Peter Tosh Honoured For His Contribution To SA Democracy
By Kopano Dibakwane
Legendary Jamaican reggae musician, Winston Hubert McIntosh, popularly known as Peter Tosh, was posthumously bestowed with the Order of Companions of O.R Tambo at the 2023 National Orders Awards, a ceremony that was led by president Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho presidential guest house in Tshwane.
The award was presented to foreign nationals who contributed to the advancement of democracy and making a huge impact in improving the lives of South Africans.
Peter Tosh was known for condemning and calling for the immediate abolishment of the apartheid system through his popular songs such as; Equal rights, Get up stand up, 400 years, Downpressor man and Mama Africa- before he was brutally assassinated on 11 September 1987 in Kingston, Jamaica.
He was part of the world renowned reggae outfit called The Wailers, alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. Tosh’s prestigious accolade was received by his youngest daughter Niambe MacIntosh.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, during the ceremony, that the Order of Companions of O.R Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendships shown to South Africa.
” We salute this year’s recipients, some of whom are no longer with us, for using their talents to draw attention to the great injustice that was apartheid.
“As much as the regime tried to commit attrocities in secret, the friends of the South African people in the media, the music industry and in the publishing world always made sure that their crimes were exposed. They wrote, published and sang about us and our plight,” said Ramaphosa.
Other National Orders which were presented to South African citizens included; the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of Luthuli, which were each categorised in gold, silver and bronze.
The total number of recipients on the day was 32, including American guatirist Tracy Chapman, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Generations producer Mfundi Vundla, composer Solomon Linda known for his popular song called Mbube, to name but a few.
