APA-Pretoria (South Africa) Celebrated American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman and late Jamaican reggae crooner Peter Tosh are among several individuals to be bestowed with awards by President Cyril Ramaphosa this week for their contribution to South Africa’s independence and culture.

Director general in the Presidency Phindile Baleni said in a statement late Sunday that both Chapman and Tosh (real name Winston Hubert McIntosh) would be among five foreign nationals to be bestowed with the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo on April 28.

Chapman is being honoured for “her contribution to the fight for freedom by participating in efforts to free Nelson Mandela and raising awareness of human rights violations globally,” Baleni said.

The “Fast Car” and “Talking About A Revolution” hitmaker was famous for her social conscious songs during the 1980s when South Africans were fighting for freedom.

Tosh would be recognised for his contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle “using his musical talent to advance the liberation cause worldwide through incisive and awareness-raising lyrics in his music,” the official said.

Tosh would be honoured post-humous together with New Zealand anti-apartheid activist and educationist Thomas Oliver Newnham who “was particularly instrumental in shaming apartheid South Africa, and stopping rugby tours between South Africa and New Zealand.”

Christabel Gurney of United Kingdom would be bestowed with the same award for “providing steadfast support and friendship to freedom fighters by mobilising international communities and raising awareness of human rights violations globally.”

The final recipient of the Order of Companions of OR Tambo for this year would be German poet Ruth Weiss who contributed to the liberation struggle “through her prolific writing that shone the light on injustices in South Africa.”

“She has been a source of knowledge for other journalists and activists,” said Baleni who is also the Chancellor of National Orders.

Baleni also announced names of 30 other individuals who would be bestowed with national orders in recognition for their contributions towards the advancement of democracy and improvement of lives of South Africans.

These include playwright Mfundi Vundla who would be honoured for his “sterling work in the television and film industry in South Africa.”

“His body of work in the field of arts is indisputable proof of the value of consistency,” she said.

Vundla is the creator of South Africa’s longest-running soapie Generations which has premiered in 1993.

NM/jn/APA