On 19 May 2026, Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the National Orders ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. The ceremony honoured men and women who dedicated their lives to the struggle for freedom, equality, justice, and dignity in South Africa. Through these awards, the nation recognises those whose sacrifices and courage laid the foundation for a democratic South Africa. 

President Ramaphosa posthumously bestowed the National Order of Luthuli in Silver on Caiphus Nyoka in recognition of his contribution to the struggle against the apartheid regime. He selflessly paid the ultimate price for standing against inhumane and unjust laws. He sacrificed his life so that all South Africans could live in freedom and dignity. Even beyond his grave, he inspired the pursuit of justice, which ultimately resulted in his murderers being convicted four decades later. 

Caiphus Nyoka was an anti-apartheid activist and student leader from Daveyton, Benoni. He was a member of the Congress of South African Students and the South African Youth Congress. On 24 August 1987, Security Branch and Reaction Unit police officers stormed his family home and killed him. More than three decades later, former police officer Johan Marais confessed to the murder. On 10 July 2025, Marais was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment after pleading guilty. On 2 December 2025, his co-accused, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht and Pieter Egbert Stander, were also convicted of murder. 

The award was received on behalf of the Nyoka family by his sister, Alegria Nyoka. Even after his death, his story continued to inspire the pursuit of justice and accountability. President Ramaphosa emphasised that, by bestowing this honour, South Africa affirms that the story of its freedom must continue to be carried by future generations and never fade into history.