Mafikeng Campus honours Steve Kekana and Babsy Mlangeni

Well-known musicians Adv Stephen Kekana and Mr Babsy Mlangeni received the Chancellor’s Award during the autumn graduation ceremony of North-West University’s Mafikeng Campus on 10 May 2012.

The Chancellor’s medal is awarded to persons who have shown exceptional achievement of a non-academic nature or who have made exceptional contributions in any sphere of life.

Adv Kekana and Mr Mlangeni, who are both visually-impaired, were honoured for their exceptional and continued contribution and service to both the national and international music entertainment industry; their association with the values of human rights, equity, disability and reconciliation; their social consciousness and promotion of social justice as well as education through music; and their role modelling and persistence to overcome obstacles.

Advocate Kekana, a labour consultant at Legal Smart and male vocalist, has produced a total of 43 albums and received more than 70 golden discs. He has also received several awards, including the Four Outstanding Young South African Award (1984), the Ten Outstanding Young People of the World Award (1985), and the Mama Beka Community Award (2010).

Mr Mlangeni is a seasoned professional with four decades of experience in the music industry. His musical journey has been taxing – creatively, emotionally and economically. It includes dealings with an unscrupulous talent scout and an unethical recording company. However, it also includes numerous hits and commercial success at Clive Calder Productions; starting the first Black-owned recording company, the Black Artists Management; releasing several albums including two gospel albums; and receiving more than 25 golden discs and several music awards.

After receiving their awards, the two musicians who have demonstrated that disability does not have to be an inability, entertained the graduates and guests.

Adv Stephen Kekana (left) entertained graduates and guests after he and Mr Babsy Mlangeni had been awarded the Chancellor's Award. On the right, Mr Babsy Mlangeni is congratulated by Campus Rector Prof Dan Kgwadi.