The order is named after the ancient civilisation of Mapungubwe, which was located in modern-day South Africa.[1] It was instituted on 6 December 2002, and its first recipient (in the highest class) was former president Nelson Mandela.
Classes
The order originally had three classes, and was enlarged to four in 2004:
Platinum (OMP), for exceptional and unique achievements;
Gold (OMG), for exceptional achievements;
Silver (OMS), for excellent achievements; and
Bronze (OMB), for outstanding achievements.
Design
The badge is a horizontal oval above an inverted trapezium. Inside the oval frame is depicted a golden rhinoceros with the sun rising above Mapungubwe Hill in the background. The convex upper edge of the trapezium is decorated with a beadwork pattern and the sides are edged with sceptres. In the centre is an ornate crucible from which molten gold flows down to a red furnace. The South African coat of arms is displayed on the reverse.
The ribbon is gold, edged with a line of cream-coloured bead-like dots along each edge, and recurring cream-coloured rhinoceros silhouettes down the centre. All four classes are worn around the neck.