Medals Database > By Country > South Africa

The Order of Luthuli

Time Period: Post-WW2
Institution: 30 November 2003
Country: South Africa

The Order of Luthuli is a South African order established in 2003 and conferred by the President of South Africa in recognition of outstanding contributions to the fight for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice, peace, and conflict resolution.

Named after Chief Albert Luthuli, a prominent leader of the African National Congress and South Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the order pays homage to his legacy and commitment to advancing social justice and equality.

The Order of Luthuli has three classes:

Gold (OLG), for exceptional contributions,
Silver (OLS), for excellent contributions,
Bronze (OLB), for outstanding contribution.

The Order of Luthuli Design

The emblem of the order features an equilateral triangle, with a flintstone positioned above a clay pot. The flintstone symbolizes the rising sun over Isandhlwana and the national flag, flanked by two animal horns emerging from the clay pot, bearing the initials AL. Isandhlwana represents peace and tranquility, while the leopard-skin bands around the bases of the horns represent Chief Luthuli’s headdress. On the reverse side, the South African coat of arms is prominently displayed.

The ribbon, worn around the neck, is adorned with a golden hue and is embellished with cream-colored AL monograms along each edge. In the center, recurring cream-colored outlines of the flintstone, depicting the national flag, add a distinctive element to the design. All three classes of the order are worn in this manner.