Prof Thuli Madonsela receives top French honour at L’Avenir

The Ambassador of France to South Africa, His Excellency Aurélien Lechevallier bestowed the distinction of Chevalier de la légion d’honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) upon Stellenbosch University Professor and former South African Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, on behalf of the French President Emmanuel Macron at L’Avenir Wine Estate.

The Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil, established in 1802. While membership to the Legion is technically restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may receive the honour, bestowed on only a few of distinguished recipients.

Regarded as one of the fiercest modern defenders of human rights and democracy in South Africa, Madonsela is a multiple award-winning legal professional, with over 50 national and global awards, as well as eight honorary Doctor of Law degrees. As one of the drafters of South Africa’s Constitution and co-architect of several laws that have sought to anchor South Africa’s democracy, Madonsela was the Public Protector of South Africa from 2009 to 2016 and has been credited with transforming the institution by enhancing its effectiveness in promoting good governance and integrity.

The Knight of Legion was bestowed upon Madonsela in recognition of her remarkable achievements in defence of the rule of law and the fight against corruption in South Africa. With social development as one of its key pillars, L’Avenir is honoured to have been chosen by the French embassy as the venue for this prestigious event, which also highlighted and strengthened ties between South Africa and France.

“Professor Madonsela is a role model and inspiration to many South Africans. This also applies to L’Avenir, where leadership – not only in terms of Pinotage, but in the broader societal context as a key role player for social development and education in Stellenbosch – is a fundamental part of the team’s values,” explains Advini South Africa managing director, Naretha Ricome.

For more information contact Dr Edo Heyns – Advini South Africa Strategic Development Director: Edo.heyns@advinisa.co.za