Applause pours in for Durban-born Nobel Peace Prize winner
The Norwegian Nobel Committee says Navi Pillay was awarded for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
NAVANETHEM ‘Navi’ Pillay, who was born in Durban, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2026.
In a press release announcing the prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said Pillay was awarded “for her efforts to promote peace and international law”.
“The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 goes to a person who with exceptional courage and integrity has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order. This year’s laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.”
Pillay was born on September 23, 1941 into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban.
UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations Dr Normah Zondo congratulated Pillay for the win.
“For the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), this international recognition carries particular significance. Dr Pillay is an alumna of UKZN, having graduated from the then University of Natal with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1965. She subsequently obtained a Master of Laws degree in 1982 and a Doctor of Juridical Science in 1988 from Harvard University in the United States.
“Her relationship with the University extended well beyond her student years. Dr Pillay has served as a lecturer and held other responsibilities in the higher education sector, including as vice president of the Council of the former University of Durban-Westville (another predecessor to UKZN).
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“She has also served on the UKZN Foundation’s Board of Trustees and continues to maintain close ties with the university and its School of Law.
“In recognition of her contribution, the university established the Navi Pillay Research Group within the School of Law. The group advances interdisciplinary research, education, policy development and advocacy in human rights and social justice.
“Its work addresses contemporary social challenges, including issues of race, class, gender and disability in post-apartheid South Africa.
“The research group provides an institutional platform through which Dr Pillay’s legacy can continue to inform scholarship and public engagement,” said Zondo.
The Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, joined the chorus of people applauding Pillay for the prize.
“On behalf of the residents of eThekwini, I congratulate Dr Navi Pillay on this historic honour. Dr Pillay is a daughter of Durban. Today the world has recognised what our City has long known: she is one of the great defenders of justice and human dignity of our time.”
“Her journey began here, at a time when the law denied people like her their most basic rights. She refused to accept those limits. Her life tells every young person in our City that where you start does not decide how far you can go. It also reminds us that lasting peace is built on justice, accountability, and respect for one another,” Xaba said.
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