Music Legends Kippie Moeketsi, Khabi Mngoma and Todd Matshikiza Receive Order of Ikhamanga in Gold Posthumously
The National Orders also recognise the contributions made by individuals who contributed and continue to contribute to the building of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The Presidency said on Tuesday it decided to honour Jeremiah Kippie Morolong Moeketsi posthumously with the honour of Ikhamanga in Gold for his contribution to the musical field, especially jazz. “He was one of the most influential saxophonists shaping South Africa’s modern jazz style. He was a genius ahead of his time taking South Africa to the world with his bewitched saxophone”.
On Professor Khabi Mngoma, the Presidency said it was honouring him with Ikhamanga in Gold, for his contribution to music as a scholar, well-known for being one of the remarkable activists who played an incredible role in the music industry.
“He ensured that the footprint of music and music education was extended through the promotion of music clinics”.
While Todd Thozama Matshikiza got his Ikhamanga in Gold for his contribution to the liberation of South Africa by using the might of his pen as a journalist and as a creative jazz pianist and composer.
“He composed the music and some of the lyrics of the jazz musical King Kong which portrayed the life and times of heavyweight boxer Ezekiel Dlamini, popularly known as ‘King Kong’”.
National Orders are the highest awards that our country, through the President, bestows on our citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
The National Orders also recognise the contributions made by individuals who contributed and continue to contribute to the building of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in our Constitution.
President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
A jubilant Dr Mothobi Mutloatse, founder of Skotaville Publishers, co-founder of the literary magazine Staff-rider and now the Chairperson of the Mutloatse Arts Heritage Trust said when confirmation of the three nominees were made: “Three out of three nominations is splendid news isn’t it, folks? Blow ‘n grow”.
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