The Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, became an “honorary Matie” on Thursday 26 March 2015. Stellenbosch University (SU) conferred honorary doctorates upon Madonsela and the visionary business leader and alumnus of the Law Faculty, Mr Michiel le Roux.
The degree Doctor of Laws (LLD), honoris causa, was awarded to Adv Thuli Madonsela for her unwavering commitment to the Constitution, her contribution to eradicate discrimination through law reform, and her role as fearless advocate for justice.
Michiel le Roux received the degree Doctor of Commerce (DCom), honoris causa, for his revolutionary renewal of the South African banking industry by developing a unique banking system that addresses the needs of the lower income part of the population.
In proposing a toast for Madonsela at a special function held for recipients of doctorates, Prof Juanita Pienaar of the Faculty of Law, said that she was struck by Madonsela’s humbleness and that she is an inspiration to us all. “We cannot do without Thuli Madonsela, we cannot do without a public protector that is true and steadfast.”
In her acceptance speech, Madonsela said that she was humbled and honoured by the award. “Words cannot the describe the deep sense of gratitude that I feel today.” She added that she cannot accept the award only on her own behalf but also on behalf of her whole office.
She gave credit to her co-recipients and said that what makes the world go round is being different. “The reason we have people today who have access to credit in a very open way, is because among us, is because we have people like Michiel le Roux who decided to start Capitec.” It has taken people pushing boundaries to prove to the world that there is more to life than what we see in any given time, she added.
Embrace your God-given talents, because that is your gift to the world, she told recipients of doctorates and graduates.
Videos on the honorary doctorates are available here: