The Order of Mendi for Bravery is a South African civilian honour awarded to South Africans who have performed acts of bravery in attempts to save lives or property. It is granted by the President of South Africa for acts performed by South African citizens anywhere in the world.[1] Instituted on 30 November 2003,[2] it was originally called the Mendi Decoration for Bravery and was renamed as an order on 22 October 2004.
The order is named after a World War I troopship, the SS Mendi, which sank after a collision in 1917, killing more than 600 black South African troops. Although it is a civilian honour, it has been awarded to military units, including units involved in rescuing the victims of the 1991 MTS Oceanos wreck and the 2000 Mozambican floods.
Classes
The Order of Mendi has three classes:
Gold (OMBG), for conspicuous bravery;
Silver (OMBS), for exceptional bravery; and
Bronze (OMBB), for outstanding bravery.
Design
The badge of the order has the oval shape of a traditional African shield. On the obverse is an image of the SS Mendi with a blue crane flying overhead, sealed above by a green emerald which is surrounded on three sides by depictions of the bitter aloe. Behind the shield are a crossed assegai and knobkierrie, and the whole design is surrounded by a border decorated with lion pawprints. The reverse displays the Coat of Arms of South Africa. In addition to the neck badge, the award comprises a miniature medallion and a lapel rosette.[3]
For bravery and valour in the face of overwhelming odds, and for sacrificing his life for his comrades and in the cause of justice, freedom and democracy.
For his bravery in leading a rebellion against the repressive laws of the colonialist government and for laying down his life for the cause of justice.
For exceptional contribution to the freedom struggle in Southern Africa by embarking on the first-ever armed military operation against white rule in 20th century South Africa, thereby waging pitched battles against the then Rhodesian state, and by displaying immense bravery against tremendous military odds.
For her contribution to the attainment of freedom in South Africa through putting her medical profession to the service of exiled South African freedom fighters.
For his exceptional contribution to the struggle for freedom, displaying extreme courage against all odds and ultimately sacrificing his life for a democratic South Africa.
For her selfless sacrifice and her fearless actions, in an attempt to save the lives of young children from the fire and thereby sacrificing her own life.
For demonstrating bravery and valour and for sacrificing her life for her comrades in the cause for a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
For displaying an act of bravery by putting his life at risk to save the lives of 44 children who were at the risk of drowning when the bus they were travelling in capsized and fell into a river.
For his excellent contribution in the fight against the unjust laws of apartheid, often at times putting his life in danger to ensure freedom for all South Africans.
For his exceptional contribution in pursuit of equality and universal suffrage in South Africa. He never relented, even when this meant endangering his life in a society where anti-government sentiments were crushed with chilling brutality.
For his excellent contribution to the fight for liberation in South Africa. He endured tremendous personal persecution for the ideal of a democratic and liberated society.
For his excellent contribution to the fight for the liberation of the people of South Africa. He enabled a safe passage for many young people who went into exile to fight for freedom.
For his excellent contribution to the fight against the oppressive and racist apartheid regime. Despite great risks, he was never deterred from fighting against injustice.
For his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle. His selfless sacrifice, bravery and thirst for freedom led to democracy at the ultimate cost of his own life.
For his excellent contribution to the fight for the liberation of the people of South Africa. His steadfast belief in the equality of all citizens inspired him to fight fearlessly until democracy was realised.
For his excellent contribution to peace-building during a particularly violent and delicate time in the history of the liberation struggle. He paid the ultimate price for his dedication to peace and freedom.
For her excellent contribution to the struggle for freedom and courage in joining Umkhonto we Sizwe. She fought for the liberation of our people and selflessly sacrificed her time to ensure that all South Africans live as equals.
For his excellent contribution to the fight against the oppression of the people of South Africa. His bravery and courage of convictions saw him leave his home and loved ones into distant lands to fight for the freedom that is enjoyed today.
For his selfless contribution to the struggle for the liberation of the people of South Africa. He gallantly joined the armed struggle with the conviction that no one deserved to be treated with indignity.
Thapelo Tambani †
Silver
2019
For his selfless act of saving another life, which led to his unfortunate demise.
For his ultimate sacrifice to the liberation of South Africa. He endured unspeakable torture and cruelty, refusing to betray his comrades right to the victorious end of his life.
For providing morale through poignant words and support in the darkest hour of soldiers who died in the sinking of the SS Mendi. His words and courage are his iconic legacy that lives on.
Chand Basson †
Silver
2021
For his ultimate sacrifice of saving lives from certain death and taking a stray bullet shielding a stranger from a gang.
Roydon Olckers †
Silver
2021
For courageously saving the lives of two learners and sacrificing his own.
Denver Kok †
Silver
2023
For his selfless and heroic act in saving the lives of commuters in immediate danger. Through his courageous deed, he paid the ultimate price to ensure the survival of other people.