Medals Database > By Country > South Africa

The Order of Ikhamanga

Time Period: Post-WW2
Institution: 30 November 2003
Country: South Africa

The Order of the Ikhamanga (abbreviated as OIG/OIS/OIB) is a South African order established in 2003 to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport.

Named after the Xhosa word for the strelitzia flower, a symbol of endurance and resilience, the order celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment and advancement of South African society through their talent, creativity, and dedication.

The order has three classes:

Gold (OIG), for exceptional achievement,
Silver (OIS), for excellent achievement,
Bronze (OIB), for outstanding achievement.

The Order of Ikhamanga Design

The oval-shaped emblem features various symbolic elements, including a rising sun, a “Lydenburg head”, two strelitzia flowers, a drum, three circles, and two roadways. Each of these elements carries significance: the head symbolizes the arts, the sun represents glory, the circles signify sport, and the roads symbolize the journey towards excellence. The reverse side of the badge displays the South African coat of arms.

The ribbon, worn around the neck, is adorned with a golden hue and is embellished with four cream-colored lines along each edge. In the center, a recurring pattern of stylized dancing figures adds a dynamic touch to the design.

Designed by Charles Peter Gareth Smart, a graphic designer based in Pretoria, South Africa, the Order of Ikhamanga embodies the nation’s cultural richness and celebrates excellence across various fields of endeavor.