The Federal Republic of Germany awarded South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom the Order of Merit, conferred on him by ambassador Walter Lindner on behalf of Federal President Joachim Gauck. The Order of Merit is the highest tribute that Germany pays to individuals for their political, economic, social and intellectual achievements. Ambassador Lindner said the Order of Merit was made in recognition of Minister Hanekom's contribution to cooperation between Germany and South Africa during his tenure as Minister of Science and Technology.
