Dr John Kani said he was still in disbelief after being bestowed as the honorary officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King Charles III.

The British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, said the United Kingdom (UK) honours system recognises exceptional achievement and service and includes non-British nationals who receive honorary awards.

“When you get the call that on the list presented to you to King Charles III, your name has been confirmed, you think, alright, my god, this is good, this is great, actually, but then you pretend that maybe it’s just another award.”