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By Faizel Patel

Senior Digital Journalist


Elon’s mom Maye Musk to get honorary doctorate from UFS

The 74-year-old Maye Musk is an international best-selling author, a dietitian, model, and public speaker.


Maye Musk, the mother of one of the world’s richest men in the world, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Dietetics by the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to the UFS, it would be for her outstanding contribution to the field.

Accomplishments

The 74-year-old Maye Musk who is an international best-selling author, dietitian, model, and public speaker will be conferred with the doctorate on 12 April.

Her book, “A woman makes a plan”, is available in 100 countries and published in 30 languages.

Maye has run her own nutrition business in eight cities and three countries for more than 45 years.

She was the first dietitian to run a website, and the only dietitian to take the registration exams in three countries.

Outstanding contribution

Speaking to The Citizen, director of communication at UFS, Lacea Loader said  Maye’s passion for nutrition and empowerment has seen her speak at events around the world, including Melbourne, Stockholm, Kyiv, Budapest, Cannes, Beirut and most of the major cities in the USA, Canada, and South Africa.

Loader said the Honorary Doctorate is a prestigious title for individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to a particular field or society.

“It is based on generous and altruistic actions or lifetime accomplishments that benefit a community, nation, or humanity in general, which makes Musk a perfect recipient for this esteemed award.

“The UFS is privileged to be associated with Maye and grateful for her contribution to the field of nutrition, which affects overall human well-being. The awarding of the honorary degree coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Department of Dietetics,” Loader added.

Research

Maye’s research studies in nutritional sciences began at the University of the Free State when she was accepted for a Diploma in Hospital Dietetics at the Universitas Hospital.

Upon completion, she was offered a bursary for a Master of Science degree before moving to Canada, her country of birth.

Elon Musk

Maye’s son Elon is best known for his work in the fields of electric cars, renewable energy, and space technology.

He is the CEO of SpaceX, a company that designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft. Additionally, he is the CEO of Tesla, a company that develops and produces electric cars, battery storage systems, and solar products.

Musk has also been involved in the creation of several other successful companies, including PayPal, The Boring Company, Neuralink, and OpenAI.

The South African-born billionaire also bought social media platform Twitter for a whopping $44bn and has made some dramatic changes at the company.

ALSO READ: WATCH: ‘South Africa is a very violent place,’ – Elon Musk

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