Pretoria: The Presidency has made a call to South Africans to nominate individuals from their communities and sectors for the National Orders, the country's highest honors. These awards aim to recognize those who have recorded exceptional achievements or made significant contributions to their communities or the nation.

According to South African Government News Agency, the nominations are currently open, and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The National Orders are conferred by the President on both South African citizens and eminent foreign nationals. As the custodian of honor, the President is supported by the Director-General in The Presidency, who acts as the Chancellor of National Orders, along with the Advisory Council on National Orders.

Chancellor Phindile Baleni emphasized the importance of citizen participation in the nomination process, highlighting the role of the National Orders in fostering social cohesion and nation-building. Baleni encouraged people from all walks of life, including youth, to identify individuals worthy of this honor based on their exceptional achievements or contributions.

The National Orders encompass several categories: the Order of Mapungubwe for excellence and exceptional achievement, the Order of the Baobab for distinguished service, the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo for foreign nationals showing friendship to South Africa, the Order of Luthuli for contributions to democracy and human rights, the Order of Ikhamanga for excellence in arts and culture, and the Order of Mendi for Bravery for acts of extraordinary bravery.

Nomination forms are available for download on the Presidency's website and must include a detailed motivation outlining the nominee's achievements and contributions. Details of the annual National Orders Ceremony will be announced in due course.