The joyful scenes described in the introduction are part of graduation ceremonies all over South Africa and the experience was no different on 22 and 23 May, when the NWU conferred honorary doctorates on Adv Thuli Madonsela, Dr Imtiaz Ismail Sooliman and Prof Monica Ferreira.

 

The Totius Hall on the campus in Potchefstroom vibrated with excitement as family, friends and members of the public witnessed this illustrious occasion.

 

Capping the cream of the crop

 

Adv Thuli Madonsela was awarded the honorary doctorate for her role in promoting democracy in South Africa, emphasising good governance and accountability.

 

Among the numerous accolades she received are the Botswana Lawyers Association Honorary Membership of the Botswana Bar, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s Truth and Justice Award and Time magazine’s listing as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world.

 

She says that although this is her sixth honorary doctorate, she has since learned that she and the NWU share the same goal in seeking to achieve social responsiveness.

 

Coming home to be honoured

 

Founder of non-profit organisation Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman was recognised for his exceptional leadership, people skills, philanthropy and cross-border and international cooperation in providing disaster relief.

 

Although this is his eighth honorary doctorate, he says it is a great honour.

 

“Potchefstroom is my home town and to have an academic institution from my home town honouring my hard work is a wonderful experience. I left the town 45 years ago, and it is just sad that my parents are not here to witness this event; they would have been over the moon,” he says.

 

Putting aging on the world stage

 

Prof Monica Ferreira was honoured for being Africa’s most prominent first-generation exponent of research in the development of policy on aging, driving recognition on African issues on a national scale and contributing to the conversation internationally.

 

She is still actively contributing as honorary president of the only International Longevity Centre (ILC) in Africa, after having served as co-president of the Global Alliance with Baroness Sally Greengross in the UK.

 

The NWU looks forward to the great work that these three outstanding leaders will conduct in conjunction with the university.

“Honouring these exceptional individuals is in line with what the university stands for.”
– Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor.