Pretoria — At least 26 South African heroes in politics, community work, human rights and academic fields will be bestowed the country's highest honours for their selfless contribution towards the attainment of freedom.

Among those to be honoured are former anti-apartheid leaders John Dube, Anton Lembede (both posthumously), ex Parliament speaker Frene Ginwala, former lawyer and transport minister Dullah Omar, and leader Nehru Jawaharal.

Mr Murphy Morobe, head of communications in the Presidency told reporters in Tshwane today that President Thabo Mbeki would bestow these leaders, several outstanding community activists, scientist and foreign leaders with national orders of Mapungubwe, Baobab, Luthuli, and the Companion of OR Tambo.

The Orders are the highest honour government bestows on outstanding citizens who displayed "distinguished and exceptional achievement" that served the national interest and impacted positively internationally in their respective fields.

The prestigious ceremony is due to take place at the Union Buildings in Tshwane next Tuesday - a day before the Freedom Day celebrations.

Other heroes such Marjorie Manganye, a community worker and late trade unionist Flag Boshielo will be honoured for their "exceptional contribution and dedication" to the struggle for liberation and workers rights.

It will be the second time President Mbeki honours Boshielo. The president renamed the Arabie dam in Limpopo after the late anti-apartheid activist who according to the apartheid security "disappeared". His body is yet to be found.