UWC presented honorary doctorates and a gold medal at a gala evening on Friday, celebrating individuals who have helped to advance society.

Recipients at the gala, held at the university's main campus in Bellville, came from South Africa and abroad.

For 2023, honorary doctorates were bestowed upon the late anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani, former Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa Dikgang Moseneke, and Xhosa linguist Dr Sydney Zanemvula Zotwana.

For 2024, honorary doctorates were bestowed upon chancellor of the University of Missouri and president of the University of Missouri System Dr Mun Choi, rector magnificus of Utrecht University Professor Henk Kummeling, and the late former rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels Professor Caroline Pauwels.

“These exemplary individuals represent the very best of humanity, making impactful contributions to arts, literature, law, humanitarianism, academia and advocacy.

“Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the upliftment of people and communities, nationally and internationally, are worthy of our recognition and most profound appreciation,” said UWC vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius.

The Gold Medal Award for 2024 was bestowed upon former South African Constitutional Court Justice Albie Sachs.

The university said that after he was appointed to the Constitutional Court by former President Nelson Mandela in 1994, he authored “notable” judgements on same-sex marriages, the rights of prisoners to vote and the rights of homeless people before his term on the bench ended in 2009.

“It is wonderful to be here at UWC. I just have to look demure and hear nice things said about me, which is always very pleasant, but at an emotional level it is very deep,” Justice Sachs said.

Dr Zotwana became a sworn translator in 1994 and later served as head of the translation services in Parliament.

“I started as an assistant to the head in 1994 and they made me head in 1998 until I retired in 2003,” he said, adding that serving in that role as a head was one of the highlights of his career.

Justice Moseneke said he worked in the Constitutional Court for 15 years and he encouraged young professionals in the legal field to concern themselves with justice at all times.

“Law is not a place to make money. It is a place to produce justice,” he said.

Lindiwe Hani, 43, accepted the honorary doctorate on behalf of her father, Chris Hani, and said his death had taken a toll on her and the family.

“I did not get to know my father as an adult because he was assassinated. So I knew my father for 12 years, and in those 12 years, he was the most incredible father," she said.

“It took a very long time for me to grieve. I was not coping, but I have since turned my life around… It is always such an honour, 30 years on, that people are still honouring, remembering, and loving my father,” she said.

Lindiwe Hani holding the honorary doctorate that she accepted on behalf of her late father, Chris Hani. She is pictured with UWC vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius, left, and UWC chancellor Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

UWC vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius congratulates Xhosa linguist Dr Sydney Zanemvula Zotwana while UWC chancellor Archbishop Thabo Makgoba looks on. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke holding his honorary doctorate. He is pictured with the UWC vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius, left, and UWC Chancellor Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

President of the University of Missouri System Dr Mun Choi with UWC vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius, left, and UWC chancellor Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

Professor Romain Meeusen, from the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, of Belgium, accepted the honorary doctorate on behalf of the late former rector of the university Professor Caroline Pauwels. He is pictured with UWC vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius, left, and UWC chancellor Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

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