President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured Rassie Erasmus with the National Order, among other outstanding individuals, during a ceremony in Pretoria on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. The national order remains the highest civilian honour in South Africa, awarded to distinguished citizens and foreign nationals.
With President Ramaphosa speaking at the ceremony, he spoke about South Africa’s independence and the role civilians played. He also mentioned the support from other foreign nationals, and how they helped the country to independence.
Among them is the Springboks coach, one of the best rugby coaches in the world.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA HONOURS RASSIE ERASMUS WITH THE NATIONAL ORDER
Undoubtedly, the greatest rugby coach South Africa has ever produced, Rassie, established the Springboks among the best teams. For the past decade, the Springboks have proved to be the best sports team in South Africa, making it the best rugby nation worldwide.
In doing so, Rassie has promoted unity among South Africans and raised the flag so high. Thanks to his work, Rassie is now a recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold.
OTHER ICONS RECOGNISED
Besides Rassie Erasmus, other outstanding individuals received the National Order. Among them were music icons, Oskido and Jonathan Butler, who received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.
In politics, Anti-apartheid activists Jack Simons and Ray Alexander Simons also received the Order of Luthuli in Gold posthumously for their role in the liberation struggle.
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