National orders | Ramaphosa bestows nation's highest honours

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recipients of Tuesday's national orders, as heroes and heroines of the nation.

Ramaphosa presented honours across six categories, from the Order of Mendi for Bravery, to the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, for foreign dignitaries and eminent persons.

The awards were given for the recipients' contributions to the fight against apartheid.

Ramaphosa said, "This year marks the year that we attained our freedom 30 years ago this would not have been possible without the bravery, the fortitude and the noble acts of those whose the preamble of our constitution recognises and describes as having suffered for justice and freedom in our land."

"The men and women we honour today, have played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Africa that we enjoy today. Our nation owes them a great debt."

"By bestowing these national orders we want to ensure their contributions are recognised and spoken of for generations to come."

"The recipients of the national orders are chosen by South African people. It is the people of South Africa who make this nation for consideration. This is appropriate because the recipients are the heroes and heroines of the entire nation," he said.