Director of the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the College of Humanities Dr Ismail Mahomed has been presented with the National Order of Merit award on behalf of the President of the French Republic.
The award, which highlights great services rendered to France, is bestowed upon those who have contributed to furthering the influence of France through their personality, the expansion of French culture through their activities, and who contribute to the life of French communities abroad.
‘I receive the Award with humility,’ said Mahomed. ‘I thank both South African and French artists who I have worked with over several years in the interest of engaging the arts to create a world where social justice prevails.’
The Ambassador of France to South Africa, Mr Aurélien Lechevallier, who presented the award, said: ‘We celebrate Dr Ismail Mahomed as a passionate advocate for the arts, who throughout his outstanding career has been tirelessly committed to defending the interests of artists and cultural players in this country that we all cherish.
‘We are also celebrating a friend, whose support for France and cultural exchanges with France have been invaluable, and whose advice we have sought year after year in order to build a relationship with the South African cultural scene that is strong and, most of all, meaningful,’ said Lechevallier.
In 2016, Mahomed was awarded the Chevalier des l ‘Ordre des Artes et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of the Arts and Literature) from France.
