Hashim Amla has become the first cricketer in since 2008 to receive South Africa's Order of Ikhamanga, a national award. Amla was named as a silver award recipient by the Chancellor of National Orders, Dr. Cassius Lubisi.

National Orders are the highest awards which acknowledges citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have made a significant impact in improving the lives of South Africans. The award is bestowed on those in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music journalism, and sport.

“Amla is being honoured for his contribution to the sport of cricket. He has brought pride to our country with his many batting firsts in the international cricket arena and remains one of the leading batsmen of our time," explained Dr. Lubisi.

Amla, the only South African to have scored a triple-century in Test cricket, has 54 international hundreds to his name. He is currently ranked 11th on the ICC Test batsmen's rankings and 12th in ODIs and has captained South Africa in all formats. He is also the leading ODI centurion for the Proteas.

In 2008, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini were named as Order of Ikhamanga recipients. The former is the leading wicket-taker for the rainbow nation in Tests while the latter is the first black African to play Test cricket for South Africa. These two cricketers, along with Amla, are the only cricketers to be named for the order during their playing days.

South Afria born England cricketer Basil D'Oliveira was the first recipient of the award in 2003, the same year it was incepted.