Honorary doctorates
LOOKING BACK AT UJ’S 2024 HONORARY DOCTORATES THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (UJ) HAS BESTOWED A PRESTIGIOUS HONORARY DOCTORATE ON SEVERAL DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS IN 2024, RECOGNISING THEIR EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO VARIOUS FIELDS. THESE HONOUREES EMBODY THE UNIVERSITY’S COMMITMENT TO
EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, AND SOCIAL IMPACT. THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG HAS BESTOWED HONORARY DEGREES ON THE FOLLOWING RECIPIENTS.
Mr Thebe Ikalafeng and Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi
MR THEBE IKALAFENG Mr Thebe Ikalafeng holds a BSc (Marketing) (cum laude) and a Master of Business Administration (Strategy and Marketing) degree from Marquette University in the USA. Additionally, he holds an LLM (Intellectual Property Law) degree from the University of Turin, Italy, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Switzerland.
Speaking about future plans, Ikalafeng shared that he would be launching a scholarship to get more students to focus on African brands. He is also working on his autobiography and book on inspiring an African brands revolution. “I have two journeys which people refer to my legacy: the first is brands and the other is African travel. I’ve gone on a purposeful journey to focus on African brands and a purposeful journey to showcase African destinations and I’ve done both in an authentic way.” His advice to those who aspire to follow his path? “Do something that matters but be authentic in all of that. Discover and pursue a passion that will fuel your purpose; surround yourself with people who are excited about what excites you; and find a place that enables you to live your purpose and passion,” he said. To see Mr Thebe Ikalafeng’s full graduation acceptance speech, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/HTirr9ppAl4?t=4314
With a career spanning over 30 years, Mr Ikalafeng’s leadership in branding and marketing communications has garnered numerous accolades and awards, including being named one of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans’ by New African Magazine, and receiving the Financial Mail AdFocus Lifetime Achievement Award. His commitment to nurturing talent, promoting African brands, and championing sustainable development underscores his role as a thought leader and mentor. The awarding ceremony was scheduled during the College of Business and Economics graduation session for Tuesday 19 March.
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