Rassie Erasmus will be bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to rugby in the country.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will receive the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Gold next Tuesday, the Presidency announced.

The Presidency’s director-general, Phindile Baleni, who is also the chancellor of National Orders, said in a statement on Thursday that the Order of Ikhamanga recognised South African citizens who excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport.

“His [Erasmus] inspirational leadership in national and international rugby has propelled the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup Championships.

“Victory on the field of play has advanced social cohesion among South Africans and raised the nation’s esteem in the international community,” Baleni said.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was bestowed the same order in 2023.

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National Orders are the highest awards in the country that the president bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed to the advancement of democracy and made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.

They also recognise the contributions made by individuals who contributed and continue to contribute to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in the Constitution.

“His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa will bestow on deserving recipients the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo,” Baleni said.

Others who stand to receive orders are flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman, journalist and musician Todd Matshikiza (posthumously), music scholar Professor Khabajane Vivian Mngoma, musician and saxophonist Jeremiah Moeketsi (posthumously), Queeneth Ndaba (posthumously), and performing artist Molefe Pheto (posthumously).

The order will be bestowed in silver on jazz artist Jonathan Butler, Johnny Dyani (posthumously), Andiswa Gebashe, and Norman Hlabane, among others.