The Order of Good Hope was founded in 1973, by the republican government of South Africa, to grant those who had distinguished themselves in the promotion of international relationships and to have sensibilised the general interest towards South Africa.

[citation needed] President Nelson Mandela had announced his intention to reform the Order.

[citation needed] The insignia was also costing the government around 11,000 rand per initiate.

[citation needed] In its place was created the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo.

Awarded to foreign citizens (and, from 1980 to 1988, to South Africans too), for promoting international relations with the increasingly isolated apartheid state.