Latest PRISA Gold Medal award winners

Previous recipients included Dr Chris Barnard (1968), Gary Player (1973), Dr Nico Diederichs (1975), Dr J G Loubser (1978), Louis Rive (1981), President FW de Klerk (1991), President Nelson Mandela (1996), Mark Shuttleworth (2002) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2008).

Adele Paulsen, PRISA executive director, confirmed that the tribute for outstanding public relations for South Africa in their roles in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be handed out at a gala dinner being held in conjunction with its national conference at Durban's Chief Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre, 13-14 June.

"The PRISA Board was unanimous in their selection for the award, as both soccer stalwarts demonstrated exceptional leadership style in securing and executing Africa's first soccer World Cup that catapulted our developing democracy into the centre of the world stage," said Paulsen.

Marlan Padayachee of GreenGold Africa Communications

"Individually and collectively, they worked tirelessly and passionately to raise the profile, image and reputation of South Africa as a country that is transforming, developing and progressing despite some of the enormous challenges it is faced with. We believe their combined strengths in leadership and organisation have resulted in a tangible and intangible legacy in the form of world class stadiums and brand building for South Africa."

PRISA appointed Marlan Padayachee of GreenGold Africa Communications as external consultants in media, communications, media liaison and protocol for the national conference for the Gold Medals

Corrected at 3.18pm on 15 June 2011 at PRISA's request.