Cape Town – Theologian and activist Dr Allan Boesak and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, will be among the recipients of the UWC honorary doctorate and gold medal awards that will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
The awards are the highest honours conferred by UWC to individuals who have been at the forefront of fighting for justice and the upliftment of society. Previous recipients of these awards include Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Trevor Manuel and Zackie Achmat.
UWC spokesperson Gasant Abarder said community engagement and the advancement of society remained at the heart of the institution, and over the years the university has acknowledged individuals who share its principles and values, and those who have acted with excellence and distinction to improve the lives of others.
For the first time in UWC’s history, the honorary doctorates and gold medals for 2021 and 2022 will be conferred at a gala ceremony dedicated to recognising such individuals.
“While honorary doctorates will be conferred on those who have contributed to scholarship and research, gold medals will also be awarded to individuals who have made significant and extraordinary contributions to the upliftment of society through exceptional leadership, community involvement and related activities,” said Gasant.
UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius stressed the importance of this special occasion, saying the list of recipients was worthy of recognition and abiding appreciation for their national and international contributions to all spheres of society.
Honorary doctorate recipients include:
Theologian, author and political activist Dr Allan Boesak.
Author and academic Professor Zoë Wicomb.
Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.
Internationally recognised Africanist thinker, author and sociology academic Professor Kwesi Kwaa Prah.
Gold medal recipients include:
Respected law practitioner and founder of Al Baraka Bank, advocate AB Mohamed.
Derek Joubert and Peter Takelo, for their commitment to arts education and for nurturing the potential of the rural child in Barrydale.
Sean Lance and Peter Wilson for establishing the African Leadership Institute that invests in the young leaders of Africa through the Tutu Leadership Fellowship.
Former South African deputy president, UN under-secretary-general and executive director of UN Women, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.