UFS to Confer Honorary Doctorate on Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka for Exemplary Service to Education and Leadership
The University of the Free State (UFS) will confer a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (honoris causa) on former Deputy President Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on 7 June 2024 for her contributions to public service, education, and leadership..
The ceremony, set to take place in Johannesburg, symbolises a prestigious acknowledgment of Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka’s relentless commitment and influence in various fields, both nationally and internationally.
“We are honoured to recognise Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka with an honorary degree for her significant contribution to public service, for her commitment to education and lifelong learning, and for the exemplary leadership roles she has fulfilled nationally and internationally,” said Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.
Academic Journey and Milestones
Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka embarked on her academic journey at the National University of Lesotho, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education in 1980. Her academic pursuits did not stop there; in 1988, she obtained a qualification in Gender Policy and Planning from University College London. She furthered her education by acquiring a master’s degree in Philosophy and Planning from the University of Cape Town in 2003, and a doctorate in Technology and Education from the University of Warwick in 2013.
This distinguished scholar has garnered several honorary doctorates from prominent South African higher education institutions as well as the University of Edinburgh. Additionally, she was inducted as a Hauser Leader at the Harvard University Kennedy School, solidifying her esteemed standing in the global academic community.
Diverse and Impactful Leadership Roles
Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka has an illustrious history of impactful roles. Starting as a lecturer at the Mpumalanga Teachers Training College and advancing to a coordinator at the World YWCA in Geneva, her dedication towards advancing the rights of women and marginalised communities is unwavering. Her public service journey commenced in 1994 as she was elected a member of the South African Parliament. Following this, she served as Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry (1996-1999), Minister of Minerals and Energy (1999-2005), and notably, as the Deputy President of South Africa (2005-2008) – the first woman to achieve this milestone in the nation’s history.
Her influence was further cemented during her tenure at UN Women, where she served as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director from August 2013 until August 2021. Here, her leadership in advancing gender equality was unparalleled, evidenced by innovative programmes and policies, including initiatives to engage men as allies in gender equality.
Continuing Influence and Future Endeavours
Beyond gender advocacy, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka’s influence extends to several significant positions. She is the Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg and chairs the International Olympic Committee’s human rights committee. Moreover, she sits on the boards of global organisations such as Women Deliver and Global Citizen. In the corporate sphere, she contributes her insights as a board member of Mercedes-Benz SA, Ivanhoe Mining Company, and a renewable energy start-up, SmartGrid.
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