He was excited to be bestowed with the prestigious Order Of Ikhamanga in Silver for his sterling work in the television and film industry in South Africa. Decorated poet, film maker, producer, journalist and playwright Duma Ndlovu known for his commitment to developing arts and culture in Mzansi told ZiMoja last week that he was over the moon about the recognition. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since withdrawn three nominees from the list, including that of Muvhango creator.?

WITHDRAWN?

Duma was nominated to receive the respective Order in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria. He was meant to be given the award for his contribution towards the advancement of democracy and has made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans. "Following objections from various sectors of society and on the recommendation of the National Orders Advisory Council (NOAC), President Ramaphosa has accepted the withdrawal of three nominees who were nominated to receive respective Orders in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria,' a statement from the Presidency reads. "The three are Mr. Duma Ndlovu, Mr. Freek Robinson, and Mr. Mike Horne from the list of 35 chosen recipients to be conferred."

?THE SELECTION PROCESS?

The National Orders Advisory Council has put it on record that they will strengthen the screening before a selection process. "To uphold the integrity of National Orders, the NOAC will further adopt measures to strengthen the selection process. These measures include a workshop that will be undertaken by Council members at the end of April 2023. Timelines of the selection process will also be reviewed.'?

A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENCY

?The ANC Veterans League sent a letter to the presidency asking that Duma's nomination be evoked. The league's president Snuki Zikalala said the filmmaker's nomination was "tarnishing' the "reputation' of the awards. "The national working committee of the league's national task team met earlier today to discuss the inclusion of Ndlovu as a recipient. They expressed dismay and deep concern at his inclusion since it was alleged in the Zondo Commission deliberations that he was involved in matters that led to the debilitation and capture of the South African Revenue Services. National Orders are of a very prestigious nature and should only be awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the struggle against apartheid and the building of our democracy.'?

EMBROILED IN THE ZONDO COMMISSION?

It was reported last year that former president Jacob Zuma and Tom Moyane conspired with Bain & Company, in a quest to siphon funds out of SARS under the guise of restructuring the organisation and other state-owned entities since 2013. This is when the firm allegedly entered into a business development and stakeholder management contract with events business, Ambrobrite. In the reports, the company had no trading history and no history of filed financial statements and led by film veteran and businessmen Duma Ndlovu and Mpumelelo Ngema.