Order of Ikhamanga
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The Order of Ikhamanga is a South African honour. It was instituted on 30 November 2003 and is granted by the President of South Africa for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports (which were initially recognised by the Order of the Baobab). The order has three classes:
- Gold (OIG), for exceptional achievement,
- Silver (OIS), for excellent achievement,
- Bronze (OIB), for outstanding achievement.
"Ikhamanga' is the Xhosa name for the strelitzia flower.
The egg-shaped badge depicts a rising sun, a "Lydenburg head", two strelitzia flowers, a drum, three circles, and two roadways. The head represents the arts, the sun represents glory, the circles symbolise sport, and the roads represent the long road to excellence. The South African coat of arms is displayed on the reverse.
The ribbon is gold with four cream-coloured lines inset from each edge and a pattern of recurring stylised dancing figures down the centre. All three classes are worn around the neck.
[edit] References
- South African Government Gazette No 25799 (2 December 2003)
- South African Government website]
