The Order of Ikhamanga in Gold

Daniel “Danny” Jordaan (1951 - ) Awarded for:

His excellent contribution to and hard work in ensuring that South Africa hosted a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Profile of Daniel "Danny" Jordan

Born on 3 September 1951 in the friendly city of Port Elizabeth, Daniel “Danny” Jordaan is a renowned sports administrator and a former lecturer, politician and anti-apartheid activist. 

He became involved in anti-apartheid activities by joining the South African Students’ Organisation in the early 1970s, an organisation founded by the late Steve Biko to defend the rights of black students in South Africa. Later, Mr Jordaan became a member of the United Democratic Front and the African National Congress (ANC).

His political career progressed remarkably till 1990 when he was elected chairperson of the ANC branch in Port Elizabeth. After the first fully inclusive South African elections in 1994, Mr Jordaan became a Member of Parliament for the ANC. He held this position until 1997. Earlier in 1993, he was appointed as a director of the Cape Town Olympic Bid Company, inaugurating a decorated career in sports administration.

In 1997, Mr Jordaan was elected Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Football Association (Safa). He was instrumental in transforming the economy of South African football, raising revenue from the sport from US$3,2 million to US$35 million. 

Mr Jordaan led South Africa’s bid to host the 2006 FIFA World CupTM, narrowly losing out to Germany but gaining great respect internationally for his work. 

He has since served FIFA in numerous capacities, including, as a general coordinator for the Youth World Cup (now known as FIFA U-20 World Cup), 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2002 FIFA World CupTM in Korea/Japan. He was also a match commissioner for the 2006 FIFA World CupTM and a member of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM Local Organising Committee.

Having led South Africa to a successful bid in 2004 for the right to host the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, Mr Jordaan was then elected CEO of the South Africa 2010 Organising Committee for the 2010 showpiece. 

Mr Jordaan has served on the Marketing and Television Board of FIFA since 1998. He is also a member of the International Marketing Council. 

Mr Jordaan holds a BA Degree from the University of the Western Cape, and an Honours Degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa). He received three honorary doctorates, namely a Doctorate in Philosophy from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, a Doctorate in Administration from Unisa, as well as a doctorate in Philosophy from his alma mater, the University of the Western Cape.

In 2000, he won the South Africa’s marketing person of the year award, while in 2001 he was the recipient of the Presidential Sport Achievement Award from former President Thabo Mbeki. In 2004, Jordaan was voted 44th in the Top 100 Great South Africans and Newsmaker of the Year. 

He received a mayoral award from the Mayor of Los Angeles, California, on 24 October 2004. Mr Jordaan has been given the freedom of the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. He has also received numerous awards from other South African cities.

We are proud to honour Mr Daniel “Danny” Jordaan with the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for his excellent work and dedication in helping South Africa secure the right to host the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, and also for playing a significant role in the success of the tournament itself.