In previous years, the following recipients have received the Reconciliation award:

2009: Judge Albie Sachs - 'for realising reconciliation through his life and work.'
2008: Shine Centre - 'for helping, through volunteerism, foundation phase learners with literacy.'
2007: The community of Masiphumelele - 'for setting an example in promoting tolerance towards foreign nationals, and in striving to ensure dignity and justice for all in their community.'
2006: Ouma Grietjie Adams -'For holding the community together in mourning, conflict and celebration.'
2005: Brigalia Bam - 'For her role in enabling peaceful democratic elections'
2004: Mary Burton - 'For her work in the Black Sash and elsewhere'
2003: Dullah and Farieda Omar - 'For their contribution to the TRC process'
2002: PJ Powers and Sibongile Khumalo - 'For singing one another's songs'
2001: Pieter Dirk Uys - 'For enabling us to laugh at ourselves'
2000: Tim Modise - 'For getting the nation talking'

Criteria for nominees

• Nominations have to be based on achievements accomplished or work done in any sphere of South African society during the previous year.
• The achievements or work of the nominee has to be exceptional, and must have made a major contribution to reconciliation in the context where s/he is active.
• The nominee should provide a living testimony to the values of democracy, inclusivity and non-violence, both in public and private life.
• Nominees may come from all walks of life.