps of his captain, Siya Kolisi, who was awarded the same honour in 2023.

National Orders represent the highest level of recognition in South Africa.

Bestowed by the President, they celebrate citizens and distinguished foreign nationals who have worked to strengthen democracy and improve the lives of people across the country.

These awards also highlight those who contribute to South Africa’s constitutional vision of a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous nation.

“His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa will bestow on deserving recipients the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo,” Baleni said.

Other recipients of the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold include:

• Wouter Kellerman (flautist and composer)
• Todd Matshikiza (journalist and musician, posthumously
• Professor Khabajane Vivian Mngoma (music scholar)
• Jeremiah Moeketsi (musician and saxophonist, posthumously)
• Queeneth Ndaba (posthumously)
• Molefe Pheto (performing artist, posthumously)

The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver will also be presented to jazz legend Jonathan Butler, Andiswa Gebashe, Norman Hlabane and Johnny Dyani (posthumously), among others.

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