Rebecca Malope, a gospel star, was awarded a national order for her remarkable contribution to South African music and for reaching the hearts of millions via song.
President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the best-selling gospel singer with a silver Order of Ikhamanga on Thursday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Malope was still on cloud nine when he spoke to Sowetan after snapping pictures and having lunch with Ramaphosa.
“It hasn’t hit me yet that I’ve gotten a national order for my song.” Thank you and appreciative are inadequate words to explain how I am feeling. I am humbled to have won this national honor. When I make music, I don’t do it to be recognized. I am honored and humbled by South Africans’ generous gesture in nominating me for the national order.”
Malope stated of his meeting with Ramaphosa, “We had a lovely lunch with the president and he is a kind guy.” He’s simply a regular man from down the street.
We shot photographs of him, and he is a wonderful person. I’d want to thank him, as well as the entire country, for this national order.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala received the Order of Ikhamanga in gold posthumously for his remarkable contribution to the development of African Isicathamiya music, which was presented on global platforms and brought honor and togetherness to South Africa.
I really Think that Rebecca Malope has worked really hard to achieve all of her current accomplishments. Her singing is well-known throughout the country, and she is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most beloved gospel singers.
One of her greatest accomplishments is being acknowledged by the president of the United States. Ramaphosa also demonstrates outstanding leadership characteristics by appreciating and acknowledging the good achievements of South Africans.
