Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo

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The Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo is a South African honour. ^[1] It was instituted on 6 December 2002, and is granted by the president of South Africa, to foreign citizens who have promoted South African interests and aspirations through co-operation. solidarity, and support. The order has three classes:

Supreme Companion, for heads of state and, in special cases, heads of government,
Grand Companion, for heads of government, ministers of state, supreme court judges, presidents of legislatures, secretaries of state, ambassadors, commanders-in-chief et al,
Companion, for legislators, envoys, senior military officers et al.

The order is named after the late Oliver Tambo, who was the African National Congress's president-in-exile for many years.

The badge of the order is oval, and depicts a [yin-yang] symbol between two arrowheads, framed by two mole snakes. The symbol represents the meeting of diverse spiritual energies, and the snakes represent solidarity and support. The South African coat of arms is displayed on the reverse.

The ribbon is white, with recurring grey yin-yang symbols down the centre. All three classes are worn around the neck.

Recipients are also presented with a carved wooden walking stick, which has a serpent wound around the shaft and a spoon-shaped head displaying the badge of the order and the national arms. The walking stick symbolises support and solidarity, and a commitment to stand by the recipient in return.