UFS WILL BESTOW HONORARY DOCTORATES AND PRESENT THE COUNCIL MEDAL AT THE APRIL GRADUATIONS
- themarathonnews03
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
By: Neo Ntsele
During the April 2026 graduation ceremonies at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the University of the Free State (UFS) will award honorary doctorates to four esteemed individuals.
The university will also present a Council Medal to honor exceptional contributions to music and the arts.
The UFS grants honorary degrees to individuals whose accomplishments align with the university’s principles and goals.
In alignment with its strategic vision of promoting Responsible Societal Futures (RSF), the university acknowledges individuals whose work has significantly advanced knowledge, creativity, social justice, and societal development.
“Honorary doctorates are among the highest honors granted by the University of the Free State. Through these awards, we celebrate individuals whose work exemplifies the transformative power of knowledge, creativity, and leadership in service to society,” stated Prof. Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.
She continued, “The 2026 honorees embody our dedication to advancing Responsible Societal Futures, recognizing scholars, writers, and leaders whose contributions inspire critical thinking, ethical action, and meaningful contributions to a more just and inclusive world.”
Renowned author and visual artist Ingrid Winterbach will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Literature for her significant impact on South African literature and the arts.
Widely seen as a leading figure in contemporary Afrikaans literature, Winterbach has produced a celebrated body of work noted for its intellectual depth, stylistic innovation, and socio-political insight.
Her novels have garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Hertzog Prize, the WA Hofmeyr Prize, the M-Net Prize, the UJ Prize for Creative Writing, and the kykNet-Rapport Prize.
Her works have been translated into several languages, solidifying her international standing.
Author, publisher, and cultural commentator Zukiswa Wanner will receive the honorary Doctor of Literature for her contributions to African literature and cultural discourse.
She has authored several novels, children’s books, and nonfiction works.
Her award-winning novel London Cape Town Joburg earned the South African Literary Award and was later adapted for the stage, debuting at the University of the Free State.
Wanner is also recognized for advocating for African writers and founded the virtual literary festival Afrolit Sans Frontières, which united over 80 writers from Africa and the diaspora.
Prof. Relebohile Moletsane will be honored with the honorary Doctor of Education degree for her substantial contributions to research on gender inequality and social justice.
She holds the FALF-Wits-NRF Research Chair in Gender-based Violence and Femicide at the University of the Witwatersrand and serves as a UNESCO UniTwin Co-Chair in Mental Health and Psychological Support for Teachers and Learners.
Her research emphasizes participatory approaches to addressing gender inequality, sexual and reproductive health rights, and the experiences of girls and young women, especially in rural areas.
Sheila Sisulu will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Education for her notable contributions to education, public service, and social development.
A respected South African diplomat and advocate, Sisulu served as Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University until 2023.
She also held senior leadership roles at the United Nations World Food Programme in Rome from 2003 to 2013, including Deputy Executive Director for Policy and External Affairs.
Earlier, she served as South African Ambassador to the United States and Consul General in New York.
Sisulu has also played significant leadership roles in civil society and government, contributing to education policy, youth development, gender equity, and early childhood development initiatives.
The UFS Council Medal will be presented to Prof. Anmari van der Westhuizen Joubert in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music and music education.
An internationally acclaimed cellist, she serves as Adjunct Professor and Head of the Odeion String Quartet at the UFS.
Her distinguished career includes performances with major South African orchestras and international appearances in over fifteen countries.
Through her performances, recordings, and teaching, she has made a lasting impact on the development of classical music and music education.
The awarding of honorary doctorates and the Council Medal is part of the UFS graduation ceremonies, celebrating academic excellence while acknowledging individuals whose work has significantly influenced society.
Through these honors, the University of the Free State reaffirms its dedication to fostering knowledge, creativity, and leadership that contribute to shaping responsible and inclusive societal futures.
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