Cameron van der Burgh is one of 54 people to be announced on Wednesday as recipients of the 2014 National Orders. Van der Burgh and his cohorts will be awarded their honors at a ceremony on Sunday, April 27th, which is Freedom Day in South Africa.
Specifically, van der Burgh has earned a silver Order of Ikhamanga, which “recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport.” He is one of 9 to receive this specific honor in 2014.
The Order of Ikhamanga is one of 6 civilian orders given in South Africa, and silver is the second-highest level awarded.
Van der Burgh was the 2012 Olympic champion in the 100 meter breaststroke, and has three World Championships to add to that. He’s also the current World Record holder in the 50 and 100 breaststrokes in both long course and short course. Only Americans Michael Phelps (7) and Ryan Lochte (5) are a part of more World Records than him, and nobody has more individual World Records at present than van der Burgh.
Other familiar recipients of the National Orders for 2014 include American actor Danny Glover for “his excellent contribution to the anti-apartheid movement in the United States;” and Raymond Ackerman, who is the billionaire founder of the Pick n Pay supermarket chain: the second-largest supermarket chain store in South Africa.
Past swimmers to have won the award include 13-time Paralympic Champion and the first amputee to ever qualify for the Olympics Natalie du Toit, who received the same honor in gold in 2009.
This year’s ceremony will be themed “South Africa – A Better Place to live in,” and will commemorate 20 years of democracy in the nation. That celebration will be even more emotional due to the loss late last year of Nelson Mandela, who was and continues to be after his death the face of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and an icon around the world.
The awards are presented by president Jacob Zuma, and were announced by Dr. Cassus Lubisi, the Chancellor of the National Orders.
Learn more about the National Orders here.
President Jacob Zuma will bestow to deserving recipients the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
The order will be bestowed in Bronze on:
Elizabeth Barrett : For her courageous act of selflessness in saving 14 children from a burning house and her continued giving to vulnerable orphans and street children.
The Order will be bestowed in Silver on:
Russell Maphanga: For his leadership in times of difficulty and brave contribution in fighting for the rights of workers and liberation of the people of South Africa.
Indres Elatchininathan Naidoo: For his excellent contribution in the fight against the unjust laws of apartheid, often at times putting his life in danger to ensure freedom for all South Africans.
Shirish Nanabhai: For his bravery in the struggle against apartheid and resolute determination to realise the dream of a free and democratic South Africa.
Reggie Vandeyar: For his remarkable bravery during the struggle against apartheid and for striving for a free and democratic South Africa.
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The Order will be bestowed in Bronze on:
Mokgadi Caster Semenya: For her outstanding contribution in the sporting field of middle distance track running. Her performance against all odds has made the country proud.
The Order will be bestowed in Silver on:
Cameron van der Burgh: For his display of dignity and grace in his performance on international stages as a swimmer while firmly rooted in South Africa and training at home. He has shown determination and strength and has portrayed continuous excellence in the field of aquatic sport.
Rashid Lombard: For his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world.
Lindiwe Mabuza: For her excellent contribution in mobilising the use of arts and application of creativity for democracy, displaying that cultural activism played a significant role in achieving democracy.
Fanie van der Merwe: For his excellent contribution in the field of paralympic athletics. He has pushed past physical impediments to shine as a man of courage.
Zanemvula Kizito Gatyeni “Zakes” Mda: For his excellent contribution in the field of literature that has put South African stories on the world stage. His craft of telling stories preserves our cultural history.
Victor “Bra Vic” Mheli Ntoni (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution in the arts, creatively using music to protest against oppression. He was fearless in expressing his views even during the period where anti-government sentiments threatened his livelihood.
Sandra Prinsloo: For her excellent contribution in the field of performing arts and using creative arts to take a stand against racism.
Lucas Sithole: For bearing witness to resilience. He pushes past his limitations to achieve the seemingly impossible and has made history in the process.
Ephraim Matsilele “Jomo” Sono: For his commitment and dedication as a footballer. His excellent contribution to the development of football and young talent is commendable.
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
The Order in Bronze will be bestowed on:
Tshepo Thobakgale Khumbane: For her outstanding contribution in breaking the circle of poverty by developing communities to use natural resources in order to face the challenge of food security.
Abraham September (Posthumous): For his outstanding contribution in agriculture and prosperity of Upington through the innovation of an irrigation system.
The Order in Silver will be bestowed on:
Raymond Ackerman: For his commitment to uplifting the lives of South Africans through providing scholarships to young people and conducting socially responsible retail business
Chris Ball: For his excellent contribution in the struggle for liberation through his skills in financial mastery. He used his influence to ensure that international big business impose sanctions against the apartheid government.
Alexander Boraine: For his excellent contribution in the field of social justice and being a courageous proponent of the truth and reconciliation.
Katrina Esau: For her excellent contribution in the preservation of a language that is facing a threat of extinction. Her determination to make the project successful has inspired young generations to learn.
Dawid Kruiper (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution in raising awareness of the plight faced by the Khoisan community and successfully initiating land restitution claim for his people.
Frederick Van Zyl Slabbert (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution in pushing members of parliament to reject inequalities and unjust laws. He stood with courage of his convictions and bore the brunt of apartheid leaders.
The Order of Luthuli recognises South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict.
The Order will be bestowed in Bronze to:
Mittah Seperepere (Posthumous): For her excellent contribution in the fight against apartheid and serving the country with bravery ensuring that all South Africans enjoy democracy.
The Order will be bestowed in Silver to:
Abdhulhay Jassat: For his excellent contribution to the struggle for liberation and advancing democracy among all South African citizens, through selfless sacrifice without regard to his own safety and well-being.
Wolfie Kodesh (Posthumous): For his brave involvement in the fight against apartheid. He chose to fight on the side of the oppressed in a period where he could have chosen to be silent and lived comfortably on the privilege provided by the colour of his skin.
Father Simangaliso Mkhatshwa: For his excellent contribution in the struggle against apartheid. His commitment to the people of South Africa continues to make a difference.
Popo Molefe: For his excellent contribution in the fight against the unjust laws of apartheid often at times putting his life in danger to ensure freedom for all South Africans.
Zephania Lekwame Mothopeng (Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution in the struggle for democracy. Multiple arrests and torture did not stop him from continuing to work for the liberation of South African people.
Agnes Msimang: For her excellent contribution in the fight against the unjust laws of apartheid, she served selflessly and loyally to ensure freedom for all South Africans.
Jeanette Schoon (Posthumous): For her definitive contribution to the fight against apartheid. Jeanette and her young daughter paid the ultimate for democracy.
Zola Sidney Themba Skweyiya: For his excellent contribution in the fight for freedom, equality and just society for all South Africans. He became a voice for the vulnerable through Social Development.
The order will be bestowed in Gold to:
Frances Baard: For her exceptional contribution in the struggle for equality and democracy. Her pursuit of justice is a legacy she left behind to inspire generations.
David Wilcox Hlahane Bopape (Posthumous): For his exceptional life-long contribution in the liberation movement and resistance to the unjust laws of apartheid. His political and social activism continued to the day he passed on.
Ruth First (Posthumous): For her exceptional contribution in the struggle against apartheid. Her activism left an indelible mark that continues to spur generations to stand for what is just.
Abdullah Haron (Posthumous): For his exceptional contribution in raising awareness of political injustices. His legacy remains that of a man who stood for truth and justice.
Sir Bob Hepple: For his bravery in the times where fighting for liberation was courting danger. He chose to align himself with the marginalised to ensure that all who live in South Africa enjoy the privilege of equality.
Florence Matomela (Posthumous): For her exceptional contribution in the struggle against apartheid. Her activism left an indelible mark that continues to spur generations to stand for what is just.
The Order of Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
The Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze will be bestowed on:
Dr Namrita Lall: For her outstanding contribution in the field of medical sciences. Her work is giving hope to many who are plagued with the scourge of tuberculosis.
The award in Silver will be bestowed on:
Professor Ismail Mohamed (Posthumous): For his excellent contribution in the field of Mathematics and political liberation. He is recognised for his work in advocacy and profound leadership skills both politically and academically.
Professor Simon Hendrik Schaaf: For his excellent contribution in the field of medical sciences. His focus on drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) is ground-breaking in assisting with the management of the disease.
Professor Barry David Schoub: For his achievement in virology and his invaluable contribution to infectious diseases and to science, and the people of South Africa and international community.
Dr William Soga (Posthumous): For being a trailblazer in the field of medicine and anthropology for the black generations of South Africa. His determination saw him painstakingly hand-write a complete Ph.D. thesis.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an Order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.
The order in Silver will be bestowed on:
Lord Richard Samuel Attenborough (United Kingdom): For his excellent contribution in the creative use of performing arts to highlight the plight of anti-apartheid activists who died under suspicious circumstances.
Professor Gwendolen Margaret Carter (Posthumous): For her excellent contribution in highlighting the plight of the majority during the period of minority rule. Her tireless work remains a historical treasure that gives testimony to the vast disparities during apartheid.
Jeanne Martin Cissé: For her excellent contribution in denouncing apartheid on the world stage of the United Nations and her stand against injustices that were happening in South Africa during apartheid.
Jerry David Dammers (United Kingdom): For his excellent musical contribution to the international Free Mandela Campaign and his involvement in the influential Artists Against Apartheid.
Danny Glover (United States of America (USA): For his excellent contribution to the anti-apartheid movement in the United States and for using his art form to raise international awareness of the injustice of apartheid.
Quincy Delight Jones (United States of America (USA): For his excellent contribution in the cultural boycott imposed on South Africa to press white voters in the country to accept fundamental political change.
Thomas Karis (United States of America (USA): For his excellent contribution in recording the plight of the South African majority during the period of minority rule. His work remains a testimony to the vast disparities during apartheid.
Lord Neil Kinnock (United Kingdom (UK): For his excellent contribution in constantly speaking the truth during the apartheid period. He constantly fought for the release of former President Nelson Mandela and supported many who were in exile.
Alexander Moumbaris (France): For his excellent contribution in the struggle for liberation. His dedication and brave sacrifice for a just course is a remarkable testimony of solidarity to the oppressed people of South Africa.
Ruth Neto (Angola): For her excellent contribution in fighting for the liberation of southern Africa. She has also always stood for the empowerment of African women.
Alfre Ette Woodard (United States of America (USA): For her excellent contribution in the fight for social justice and racial equality during apartheid, she used her artistic talent to pose a challenge to the regime.
We congratulate the recipients and urge all South Africans to join us in celebrating these exceptional South Africans and distinguished friends of South Africa.
