What are South Africa’s ‘National Orders’?

April 26, 2013 by Who's Who of Southern Africa 

The President of South Africa is able to award citizens with the highest form of recognition that a country can bestow. These awards are presented to carefully chosen South Africans and foreign nationals who have played a part in developing this country. After becoming a democracy in 1994, the pre-existing titles of South Africa’s National Orders changed slightly, to reflect a country that is committed to non-racism, non-sexism and human rights, while emphasising the importance of recognising the country’s unsung heroes and heroines.

The newly redesigned and renamed six National Orders were first presented in 2003 by the South Africa’s president at the time, Thabo Mbeki. A person does not have to be a well-known personality to receive an order; everyone is eligible to receive the honour and it can be awarded posthumously. The Chancery of Orders invites members of the public and all non-governmental organisations to complete a nomination form and provide a motivational letter detailing the eligibility of the candidate. These documents are then sent to the National Orders Advisory Council for consideration.

The six different awards each consists of Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. Each Order represents a specific industry or a particular area of civil service in which the recipient has excelled, or contributed greatly towards.

  • The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is awarded to heads of state and other dignitaries for promoting peace, co-operation and friendship towards South Africa.  One memorable receiver of this Order was Rev. Jesse Jackson who received this honour in 2013 for dedicating his life to the fight against inequality and for “his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid”
  • The Order of Mapungubwe (the only Order to include a Platinum category) is awarded to South African citizens for achievements that have caused international waves and served the interests of the Republic of South Africa. John Maxwell Coetzee received this honour in 2005 for his “contribution in the field of literature and for putting South Africa on the world stage.”
  • The Order of the Baobab is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service in the fields of business and the economy; science, medicine and technological innovation; and community service. Franklin Sonn was honoured in 2008 for his excellent contribution to education and the course of justice in South Africa.
  • The Order of Luthuli is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice, peace and conflict resolution. The Gold category was bestowed upon Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma  for her life’s work to the cause of freedom and the development and consolidation of our democracy to create a better life for all.
  • The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport. Former President Mbeki decorated Gary Player in 2003 for excellence in golf and his contribution to non-racial sport in South Africa.
  • The Mendi Decoration for Bravery is awarded to South African citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery. Phindile Ndlovu sacrificed herself in an attempt to save the lives of young children from the fire and was commended in 2009 posthumously.

Freedom Day on the 27th of April marks the 19th investiture ceremony where the names of the 2013 National Order recipients’ will be announced by President Jacob Zuma.

By Lauren van Schalkwyk, Online Content Administrator at Who’s Who

Who’s Who and the DHL Tomorrow’s Leaders Convention

March 8, 2013 by Who's Who of Southern Africa 

DHLWe all know that networking plays a vital role in the business world, so much so that “it’s not what you know it’s who you know” has become a popular saying amongst aspiring professionals.

As such, Who’s Who has partnered with the DHL Tomorrow’s Leaders Convention, as we believe that the future is in the hands of the young and aspirational, and that as a brand we are able to facilitate the growth and development of these promising individuals.

The convention takes place on 15 March 2013 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg and is guaranteed to attract a number of South African business leaders and professionals across all industries. The event is held annually to recognize up-and-coming professionals in the country, and is a useful indication of talent for companies looking into succession planning.

With an impressive list of speakers that includes the likes of City Press editor Ferial Haffajee and CEO of the Vodacom Group Shameel Joosub, the event is sure to be a learning experience. The newly-introduced Breakaway sessions also promise to offer attendees insights into cutting-edge ideas and best-practice scenarios that they can use every day.

Who’s Who has a limited number of tickets to the DHL Tomorrow’s Leaders Convention which we’d like to GIVE AWAY! If you’d like to attend, send an email to info@whoswho.co.za with your name and a link to your Who’s Who profile, before 4pm on Monday, 11 March, and we’ll get back to you.

Who’s Who: for Students too

February 19, 2013 by Who's Who of Southern Africa 

We live in an age where the internet has become one of the most important means of gathering information. Social networks have become increasingly important in connecting with others, and each platform offers users an opportunity to share aspects of their personality with the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, many people – including young adults – choose to promote their fun and frivolous side by posting arbitrary and sometimes controversial and explicit, images and statuses on their networks. They are presumably unaware of the negative impact it may have on their job prospects, but consider this: would you hire someone that has a wild online ‘image’ – even if he gets great grades offline?

Our advice: consider your online actions, and generate a professional image from an early age. Also, populate your Who’s Who profile to gain the edge. We’ve developed a platform that highlights your achievements and successes, and can counteract that awkward image that the internet has of you.

Who’s Who is a professional network that allows you to put your best foot forward, offering you the opportunity to create an impressive profile which potential future employers will see.

If you thought that ‘professional’ is synonymous with boring, think again:

  • Compete with friends to see who gets the most badges
  • Compete with your friends to see who ranks higher
  • Brag to your friends about your achievements without sounding pompous
  • Share your successes with one click via Email, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
  • Add images, videos, blogs, documents, sound clip and links in your portfolio to further promote your professional activities
  • Network with leading personalities in your field by adding them as contacts on your page
  • Include testimonials from school teachers, current lecturers, even your colleagues from your group assignments
  • Add your high school achievements to further impress prospective employers
  • Add your Who’s Who profile link in your CV to promote your online brand

Let your Who’s Who profile be the first impression that lasts. You may have noticed that WhosWho.co.za has just launched an Internships and Vacation Work feature, one that lists vacancies for young professionals seeking an opportunity to get their foot in the door and take the first step along their chosen career path. If you’re looking for an internship, keep an eye on this space. Good luck!

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