UWC to Host Honorary Doctorate and Gold Medal Awards Ceremony Since its inception, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has been a beacon of justice and societal upliftment. Over six decades, UWC has consistently championed community enga…

Since its inception, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has been a beacon of justice and societal upliftment.

Over six decades, UWC has consistently championed community engagement and societal advancement, extending its influence and impact far beyond South African borders.

The University is honouring individuals who embody its principles and values, recognising those who have acted with excellence and distinction to improve the lives of others.

This year, UWC will proudly confer honorary doctorates and a gold medal at a gala ceremony, celebrating individuals who have made sterling contributions to scholarship, research, and the betterment of society in 2023 and 2024.

This prestigious event, set for 30 August 2024, will highlight UWC’s global reach and enduring legacy. UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, underscored the significance of this event.

“The recipients of these awards have made monumental national and international contributions across various fields. Their work in the arts, literature, law, humanitarianism, academia, and social justice arenas has profoundly uplifted communities and enriched lives. We are deeply honoured to recognise their achievements and extend our heartfelt appreciation for their dedication to creating a better South Africa,” said Prof Pretorius.

For 2023, honorary doctorates will be bestowed upon the late anti-apartheid leader, Mr Chris Hani, whose legacy of courage and sacrifice continues to inspire generations; Justice Dikgang Moseneke, former Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, whose unwavering commitment to justice has shaped our nation’s legal and social framework; and Dr Sydney Zanemvula Zotwana, an isiXhosa linguist and author whose work has enriched our cultural and linguistic heritage.

For 2024, honorary doctorates will be conferred on Dr Mun Y. Choi, distinguished Chancellor of the University of Missouri and President of the University of Missouri System; Professor Henk Kummeling, esteemed Rector Magnificus of Utrecht University; and the late Professor Caroline Pauwels, revered former Rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels.

Their dedication to academia and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the global educational landscape.

The Gold Medal Award honours individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to community upliftment through exceptional leadership and involvement.

For 2024, this prestigious award will be bestowed upon activist, scholar, author and former South African Constitutional Court Justice, Albie Sachs, who previously was conferred an honorary doctorate by the University.

UWC Registrar, Dr Nita Lawton-Misra expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event: “We eagerly anticipate this prestigious ceremony. The recipients are all deserving of the dedicated spotlight, and we wish to celebrate them in a manner befitting their remarkable achievements and contributions.”

Honorary doctorate awards are a cherished tradition at UWC. In 1990, then-UWC Chancellor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu awarded honorary doctorates to Nelson Mandela and O.R. Tambo.

The prestigious honour roll of UWC honorary doctorate recipients includes Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Fr. Michael Lapsley, Breyten Breytenbach, Graca Machel, Pieter-Dirk Uys, Rhoda Kadalie, Trevor Manuel, Shaykh Mohamed Salie Dien, Zackie Achmat and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

As UWC continues to honour individuals who contribute to societal advancement and global progress, the University reaffirms its commitment to justice, community engagement and excellence.

The link to the livestreaming of the event is available here and it will be live from 6.30pm.

Nita Lawton-Misra
Registrar: UWC