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:
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.
On January 28, 2008, New Zealand anti-apartheid activist John Minto raise a furor over his letter to Former South African President Thabo Mbeki after being nominated for the award saying that he would refuse, on principle, to accept any award from the ANC.[2]
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