The struggle icon born (Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela) will be presented with the Order of Luthuli (Silver) by President JG Zuma, at the National Orders Awards in Pretoria, this evening.
Her award citation read: “She bravely withstood constant harassment by the apartheid police and challenged their brutality at every turn. She became a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle and of the bravery and determination of the oppressed to gain their freedom‚ against all odds.”
Pres Zuma’s former spokesperson and former transport minister Mac Maharaj‚ will receive the same award.
Among others to be honoured include Professor Helen Rees –Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, who will be presented with Baobab (Silver), Professor Benedict Wallet Vilakazi (posthumous) (Father of Zulu poetry)‚ Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng (President of Wits Convocation)‚ and Wits alumna‚ Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser (choreographer).
Chile’s president‚ Michelle Bachelet Jeria will have the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo bestowed on her.
