Order of Mapungubwe
The Order of Mapungubwe is a South African civilian honour awarded by the President of South Africa. It recognises South African citizens whose achievements have international impact and serve the interests of South Africa.[1] It is South Africa's highest honour.[citation needed] The order is named after the ancient civilisation of Mapungubwe, which was located in modern-day South Africa.[1] It was instituted on 6 December 2002, and its first recipient (in the highest class) was former president Nelson Mandela. ClassesThe order originally had three classes, and was enlarged to four in 2004:
DesignThe badge is a horizontal oval above an inverted trapezium. Inside the oval frame is depicted a golden rhinoceros with the sun rising above Mapungubwe Hill in the background. The convex upper edge of the trapezium is decorated with a beadwork pattern and the sides are edged with sceptres. In the centre is an ornate crucible from which molten gold flows down to a red furnace. The South African coat of arms is displayed on the reverse. The ribbon is gold, edged with a line of cream-coloured bead-like dots along each edge, and recurring cream-coloured rhinoceros silhouettes down the centre. All four classes are worn around the neck. Recipients
See alsoReferences
Other sources
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