About The University of Fort Hare | A Distinctive African University
Source: https://www.ufh.ac.za/honorary-degrees
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
About The University of Fort Hare | A Distinctive African University
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Honorary Degrees
Every year, we confer honorary degrees on distinguished people from all walks of life who have made a significant contribution to society.
About the Honorary Degrees at Fort Hare
The Higher Education Act and the Statute of the University of Fort Hare grant the University authority to award honorary degrees. The Statute provides that a proposal to confer an honorary degree must be submitted in writing to the Registrar by a member of Council, Senate or the Convocation. Recommendations for the award of honorary degrees are made by the Honorary Degrees Committee to Senate.
The University of Fort Hare will award honorary doctoral degrees to individuals in order to recognise outstanding achievements in all spheres of human endeavour nationally and globally. The recipient of an honorary degree is an individual whose personal qualities and values are consistent with those which exemplify the goals and ideals of the University as well as the Constitutional values of the Republic. These are individuals whose selfless lives and accomplishments serve as an inspiration and an example worthy of emulation.
Such achievements may include but are not necessarily limited to
,
(i) sustained and exceptional service to South Africa, the region or the world at large,
(ii) distinguished service in the fields of business and the economy, science, and for technological innovation and community service, as well as
(iii) significant and outstanding contribution to the achievement, protection and promotion of justice, human rights, democracy, peace building and nation building.
Mr. Njabulo Zuma – Registrar
Eligibility
Recognising Excellence: Who May Be Nominated
A candidate for an honorary degree shall be a living person of great accomplishment and should have made an outstanding contribution on a national or international scale. The contribution may be to the advancement of the candidate’s discipline or field of work, or it may be to artistic, cultural, or remarkable public/community service in a particular field.
A candidate’s record should be of such a nature that the conferment of a degree would bring credit to the University, and would not be at variance with the spirit of the South African Constitution and the University’s vision, mission, values, goals and strategic objectives.
An “outstanding contribution”, especially when it comes to conferment of the degree of doctor, would usually refer to extraordinary achievement over an entire career or a sustained period of time and not merely a single achievement. Mere success in a career or social role is insufficient. There should be evidence of a contribution that is beyond the norm which is characteristic of a leader in the field.
Honorary degrees from the University of Fort Hare will not be confered to current University of Fort Hare members of Council, Senate or their committees and its employees, but may, in exceptional cases, be conferred on former University of Fort Hare employees.
Nominees whose profiles reflect multiple conferrals of honorary degrees by South African Universities, are considered on a case by case basis. In the case of nominees who have been awarded honorary degrees by another higher education institution in the Eastern Cape Province, a cooling off period of at least three years shall be required before they can be conferred an honorary degree at the University of Fort Hare.
Posthumous Award of Honorary Degrees
An Honorary Degree shall not be conferred posthumously. However, such an award shall be made to a candidate who died after Council has approved the award.
Award of Honorary Degree in Absentia
Except under extraordinary circumstances, no honorary degree will be conferred in absentia or at a place or occasion other than a designated graduation venue and ceremony of the University.
In the exceptional circumstances where graduation in absentia is allowed the graduand shall provide an appropriate address to be read on her or his behalf at the respective graduation ceremony.
Revocation of Honorary Degree Award
The University reserves the right to revoke the award of an honorary degree where proven evidence comes to light that an awardee engaged in conduct which is at variance with the spirit of the South African Constitution and the University’s vision, mission, values, goals and strategic objectives either before or after the award of the degree.
The Honorary Degrees Committee shall consider evidence adduced and make recommendations to Senate and Council regarding the revocation of an honorary degree.
From Nomination to Award
The Process
1. Nominate
Submit in writing
A proposal to confer an honorary degree must be submitted in writing to the Registrar by a member of the Council, Senate or the Convocation.
Seconded by 5 people
The proposal must be seconded by at least five members of the relevant constituency
Reach the Registrar on time
The proposal must be must reach the Registrar on or before the date published in the University calendar, accompanied by a detailed statement indicating the reasons for the proposed conferment.
2. Verification & Selection
The Comittee
The Registrar must refer such proposals to the Honorary Degrees Committee, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (T&L), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RPI) , Deans, members of Council on Senate and three members of Senate appointed by Senate.
Senate Vote
(i) The names of the candidates recommended by the Honorary Degrees Committee shall be submitted to Senate, accompanied by the curriculum vitae (“CV”) of the candidates and an appropriate statement describing the reasons for the proposal.
(ii) Without discussion of the candidates or their CVs, Senate shall vote by way of a secret ballot on the conferment or not of an honorary degree on the candidate.
(iii)The chairperson of Senate shall have an ordinary vote on each resolution and, in the case of an equality of votes, a casting vote.
Council Vote
(i) The name(s) of the candidate(s) who obtained an ordinary majority of the votes of the members of Senate present at the meeting shall be submitted to Council.
(ii) Without discussing the candidate, Council shall vote by way of a secret ballot on the candidate(s) recommended by Senate, provided that Council shall not discuss the candidates or their CVs or consider any proposal not supported by Senate.
3. Conferment of Honorary Degrees
Notification
The Registrar shall write to awardees approved by Council, informing them of the decision to confer an honorary degree upon them. Thereafter, in consultation with the relevant Faculty under which the honorary degree falls, the Registrar shall make the necessary logistical and other arrangements.
Conferred
Honorary degrees shall be conferred during ordinary graduation ceremonies constituted for the awarding of qualifications.
Non-Acceptance
Where a candidate does not accept an honorary degree, the nomination shall be deemed to have lapsed, and the honorary degree will not be conferred.
Confidentiality
Care should be taken to ensure strict confidentiality at all stages of the honorary degree process. In particular, there should be no communication with prospective degree recipients regarding a likely degree until after the University Council has approved the award, and then, only through the University Registrar.
Recipients
2020 - Current
JUSTICE MANDISA MURIEL LINDELWA MAYA, LLD, 2021
JUSTICE DIKGANG MOSENEKE , LLD, 2021
DR SINDIWE MAGONA, D LITT ET PHIL, 2021
MR OMAR BADSHAR , D PHIL , 2025
MR MDA MDA , LLD , 2025
2010 - 2019
LIVINGSTONE MQOTSI (POSTHUMOUSLY) D.LITT ET PHIL, 2010
JUSTICE ZAKERIA MOHAMMED YACOOB LLD, 2010
MR JEREMY CRONIN LLD, 2011
MR SAMUEL EDWARD KRUNE MQHAYI (POSTHUMOUSLY) D.LITT ET PHIL, 2011
LEEPILE MOSHWEU TAUNYANE D ED, 2012
SADIE FORMAN D SOC SC, 2012
ARNOLD MAKHENKESI STOFILE D. THEOL, 2012
DR JOHN PAMPALLIS D ED, 2013
DR THULISILE MADONSELA LLD, 2013
DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA D ADMIN, 2014
REV DR SIMON GQUBULE D THEOLOGY, 2014
DR XAVIER FRANCIS CARELSE D SC , 2015
DR DANIEL ALEXANDER JORDAAN D ADMIN, 2015
MR NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO LLD, 2016
MS IIIANA NADI ALBINO D ED, 2016
DR PUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA D SOC SC, 2016
DR IMTIAZ SOOLIMAN D HEALTH SC, 2016
PROF DORCAS NOMPUMELELO JAFTA D LITT ET PHIL,2016
MR GILPIN GILBERT TOZAMILE MATSHAYANA D EDUCATION, 2016
DR PATRICE TLHOPANE MOTSEPE D COMM, 2017
MR RAYMOND MPHAKAMISI MHLABA D SOC SC, 2017
MRS RITA MARLEY (ALFARITA CONSTANTIA ANDERSON) D SOC SC, 2017
JUDGE PRESIDENT D. MLAMBO LLD, 2019
MS T TISEO, DOCTOR OF NURSING, 2019
MR MANDLA LANGA, D LITT ET PHIL, 2019
2000 - 2009
MR BONGANI AUGUSTINE KHUMALO D ADMIN, 2000
HONOURABLE JACOB ZUMA LLD, 2001
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND MPILO TUTU D THEOL, 2001
MR HECTOR MAKHAYA MJANA MA (MUSIC), 2001
MR JOSEPH RIFFAT LARRY KOTSOKOANE D AGRIC, 2001
DR HLOPHE BRIGALIA BAM D ARTS IN PHIL, 2002
DR KHOTSO MOKHELE DSC, 2002
MR JOHN NKADIMENG D COMM, 2002
MS NOSIMO BALINDLELA D ARTS IN PHIL, 2002
MRS MASECHELE KHAKETLA D LITT ET PHIL, 2002
MR ANDILE NGCABA D COMM, 2002
MR JOE RAJARATNAM DSC, 2002
MR KHAYA NGQULA D COMM, 2002
DR TAMSANQA WILKINSON KAMBULE DSC, 2004
MR SIZWE ERROL NXASANA DCOMM, 2004
MS LULI CALLINICOS D LITT ET PHIL, 2005
PROF JAMES STEPHEN MZILIKAZI KHUMALO D LITT ET PHIL, 2005
MS WENDY YVONNE NOMATHEMBA LUHABE D COMM, 2005
MS LESLEY – ANNE FOSTER D SOC SC, 2006
DR PETER MAGUBANE D PHIL, 2006
MR POLELO LAZARUS ZIM D COMM, 2006
DR WISEMAN NKUHLU D COMM, 2008
DR JACQUES ROGGE LLD, 2008
MS GCINA MHLOPHE-BECKER D LITT ET PHIL, 2008
PROF GORDON SANDILE SIBIYA DSC, 2008
1990 - 1999
DR OLIVER REGINALD TAMBO LLD, 1991
DR NIARRA SUDARKASA D LITT ET PHIL, 1993
THE HONOURABLE NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA LLD, 1992
THE HONOURABLE GOVAN ARCHIBALD MBEKI D LITT ET PHIL, 1994
MR ROBINSON GILBERT SIPHO MAKALIMA D ED, 1994
THE HONOURABLE IBRAHIMA FALL LLD, 1995
THE HONOURABLE ROBERT MUGABE D COM, 1995
DR GAOSITWE CHIEPE D ED, 1996
MS FRIEDA MATTHEWS D LITT ET PHIL, 1996
MR ERNEST MANCOBA D LITT ET PHIL, 1996
DR NTSU MOKHEHLE LLD, 1996
MR FWANYANGA MULIKITA LLD, 1996
DR DONALD MTIMKULU D ED, 1996
MR DULLAH OMAR LLD, 1997
PROF JM MOHAPELOA D ED, 1997
MRS ALBETINA NONTSIKELELO SISULU D LITT ET PHIL, 1997
MWALIMU KAMBARAGE JULIUS NYERERE LLD, 1998
DR ROBERT MANGALISO SOBUKWE (POSTHUMOUSLY) LLD, 1998
MR STEVE BANTU BIKO (POSTHUMOUSLY) D SOC SC, 1998
DR ALFRED Z MSEZANE DSC, 1998
DR GABRIEL MOLEHE SETILOANE D THEOL, 1998
MR KARAMCHUD KRISH MACKERDHUJ D ED, 1998
MS ZENZI MIRIAM MAKEBA D LITT ET PHIL, 1998
1980 - 1989
MR JUSTICE GEORGE GLAESER ANDERSON MUNNIK LLD, 1989
1970 - 1979
PARAMOUNT CHIEF KAIZER DALIWONGA MATANZIMA LLD, 1974
JAMES RANISI JOLOBE D LITT ET PHIL, 1974
MR BENJAMIN JOHN PETER TYAMZASHE MA 1976
REGINALD CINGO D ED, 1977
JAMES GEORGE BENJAMIN MOLEFE D THEOL, 1978
MR GEORGE MILWA MNYALUZA PEMBA MA , FINE ARTS, 1979
CHIEF LENNOX LESLIE WONGAMA SEBE LLD, 1979
Nominate an Exceptional Individual
Do you know someone whose exceptional achievements and contributions deserve the highest recognition? We invite you to put forward a nomination for an honorary degree. By nominating a distinguished individual, you help us celebrate excellence and honour those who have made a lasting impact in their field and in society.
Nomination now
Our website makes use of marketing related cookies, see more information in our
Terms and Conditions
and
Privacy Policy
Skip to content
Honorary Degrees
Every year, we confer honorary degrees on distinguished people from all walks of life who have made a significant contribution to society.
About the Honorary Degrees at Fort Hare
The Higher Education Act and the Statute of the University of Fort Hare grant the University authority to award honorary degrees. The Statute provides that a proposal to confer an honorary degree must be submitted in writing to the Registrar by a member of Council, Senate or the Convocation. Recommendations for the award of honorary degrees are made by the Honorary Degrees Committee to Senate.
The University of Fort Hare will award honorary doctoral degrees to individuals in order to recognise outstanding achievements in all spheres of human endeavour nationally and globally. The recipient of an honorary degree is an individual whose personal qualities and values are consistent with those which exemplify the goals and ideals of the University as well as the Constitutional values of the Republic. These are individuals whose selfless lives and accomplishments serve as an inspiration and an example worthy of emulation.
Such achievements may include but are not necessarily limited to
,
(i) sustained and exceptional service to South Africa, the region or the world at large,
(ii) distinguished service in the fields of business and the economy, science, and for technological innovation and community service, as well as
(iii) significant and outstanding contribution to the achievement, protection and promotion of justice, human rights, democracy, peace building and nation building.
Mr. Njabulo Zuma – Registrar
Eligibility
Recognising Excellence: Who May Be Nominated
A candidate for an honorary degree shall be a living person of great accomplishment and should have made an outstanding contribution on a national or international scale. The contribution may be to the advancement of the candidate’s discipline or field of work, or it may be to artistic, cultural, or remarkable public/community service in a particular field.
A candidate’s record should be of such a nature that the conferment of a degree would bring credit to the University, and would not be at variance with the spirit of the South African Constitution and the University’s vision, mission, values, goals and strategic objectives.
An “outstanding contribution”, especially when it comes to conferment of the degree of doctor, would usually refer to extraordinary achievement over an entire career or a sustained period of time and not merely a single achievement. Mere success in a career or social role is insufficient. There should be evidence of a contribution that is beyond the norm which is characteristic of a leader in the field.
Honorary degrees from the University of Fort Hare will not be confered to current University of Fort Hare members of Council, Senate or their committees and its employees, but may, in exceptional cases, be conferred on former University of Fort Hare employees.
Nominees whose profiles reflect multiple conferrals of honorary degrees by South African Universities, are considered on a case by case basis. In the case of nominees who have been awarded honorary degrees by another higher education institution in the Eastern Cape Province, a cooling off period of at least three years shall be required before they can be conferred an honorary degree at the University of Fort Hare.
Posthumous Award of Honorary Degrees
An Honorary Degree shall not be conferred posthumously. However, such an award shall be made to a candidate who died after Council has approved the award.
Award of Honorary Degree in Absentia
Except under extraordinary circumstances, no honorary degree will be conferred in absentia or at a place or occasion other than a designated graduation venue and ceremony of the University.
In the exceptional circumstances where graduation in absentia is allowed the graduand shall provide an appropriate address to be read on her or his behalf at the respective graduation ceremony.
Revocation of Honorary Degree Award
The University reserves the right to revoke the award of an honorary degree where proven evidence comes to light that an awardee engaged in conduct which is at variance with the spirit of the South African Constitution and the University’s vision, mission, values, goals and strategic objectives either before or after the award of the degree.
The Honorary Degrees Committee shall consider evidence adduced and make recommendations to Senate and Council regarding the revocation of an honorary degree.
From Nomination to Award
The Process
1. Nominate
Submit in writing
A proposal to confer an honorary degree must be submitted in writing to the Registrar by a member of the Council, Senate or the Convocation.
Seconded by 5 people
The proposal must be seconded by at least five members of the relevant constituency
Reach the Registrar on time
The proposal must be must reach the Registrar on or before the date published in the University calendar, accompanied by a detailed statement indicating the reasons for the proposed conferment.
2. Verification & Selection
The Comittee
The Registrar must refer such proposals to the Honorary Degrees Committee, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (T&L), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RPI) , Deans, members of Council on Senate and three members of Senate appointed by Senate.
Senate Vote
(i) The names of the candidates recommended by the Honorary Degrees Committee shall be submitted to Senate, accompanied by the curriculum vitae (“CV”) of the candidates and an appropriate statement describing the reasons for the proposal.
(ii) Without discussion of the candidates or their CVs, Senate shall vote by way of a secret ballot on the conferment or not of an honorary degree on the candidate.
(iii)The chairperson of Senate shall have an ordinary vote on each resolution and, in the case of an equality of votes, a casting vote.
Council Vote
(i) The name(s) of the candidate(s) who obtained an ordinary majority of the votes of the members of Senate present at the meeting shall be submitted to Council.
(ii) Without discussing the candidate, Council shall vote by way of a secret ballot on the candidate(s) recommended by Senate, provided that Council shall not discuss the candidates or their CVs or consider any proposal not supported by Senate.
3. Conferment of Honorary Degrees
Notification
The Registrar shall write to awardees approved by Council, informing them of the decision to confer an honorary degree upon them. Thereafter, in consultation with the relevant Faculty under which the honorary degree falls, the Registrar shall make the necessary logistical and other arrangements.
Conferred
Honorary degrees shall be conferred during ordinary graduation ceremonies constituted for the awarding of qualifications.
Non-Acceptance
Where a candidate does not accept an honorary degree, the nomination shall be deemed to have lapsed, and the honorary degree will not be conferred.
Confidentiality
Care should be taken to ensure strict confidentiality at all stages of the honorary degree process. In particular, there should be no communication with prospective degree recipients regarding a likely degree until after the University Council has approved the award, and then, only through the University Registrar.
Recipients
2020 - Current
JUSTICE MANDISA MURIEL LINDELWA MAYA, LLD, 2021
JUSTICE DIKGANG MOSENEKE , LLD, 2021
DR SINDIWE MAGONA, D LITT ET PHIL, 2021
MR OMAR BADSHAR , D PHIL , 2025
MR MDA MDA , LLD , 2025
2010 - 2019
LIVINGSTONE MQOTSI (POSTHUMOUSLY) D.LITT ET PHIL, 2010
JUSTICE ZAKERIA MOHAMMED YACOOB LLD, 2010
MR JEREMY CRONIN LLD, 2011
MR SAMUEL EDWARD KRUNE MQHAYI (POSTHUMOUSLY) D.LITT ET PHIL, 2011
LEEPILE MOSHWEU TAUNYANE D ED, 2012
SADIE FORMAN D SOC SC, 2012
ARNOLD MAKHENKESI STOFILE D. THEOL, 2012
DR JOHN PAMPALLIS D ED, 2013
DR THULISILE MADONSELA LLD, 2013
DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA D ADMIN, 2014
REV DR SIMON GQUBULE D THEOLOGY, 2014
DR XAVIER FRANCIS CARELSE D SC , 2015
DR DANIEL ALEXANDER JORDAAN D ADMIN, 2015
MR NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO LLD, 2016
MS IIIANA NADI ALBINO D ED, 2016
DR PUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA D SOC SC, 2016
DR IMTIAZ SOOLIMAN D HEALTH SC, 2016
PROF DORCAS NOMPUMELELO JAFTA D LITT ET PHIL,2016
MR GILPIN GILBERT TOZAMILE MATSHAYANA D EDUCATION, 2016
DR PATRICE TLHOPANE MOTSEPE D COMM, 2017
MR RAYMOND MPHAKAMISI MHLABA D SOC SC, 2017
MRS RITA MARLEY (ALFARITA CONSTANTIA ANDERSON) D SOC SC, 2017
JUDGE PRESIDENT D. MLAMBO LLD, 2019
MS T TISEO, DOCTOR OF NURSING, 2019
MR MANDLA LANGA, D LITT ET PHIL, 2019
2000 - 2009
MR BONGANI AUGUSTINE KHUMALO D ADMIN, 2000
HONOURABLE JACOB ZUMA LLD, 2001
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND MPILO TUTU D THEOL, 2001
MR HECTOR MAKHAYA MJANA MA (MUSIC), 2001
MR JOSEPH RIFFAT LARRY KOTSOKOANE D AGRIC, 2001
DR HLOPHE BRIGALIA BAM D ARTS IN PHIL, 2002
DR KHOTSO MOKHELE DSC, 2002
MR JOHN NKADIMENG D COMM, 2002
MS NOSIMO BALINDLELA D ARTS IN PHIL, 2002
MRS MASECHELE KHAKETLA D LITT ET PHIL, 2002
MR ANDILE NGCABA D COMM, 2002
MR JOE RAJARATNAM DSC, 2002
MR KHAYA NGQULA D COMM, 2002
DR TAMSANQA WILKINSON KAMBULE DSC, 2004
MR SIZWE ERROL NXASANA DCOMM, 2004
MS LULI CALLINICOS D LITT ET PHIL, 2005
PROF JAMES STEPHEN MZILIKAZI KHUMALO D LITT ET PHIL, 2005
MS WENDY YVONNE NOMATHEMBA LUHABE D COMM, 2005
MS LESLEY – ANNE FOSTER D SOC SC, 2006
DR PETER MAGUBANE D PHIL, 2006
MR POLELO LAZARUS ZIM D COMM, 2006
DR WISEMAN NKUHLU D COMM, 2008
DR JACQUES ROGGE LLD, 2008
MS GCINA MHLOPHE-BECKER D LITT ET PHIL, 2008
PROF GORDON SANDILE SIBIYA DSC, 2008
1990 - 1999
DR OLIVER REGINALD TAMBO LLD, 1991
DR NIARRA SUDARKASA D LITT ET PHIL, 1993
THE HONOURABLE NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA LLD, 1992
THE HONOURABLE GOVAN ARCHIBALD MBEKI D LITT ET PHIL, 1994
MR ROBINSON GILBERT SIPHO MAKALIMA D ED, 1994
THE HONOURABLE IBRAHIMA FALL LLD, 1995
THE HONOURABLE ROBERT MUGABE D COM, 1995
DR GAOSITWE CHIEPE D ED, 1996
MS FRIEDA MATTHEWS D LITT ET PHIL, 1996
MR ERNEST MANCOBA D LITT ET PHIL, 1996
DR NTSU MOKHEHLE LLD, 1996
MR FWANYANGA MULIKITA LLD, 1996
DR DONALD MTIMKULU D ED, 1996
MR DULLAH OMAR LLD, 1997
PROF JM MOHAPELOA D ED, 1997
MRS ALBETINA NONTSIKELELO SISULU D LITT ET PHIL, 1997
MWALIMU KAMBARAGE JULIUS NYERERE LLD, 1998
DR ROBERT MANGALISO SOBUKWE (POSTHUMOUSLY) LLD, 1998
MR STEVE BANTU BIKO (POSTHUMOUSLY) D SOC SC, 1998
DR ALFRED Z MSEZANE DSC, 1998
DR GABRIEL MOLEHE SETILOANE D THEOL, 1998
MR KARAMCHUD KRISH MACKERDHUJ D ED, 1998
MS ZENZI MIRIAM MAKEBA D LITT ET PHIL, 1998
1980 - 1989
MR JUSTICE GEORGE GLAESER ANDERSON MUNNIK LLD, 1989
1970 - 1979
PARAMOUNT CHIEF KAIZER DALIWONGA MATANZIMA LLD, 1974
JAMES RANISI JOLOBE D LITT ET PHIL, 1974
MR BENJAMIN JOHN PETER TYAMZASHE MA 1976
REGINALD CINGO D ED, 1977
JAMES GEORGE BENJAMIN MOLEFE D THEOL, 1978
MR GEORGE MILWA MNYALUZA PEMBA MA , FINE ARTS, 1979
CHIEF LENNOX LESLIE WONGAMA SEBE LLD, 1979
Nominate an Exceptional Individual
Do you know someone whose exceptional achievements and contributions deserve the highest recognition? We invite you to put forward a nomination for an honorary degree. By nominating a distinguished individual, you help us celebrate excellence and honour those who have made a lasting impact in their field and in society.
Nomination now
Our website makes use of marketing related cookies, see more information in our
Terms and Conditions
and
Privacy Policy