Patrice Motsepe awarded honorary doctorate

The morning session saw South Africa’s mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe receiving his Honorary Doctor of Management and commerce (Honoris Causa). The faculty of management and commerce conferred 13 PhD’s including amongst those, Dr Zandisile Dweba who received his second PhD from the same institution, something unusual with Fort Hare.

The recently installed Vice Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu described graduand’s achievements as a moment of celebration and achievement and a continuation of what the university achieved in the past as it produced a number of prominent graduates across all disciplines. He also described Fort Hare as an “institution in transition, full of hope and promise for bigger thing”.Buhlungu called on new grads to “go service the society and not to feel small in the presence of  other graduates, walk tall, you are the best and commit to the values of the university”.

In appreciating his honorary doctorate, Motsepe described it as special as he now follows after his father, ABC Motsepe who himself is a proud Fort Hare Alumnus. He referred to parents as being great assets for having made sacrifices to educate their kids for the nation. “Fort Hare did not only produced exceptional leaders but a unique breed who have shown full understanding of challenges confronting our people”, said Motsepe.

He said South Africa need that breed of success intertwined to the needs of the people. He asked those who have joined the government and the private sector not to allow capable students to stay at home because they do not have sufficient finances. Those in business should realize the future of South Africa to lead the process that creates jobs and create an environment for those who want self-employment. “All of us recognize we should focus on investment and partnerships for Africa’s development”, he said.

Patrice Motsepe foundation is funding 14 students from Fort Hare.