Aziz Hartley
CAPE TIMES columnists Shanil Haricharan and Adam Small have received doctorates from Stellenbosch University.
Haricharan was awarded a doctorate in public leadership and organisational behaviour on Wednesday, and two days later Small received an honorary doctorate for his work as poet and playwright.
Haricharan said his study had shown that there were serious leadership challenges in some government departments and parastatals.
He had found that technical skills and abilities were not enough to do the job.
“For the first time in the South African public service context, we have evidence to show that the emotional intelligence (EI) of executive managers was positively related to their leadership excellence.
“In my study, the outstanding leaders had the highest EI competency ratings.
“In a transforming and turbulent South African public service sector, the doctoral study found that emotionally self-aware, adaptable, positive and empathetic leaders, who coached and mentored others, were considered the most effective leaders.”
On a personal level the doctorate was testimony to the high claim his forefathers had placed on the value of education, Haricharan said.
It was also significant, given his Struggle history, that he had gained his doctorate at Stellenbosch University.
Small received his honorary doctorate at the Coetzenberg Sports Hall.
Honorary doctorates were also awarded to space scientist Dr Japie van Zyl, who played a leadership role in the successful Curiosity mission to Mars in 2012, academic, jurist, campaigner for human rights and judge of the Constitutional Court Edwin Cameron and to Internationally renowned jurist, campaigner for women’s rights and gender equality and retired Constitutional Court judge Kate O’Regan
SU acting vice rector Nico Koopman said Small was a beloved and acclaimed poet.
In his work he had fearlessly addressed burning issues of a segregated South Africa and proved himself a revolutionary thinker.
Small received a standing ovation after he read three of his poems, including Affodil van Saron, he had dedicated to his wife Rosalie Small.
“It really came out of the blue for me,” Small said later in response to how he felt about receiving the honorary doctorate.
“I am a very pleased it came from Stellenbosch. Being thoroughly Afrikaans, I would have preferred to study there instead of UCT.
“But I couldn’t because of apartheid.”
Said Rosalie Small: “I am very proud of him. It really was well deserved.
“As Adam said, we’re glad it was Stellenbosch.”
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