PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed this year's recipients of the National Orders, as nation builders who have helped shape the country's democratic journey.
The various categories are awarded to citizens and eminent foreign nationals, who have made a lasting impact on South African democracy.
Among the 38 recipients were musicians Jonathan Bulter, Wouter Kellerman and Oscar "Oskido" Mdlongwa, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, professors Tulio de Oliveira and Salim Abdool Karim, and sign language interpreter Andiswa Gebashe.
"Today is a day of celebration and also a day when we honour men and women who have lifted to the sky our greatest aspiration to build a democratic South Africa founded on equality, justice and dignity for all," said Ramaphosa.
The President added: "Their activism has extended to music, to politics, to sports, to literature, to culture to medicine, to science, education and the advancement of the human rights that we so cherish. In their many fields of endeavour, they have made an invaluable contribution to our national life. By honouring them today and celebrating them, we are recognising that the pillars of our democratic order are deep, they are firm and unshakable."
Kellerman said the recognition was a beautiful moment for him.
"This is a tribute to music to show that it can connect, heal and unite us."
Mdlongwa, one of the pioneers of Kwaito music said: "It feels good. It shows that the work we have been doing is now being acknowledged. This shows that when you open doors for other people, God is gonna open more doors for you."
Cape Town born-musician Butler said he was also honoured to receive the accolade.
"This is a big deal and I am very very humbled," said Butler.