Europe News Desk!! Two Indian-origin South African citizens have been awarded the National Order of Honor for 2023 for their contribution to the advancement of democracy and the improvement of the lives of people in the country. Late anti-apartheid activist Ibrahim Ismail Ibrahim and scientist Abubakar Ibrahim Dangor were presented with the award by President Cyril Ramaphosa at an event in Pretoria on Friday. This honor is awarded by South Africa to its citizens and distinguished foreign nationals. Ibrahim posthumously received the Order of Luthuli for contributions to democracy, nation building, democracy building and human rights, justice and peace as well as conflict resolution. The honor was given in recognition of Ibrahim’s lifelong commitment to the liberation of all South Africans, said a statement issued by the president’s office. His strong convictions made him a formidable opponent to the oppressive apartheid government.
As a member of the African National Congress (ANC), Ibrahim spent over 15 years in prison on Robben Island, along with Nelson Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada, for working against the apartheid government. Also known as AB, he was also the former Deputy Minister of International Relations, and passed away in December 2021 after a prolonged illness. He joined the liberation struggle at age 13 after his father was arrested twice for defying laws restricting the movement of Indians in South Africa, and often said he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha. Had happened His autobiography, Beyond Fear – Reflections of a Freedom Fighter, has been released by his wife, Shannon. Dengor was awarded The Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze for his meritorious and distinguished contribution to the field of science through his important research in physics. Dangore, who lived in the UK, could not return permanently to South Africa, as the white minority apartheid government refused to allow his black wife from Bermuda to enter South Africa. Ramaphosa said those who are receiving this honor are symbols of equality, advancement of human rights, freedom and most importantly human dignity.
–IANS
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