L-R: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, Prof Ndebele and Registrar, Prof Bettine van Vuuren
confidence in the purposeful and thriving unitary state we are today. I remain grateful to live in a country whose people, fellow citizens in their beautiful diversity, I love and always will.” In her role as functionary Vice-Chancellor for the ceremony, UJ Registrar, Professor Bettine van Vuuren, shared how transformative Professor Ndebele’s tenure as Chancellor was for the institution: “His association with the University of Johannesburg has been substantive and enlightening. Professor Ndebele served as Chancellor of UJ for two full terms, providing steady guidance and symbolic leadership during a critical period of growth and consolidation. His tenure contributed to embedding UJ’s vision of African excellence and inclusive scholarship within the broader national context. Professor Ndebele’s commitment to public service has been evident for all to see.” Prof Van Vuuren conveyed the University’s gratitude, highlighting the institution’s pleasure at having a towering figure in its history, accept the honour. “Professor Ndebele’s life and work reflect the values that the University of Johannesburg seeks to uphold – academic excellence, visionary leadership, transformative public engagement, and a commitment to the development of African knowledge systems. Through his literary and scholarly contributions, he has deepened the world’s understanding of South African society. Through his leadership in higher education, he has played a vital role
in shaping post-apartheid academic institutions and the creative contributions of the Humanities. Professor Ndebele, on behalf of the entire university community, we congratulate you and extend our deepest gratitude for your gracious acceptance of the honorary doctorate we are conferring on you today,” she said. Professor Ndebele closed off by expressing his gratitude to the University for the honour it has bestowed on him, “The University of Johannesburg has honoured me in the most humbling manner. I am grateful to accept this honour,” he said. He reinforced the importance of education, stating that this moment has strengthened in him a belief in the value of education. Watch highlights of his ceremony here: https://youtu.be/i8sG0KVITkA
Scan the QR Code to watch the conferral
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