President Ramaphosa Honours Rassie Erasmus, Oskido, and Salim Abdool Karim with National Orders

President Cyril Ramaphosa honored Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus with a National Order on May 19, 2026, recognizing his significant contributions to sport and nation-building.

The investiture ceremony took place at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. Erasmus was among 36 recipients who were recognized for their efforts in fields including sport, science, arts and democracy.

Acting as the Grand Patron of the National Orders, President Ramaphosa pinned medals on the recipients in the presence of dignitaries, friends, and family. The awards were designed to honor individuals who have contributed to the development of a democratic, non-sexist, and non-racial South Africa.

The honors were conferred across five distinct categories: 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.

In his address, President Ramaphosa stated that the recipients reflect the democratic ideals and values of human dignity, justice, and equality. He noted that the work of these individuals has helped build the pillars of our democratic order, reflecting a national journey rooted in the constitutional values adopted 30 years ago.

The recognition of Erasmus highlights the role of the Springboks and elite sport in shaping South African national identity. Ramaphosa emphasized that the contributions of the recipients spanned various critical sectors, including medicine, education, human rights, literature, science, and sport.

Beyond the sporting arena, the ceremony recognized other high-profile figures. Musicians including Oscar Oskido Mdlongwa, Wouter Kellerman, and Jonathan Butler were honored for their contributions to shaping South African music. The scientific community was represented by Professors Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda, who were awarded prestigious National Orders.

President Ramaphosa drew inspiration from William Ralph Emerson’s A Nation’s Strength during the proceedings, remarking that nations are constructed by those who work while others sleep and build a nation’s pillars deep and lift them to the sky.

The President added that the recipients had lifted to the sky our greatest aspiration of building a democratic South Africa through their respective achievements and dedication.