The next National Orders award ceremony will take place in April 2017 to honour South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed to the achievement of a free, united, non-racial, democratic, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa in various ways.

Other awards will also honour citizens who have "sacrificed life and limb to save others and those who have excelled in various fields".

In a statement, the Presidency said the ceremony contributed towards unity, reconciliation and nation building.

The selection process of the awards will be processed and administered by the National Orders Advisory Council which has been appointed by Zuma who is the Grand Patron of the National Orders.

The members of the Council are:

Brigitte Mabandla (Chairperson); Mandla Langa (Deputy Chairperson), Dr Glenda Gray, Dr Molefi Oliphant, Dr Lindiwe Mabuza, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Mary Burton, Sally Padayachie, Reverend Buti Tlhagale, James Motlatsi, Dr Fazel Randera, and Nothembi Mkhwebane.

There are six orders that can be bestowed on deserving recipients, which are:

— The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery.
— The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
— The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
— The Order of Luthuli recognises South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace, as well as for the resolution of conflict.
— The Order of Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have excelled and attained exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
— The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an Order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.

Nomination forms are available on The Presidency website (http://bit.ly/294tes7).

Members of the public were urged to attach a short motivation on the person nominated, but were cautioned against self- nomination or the nomination of public servants .

The closing date for nominations is August 31 2016.

ANA