Ramaphosa describes recipients of national orders as heroes

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recipients of national orders as the heroes and heroins of the nation.

Ramaphosa says they are the reason the country enjoys the freedom it does and South Africa is indebted to them.

He made the remarks on Tuesday, during a ceremony where he bestowed national orders to individuals who have contributed to building the country's democracy.

The orders were presented to recipients and families of recipients who had passed away.

Bestowing the orders, Ramaphosa said, the government wants to ensure the contributions of the recipients are recognised.

"This year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom. This would not have been possible without the bravery, fortitude and noble acts of those. The preamble of our Constitution recognises as having suffered for justice and freedom in our land."

The orders bestowed are the Order of Mendi for bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.