Tuesday, April 26 2005 18:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Durban: India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was today (Apr 26, 2005) conferred with the highest South African honour for foreign nationals in recognition of his struggle against colonialism and racism.

The award, 'The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo', was presented by President Thabo Mbeki to Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi, who was deputed by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for the purpose.

Mbeki said that the award was in recognition of Nehru's outstanding contribution in the fight against colonialism and racism and his struggle for freedom of Third World countries.

He also said that the former Prime Minister was one of the leaders who had made an outstanding contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM).

Former Indonesian President Ahmed Sukarno was also bestowed with the same honour.

Mbeki gave away the award a day after returning from Bandung in Indonesia where African and Asian leaders celebrated the 50th anniversary of the conference, which led to the establishment of NAM.

Nehru and Sukarno were two of 27 personalities honoured by Mbeki today for their contribution to the upliftment of humanity.

Among the local South Africans honoured, were two leaders of Indian origin - former Justice and Transport Minister Dullah Omar and former Speaker of the National Assembly Frene Ginwala - who were recognised for their struggles against apartheid.