The University of the Western Cape has conferred honorary doctorates on seven distinguished leaders whose work spans human rights, education, diplomacy and social justice.
Former International Relations Minister Dr Naledi Pandor, constitutional advocate Adila Hassim and former Irish President Mary Robinson were among those honoured during a special ceremony at UWC on 28 August 2026.
The late Charlotte Maxeke and Mandisa Monakali received honorary degrees posthumously, while Francesca Albanese and Professor Emeritus Loyiso Nongxa were also recognised.
For Pandor, the significance of the recognition was closely connected to UWC’s own history and its contribution to South Africa.
“The moment I received the call, the thought was about the historic character of the University of the Western Cape and its contribution to our struggle for freedom,” Pandor said.
She also reflected on the University’s role beyond apartheid and its continued contribution to building South African society.
“I feel very, very privileged, and I was so thrilled to be nominated,” she said.
Hassim, who currently serves as an evidence leader for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, described herself as “completely overwhelmed” when she learned that UWC intended to honour her.
“It’s really very special coming from UWC. The values of UWC resonate with me, and so it’s a very special honour indeed. I’m very thankful,” Hassim said.
UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Balfour said the University awards honorary degrees selectively, with its previous recipients including figures closely associated with South Africa’s democratic struggle such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Albertina Sisulu and Albie Sachs.
“An honorary degree from this university has therefore long expressed solidarity, as well as inspired admiration,” Balfour said.
He said the 2026 recipients reflected different forms of leadership and public contribution.
Pandor and Hassim were recognised for advancing South Africa’s engagement with international law, while Robinson and Albanese were recognised for their work around human rights and accountability.
The late Maxeke and Monakali were honoured for lives dedicated to the education and protection of women and children, while Nongxa was recognised for widening access to the mathematical sciences and leadership in higher education.
Each recipient received a standing ovation during the ceremony.
For Nongxa’s daughter, Buhle L Nongxa, seeing her father receive the recognition also offered an opportunity to reflect on the person behind his considerable academic career.
“My dad has always just been my dad – and the best at that by the way – but as I’ve gotten older and gotten to know him as a person outside of me, as the educator, as the mathematician, as the philanthropist, I could go on and on, I have constantly been inspired and in awe of how he is the best and shows up this way everywhere he goes,” she said.
The ceremony brought together family members, academics, students and dignitaries to recognise contributions extending well beyond individual professional achievement.
From constitutional law and diplomacy to mathematics, education and the advancement of women and children, the recipients were honoured for work that has helped shape institutions, expand opportunity and defend human rights.
