Order of the Baobab: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of the Baobab, including the fields it recognises, its three classes, symbolism and notable recipients.
What is the Order of the Baobab?
The Order of the Baobab is a South African National Order awarded to citizens for distinguished service. The Presidency identifies three broad areas of recognition: business and the economy; science, medicine and technological innovation; and community service. [1][3]
The Order is intended for service that goes beyond ordinary professional or civic contribution. Its three classes distinguish between exceptional, excellent and outstanding service. [1][3]
Why the baobab is the symbol of the Order
The design is built around the baobab tree. The Presidency associates the tree with endurance, wisdom, utility and sustained service, drawing on its longevity, broad trunk and long-standing practical and symbolic importance in African societies. [1]
The central badge depicts a baobab inside a nine-sided polygon. The nine sides represent South Africa’s nine provinces and, in the Presidency’s explanation, the many possible areas in which service to the country can be rendered. [1]
Gold, silver and bronze classes
The Order is conferred in gold, silver and bronze. Gold is the Supreme Counsellor of the Baobab and is awarded for exceptional service; silver is the Grand Counsellor and is awarded for excellent service; bronze is the Counsellor and is awarded for outstanding service. [1]
Each award includes a neck badge, a miniature and a lapel rosette. The Presidency’s current webpage lists GCOB for the gold Supreme Counsellor, GCOB again for the silver Grand Counsellor, and COB for bronze. Because the official page itself repeats GCOB for the first two classes, South African Index records that wording as published rather than silently substituting an alternative abbreviation. [1]
Recent recipients
For the 2026 National Orders, Professor Chabani Noel Manganyi was named for the Order of the Baobab in Gold for his contribution as a thought leader and intellectual activist on Black Consciousness and Black identity. [4]
The same announcement named Professor Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo for silver in recognition of his work in cardiology, and Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela for bronze for work on social cohesion, conflict resolution and the psychology of forgiveness. [4]
How the Order fits into South Africa’s honours system
The Order of the Baobab is one of six current National Orders administered through The Presidency. National Orders are bestowed by the President, with the Chancellor of National Orders and the Advisory Council on National Orders assisting in the process. [2]
Public nominations are accepted through the National Orders process. The 2026 call asked nominators to explain the nominee’s achievements, exceptional milestones and the distinguished service for which national recognition was being sought. [3]
Sources
- The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, The Order of the Baobab. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
- The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, National Orders. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
- The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, The Presidency invites nominations for National Orders, 2026-09-08. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
- The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, The Presidency announces recipients of National Orders, 2026-05-14. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩