Brigitte Mabandla chairs National Orders Advisory Council

Former cabinet minister Brigitte Mabandla has been appointed the chairwoman of the National Orders Advisory Council, the Presidency said on Sunday.

"President Jacob Zuma has announced the appointment of new members of the National Orders Advisory Council," said spokesman Mac Maharaj.

National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the president, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals. The Advisory Council processes nominations of deserving South Africans and foreign nationals and advises the president to assist him in the execution of this responsibility.

South Africa currently bestows the following National Orders on distinguished persons: - The Order of Mendi for Bravery - The Order of Ikhamanga - The Order of Luthuli - The Order of Mapungubwe - The Order of the Baobab - The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo Other members of the council were Mandla Langa, who was appointed as deputy chairman, James Motlatsi, founding president of the National Union of Mineworkers, Sally Padayachie, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Glenda Gray, Molefi Oliphant, the honorary life president of the SA Football Association, Lindiwe Mabuza, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, Mary Burton, Fazel Randera and Peki Emelia Nothembi Mkhwebane.

Zuma extended his gratitude to the outgoing members of the council led by chairwoman Yvonne Muthien.

"The outgoing council has served the country exceptionally well over many years. We thank them wholeheartedly for this national service. "We welcome Ms Mabandla and the new team and look forward to working with them as we celebrate excellence, selflessness and the promotion of a common nationhood," said Zuma.