The Order of Ikhamanga is a South African civilian honour that recognises achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports. Before the order was established on 30 November 2003, such achievements were recognised by the Order of the Baobab. The Order of Ikhamanga is granted by the President of South Africa to South African citizens. Ikhamanga is the Xhosa name for Strelitzia reginae, a flower.
Classes
The order has three classes:
- Gold (OIG), for exceptional achievement,
- Silver (OIS), for excellent achievement,
- Bronze (OIB), for outstanding achievement.
Design
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.
The Order of Ikhamanga was designed by Charles Peter Gareth Smart, a graphic designer based in Pretoria, South Africa.
Recipients
The table below lists the members of the Order of Ikhamanga.
|-
! scope="row" |Alex La Guma
|Gold
|2003
|Literature
|
|-
! scope="row" |Natalie du Toit
|Gold
|2004, 2009
|Swimming
|
|-
! scope="row" |Joseph Albert Mashite Mokoena
|Gold
|2004
|Mathematics
|
|-
! scope="row" |Tiyo Soga
|Gold
|2006
|Literature
|
|-
! scope="row" |Benedict Wallet Vilakazi
|Gold
|2016
|Literature
|
|-
! scope="row" |Mamokgethi Phakeng
|Gold
|2016
|Science
|
|-
! scope="row" |Sibusiso Nyembezi
|Gold
|2021
|Literature and Zulu language
|
|-
! scope="row" |Siya Kolisi
|Gold
|2023
|Rugby
|
|-
! scope="row" |Wouter Kellerman
|Gold
|2026
|Music
|
|-
! scope="row" |Lucas Radebe
|Silver
|2005
|Football
|
|-
! scope="row" |Ernst van Dyk
|Silver
|2010
|Wheelchair racing
|
|-
! scope="row" |Nothembi Mkhwebane
|Silver
|2010
|Music in Ndebele
|
|-
! scope="row" |Percy Qoboza
|Silver
|2010
|Journalism
|
|-
! scope="row" |David Goldblatt
|Silver
|2011
|Photography
|
|-
! scope="row" |Marlene van Niekerk
|Silver
|2011
|Literature and philosophy
|
|-
! scope="row" |Ray Phiri
|Silver
|2011
|Music
|
|-
! scope="row" |Busi Mhlongo
|Silver
|2011
|Music
|
|-
! scope="row" |Josiah Thugwane
|Silver
|2011
|Athletics
|
|-
! scope="row" |Mannie Manim
|Silver
|2011
|Theatre
|
|-
! scope="row" |Doc Bikitsha
|Silver
|2011
|Journalism and literature
|
|-
! scope="row" |Johnny Clegg
|Silver
|2012
|Music
|
|-
! scope="row" |Yvonne Chaka Chaka
|Silver
|2019
|Music
|
|-
! scope="row" |Nomhle Nkonyeni
|Silver
|2019
|Performing arts
|
|-
! scope="row" |Mary Twala
|Silver
|2019
|Performing arts
|
|-
! scope="row" |Benjamin Pogrund
|Silver
|2019
|Journalism
|
|-
! scope="row" |Mathatha Tsedu
|Silver
|2019
|Journalism
|
|-
! scope="row" |Fee Halsted-Berning
|Silver
|2021
|Visual arts
|