South African-born film composer Dr Trevor Jones will receive the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from President Cyril Ramaphosa at the National Orders ceremony taking place in Pretoria on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

The Presidency announced that Dr Jones is being recognised for his “contribution to musical arts and cinema through his composition of highly acclaimed scores for internationally successful films, and for opening his home in London as a place of refuge for many comrades of the liberation movement.”

Born in Cape Town, Dr Jones has enjoyed one of the most distinguished international careers ever achieved by a South African composer. After leaving South Africa during apartheid, he studied at London’s Royal Academy of Music before becoming one of Hollywood and Europe’s leading film composers. 

His body of work includes acclaimed scores for films such as The Last of the Mohicans, In the Name of the Father, Notting Hill, Mississippi Burning and Labyrinth.

Over several decades, his music has helped shape some of cinema’s most memorable moments while flying the South African flag on the global stage.

The National Orders are South Africa’s highest honours, awarded to citizens and distinguished foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions in fields including arts, science, sport, democracy and public service.

Other 2026 recipients across the various National Orders include:

Order of Ikhamanga

Rassie Erasmus, Wouter Kellerman, Jonathan Butler, Oskido, Todd Matshikiza, Kippie Moeketsi, Dalene Matthee and Samuel Mhangwani.

Order of the Baobab

Chabani Noel Manganyi, Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo and Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela.

Order of Luthuli

Jack Simons, Ray Alexander Simons, Mmagauta Molefe and Adele Kirsten.

Order of Mapungubwe

Tulio de Oliveira, Salim Abdool Karim, Vukosi Marivate and Karen Sliwa-Hahnle.

Order of the Companions of OR Tambo

Teresa Hillary Clarke, Pierre Magnee and Cherif Keita.

The awards ceremony will honour South Africans and international allies whose contributions have had a lasting impact on democracy, culture, science, education and social justice.