Germany recently awarded the country’s highest honour to South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom.
The Order of Merit was conferred on Minister Hanekom by Ambassador Walter Lindner, on behalf of Federal President Joachim Gauck at a ceremony held in Pretoria.
The Order of Merit is the highest tribute that Germany pays to individuals for their political, economic, social and intellectual achievements.
Ambassador Lindner said the Order of Merit was made in recognition of Minister Hanekom’s contribution to cooperation between Germany and South Africa during his tenure as Minister of Science and Technology.
Minister Hanekom said he was extremely humbled and honoured to receive the award.