Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis will be bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga – which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The ceremony will be held on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria.
Ellis joins a list of distinguished recipients, who will receive gold, that include Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Mono Arthur Sipho Badela, Solomon Popoli Linda (posthumously) and Bokwe James Mafuna.
Getting silver in the same category are: Bongiwe Dhlomo-Mautloa, Keith Adrian Gottschalk, Duma Ndlovu, Mthuthuzeli Ben Nomoyi (Posthumous), Freek Robinson, Mfundi Vundla, while the following will be awarded bronze: John Arthur Black, Warren Neil Eva, Michael Mike Horn and Dr Matodzi Irene Mawela.
“It is my privilege as Chancellor of the National Orders to announce the names of those South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who will be awarded National Orders at an investiture ceremony to be held on 28 April 2023. National Orders are the highest awards that our country bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans,” said a statement from the Office of the Presidency.
“The National Orders also recognise the contributions made by individuals towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in our Constitution. President Cyril Ramaphosa will bestow on deserving recipients 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 O.R. Tambo.”
Ellis was officially appointed head coach of Banyana Banyana in 2016.
The Cape Town-born former player led the led the squad to their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in 2019, and repeated the feat when she helped the team book their ticket to the upcoming 2023 global women’s football showpiece that will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August.
After years of trying, Ellis finally brought home the elusive CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy when South Africa defeated hosts Morocco 2-1 in the 2022 final in July.
Ellis Honours:
As a player:
- Won the COSAFA Women’s Championship: 2002
- Women’s Africa Cup of Nations runners-up: 2000
As a coach:
- COSAFA Women’s Championship: 2018, 2019, 2020
- Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: 2022, runners-up: 2018
- Aisha Buhari Cup: 2021
- Sports Minster’s Excellence Award: 2017
- Confederation of African Football Women’s Coach of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2022
HERE IS A LIST OF THE RECEIPIENTS:
THE ORDER OF IKHAMANGA recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The Order will be bestowed in Gold on:
Mr Mono Arthur Sipho Badela: For his excellent contribution in the field of journalism and mobilising the masses against oppression. His storytelling through journalism became an integral part of the struggle against injustice.
Ms Desiree Ellis: For her excellent contribution to football, a male-dominated sport. Her sustained excellence provides encouragement to women to excel in their respective fields of endeavour.
Mr Siyamthanda ‘Siya’ Kolisi: For his inspirational leadership and contribution to rugby. He is a trailblazer in democratic South Africa by being the first black person to captain the Springboks to World Cup glory.
Mr Solomon Popoli Linda (Posthumous): For his contribution in the field of arts as a musician and composer. His creativity saw him produce a song that is both epochal and evocative to a nation.
Mr Bokwe James Mafuna: For his excellent contribution to journalism and political activism. His work is a perfect example of the intersection between journalism and scholarship on the liberation struggle.
The Order will be bestowed in Silver on:
Ms Bongiwe Dhlomo-Mautloa: For her contribution to the field of arts by curating creative projects that preserve significant periods in South African history.
Mr Keith Adrian Gottschalk: For using his creativity to draw critical attention to oppressive and unjust laws through performative political poetry. His work provided strength and motivated many people to fight for liberation.
Mr Duma Ndlovu: For his sterling work in the television and film industry in South Africa. Even in exile, he was steadfast in his commitment to the development of arts and culture in our country.
Mr Mthuthuzeli Ben Nomoyi (Posthumous): For his sterling work in the television (TV) and film industry in South Africa. He is one of the ground breakers in the production of TV and film local stories.
Mr Freek Robinson: For his contribution to journalism. His work encompassed the recording of history in motion.
Mr Mfundi Vundla: For his sterling work in the television and film industry in South Africa. His body of work in the field of arts is indisputable proof of the value of consistency.
The Order will be bestowed in Bronze on:
Mr John Arthur Black: For his contribution to action and endurance sport. His achievements have inspired many people by their sheer demonstration of human fortitude.
Mr Warren Neil Eva: For his contribution to action and endurance sport. His achievements have inspired many people by their sheer demonstration of human fortitude.
Mr Michael Mike Horn: For his contribution to action and endurance sport, which has earned him a reputation as one of the ‘greatest living explorers’ of our time.
Dr Matodzi Irene Mawela: For her outstanding contribution to the performing arts. Her natural voice induces evocative emotions that have moved many local and international people.
By Matlhomola Morake
