Seven remarkable people have been honoured by a local Cape Town University. They were recently conferred with Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Degrees (some posthumously). Among them were a former South African Minister, a leading constitutional advocate and a former president.
Seven remarkable people honoured in Cape Town
The seven who were honoured are Dr Naledi Pandor, Advocate Adila Hassim, Mary Robinson, Francesca Albanese, Professor Emeritus Loyiso Nongxa, and the late Charlotte Maxeke and Mandisa Monakali. Pandor, Hassim, and Robinson were conferred with honorary doctorates by the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The 3 women said the accolade deeply humbled them.
LISTEN TO: Adv Adila Hassim
Honorary Degrees were also posthumously conferred on the late Charlotte Maxeke and Mandisa Monakali. At the same time, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory, alongside Professor Emeritus Loyiso Nongxa (Mathematics and Natural Sciences), were also honoured.
Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Degrees
The degrees were bestowed on Friday at a special ceremony at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. The academic- and dignitary-studded event was attended by the families of the recipients, academics and students. Meanwhile, UWC’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Balfour, at the glittering get-together, reminded everyone present that the University confers only a few such honours, and when it does, it does so with care.
Prof Balfour said, “Our honorary graduates include figures closely connected to South Africa’s struggle for democracy. Among them are Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Albertina Sisulu and Albie Sachs. An honorary degree from this university has therefore long expressed solidarity, as well as inspired admiration.”
Draped in royal blue robes, UWC honours remarkable people
Balfour added, “The people we honour this year have each made an exceptional contribution. Advocate Adila Hassim and Dr Naledi Pandor have advanced South Africa’s engagement with international law. Ms Mary Robinson and Ms Francesca Albanese have kept the world’s attention on human rights and accountability. The late Ms Charlotte Maxeke and Ms Mandisa Monakali devoted their lives to the education and protection of women and children. Professor Emeritus Loyiso Nongxa widened access to the mathematical sciences and to leadership in higher education.”
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One of the country’s most accomplished educators, parliamentarians and diplomats
Dr Pandor said, “The moment I received the call, the thought was about the historic character of the University of the Western Cape and its contribution to our struggle for freedom. But also the role it has played post-apartheid and the continuing interest in building our society. And I thought: ‘ Wow, what an honour to be associated with an institution that has all these characteristics’. I feel very, very privileged, and I was so thrilled to be nominated. Thank you.”
LISTEN TO: Dr Naledi Pandor
She was a minister in 5 departments. According to Wikipedia, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019–2024), Minister of Higher Education and Training (2018–2019), Minister of Science and Technology (2009–2012, 2014–2018), Minister of Home Affairs (2012–2014) and Minister of Education (2004–2009). Pandor is currently the chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She is revered as one of the country’s most accomplished educators, parliamentarians and diplomats.
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Another recipient who was elated was Advocate Hassim. She’s currently an evidence leader for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. This commission is probing allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system. She said,”She was “completely overwhelmed” and “taken by surprise” when she was contacted by the University.
Hassim added, “I’m still as overwhelmed. It’s really very special coming from UWC. The values of UWC resonate with me, and so it’s a very special honour indeed. I’m very thankful.”
An educator, a mathematician, and a philanthropist
Prof Nongxa’s daughter, Buhle L Nongxa, was elated with joy when her father was honoured. She said, “My dad has always just been my dad – and the best at that by the way – but as I’ve gotten older and gotten to know him as a person outside of me, as the educator, as the mathematician, as the philanthropist, I could go on and on, I have constantly been inspired and in awe of how he is the best and shows up this way everywhere he goes.”
It was a night of roaring standing ovations upon another one, celebrating the achievements of those who were honoured.
