‘Muvhango’ creator Duma Ndlovu. Image via Twitter @zimojaL_
State capture link: National Orders for Duma Ndlovu withdrawn
‘Muvhango’ creator Duma Ndlovu and two others will no longer be receiving National Order awards as Ramaphosa withdrew their nominations.
‘Muvhango’ creator Duma Ndlovu. Image via Twitter @zimojaL_
Poet, playwright and producer Duma Ka Ndlovu — popularly known for creating Muvhango, Imbewu: The Seed and Uzalo — will no longer be receiving National Orders on Friday, 28 April.
Ndlovu, broadcaster Freek Robinson and explorer Mike Horne all had their nominations withdrawn by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday following objections.
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PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA WITHDRAWS THREE NOMINATIONS
“Following objections from various sectors of society and on the recommendation of the National Orders Advisory Council [NOAC], President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the withdrawal of three nominees who were nominated to receive respective orders, in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, from the list of 35 chosen recipients to be conferred,” The Presidency said in a statement.
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The list has been cut down to 32 recipients nominated for the national orders, which are the highest awards that South Africa bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
“To uphold the integrity of National Orders, the NOAC, will further adopt measures to strengthen the selection process. These measures include a workshop which will be undertaken by Council members at the end of April 2023. Timelines of the selection process will also be reviewed,” the statement read.
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WHY DUMA NDLOVU’S NATIONAL ORDER NOMINATION WAS WITHDRAWN
The ANC Veterans League (ANCVL) earlier called on Ramaphosa to reconsider giving Ndlovu an award, owed to him for being implicated in state capture at the South African Revenue Service.
During the Zondo Commission of Inquiry, the former Muvhango executive producer was credited with introducing former president Jacob Zuma to former managing partner at Bain and Company South Africa, Vittorio Massone.
Ndlovu was set to be bestowed with the prestigious Order Of Ikhamanga for his work in the television and film industry.
ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalaka SowetanLive that they welcome the withdrawal.
“All that we are saying is that this is one of the most prestigious awards and including people like Duma Ndlovu is uncalled for and denting the integrity of the awards.
“We are happy that the president acted swiftly and we commend him for that.”
