Science and arts celebrated as Wits confers honorary degrees

Dr John Kani and Professor Issy Segal have been conferred with Honorary Doctorates for their contributions to the advancement of the country.

Veteran actor and playwright John Kani and renowned gastroenterologist Professor Issy Segal were recognised by Wits University during a closed ceremony to mark Wits University’s July 2020 graduation cluster. Outgoing Wits vice-chancellor and principal Professor Adam Habib expressed, “Wits University is proud to confer its highest honour on these two remarkable leaders who have in different ways contributed to the advancement of our country and society.” He also congratulated the 1 257 graduands who would have walked across the stage in the Great Hall and hopes this can still happen post-Covid-19.

Dr Bonisile John Kani was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree. Kani is one of the pioneers of contemporary theatre in South Africa and his legacy is embedded in performance cultures, theatres and learning spaces across the globe where it is studied, performed and archived for future generations. As an artist and social activist, Kani has used his work to interrogate complex sociopolitical matters and contributed, through his art, to the liberation of South Africa.

Professor Issidor ‘Issy’ Segal was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science in Medicine degree. Segal has led the teaching and training of gastroenterology specialists on the continent. His models of how these units should function have been used by global organisations. Segal started his career as a general practitioner in Soweto and established South Africa’s first gastroenterology unit in 1975 at the then Baragwanath Hospital. The 87-year-old dedicated his life to ameliorating gastrointestinal disease in Africa, to improving the standards of healthcare for patients and to inspiring confidence that Africa can contribute to finding solutions to the continent’s health problems.

In his pre-recorded acceptance speech, Kani, who has served on Wits University’s council, the highest decision-making body of the university, said he wishes to address the congregation as a concerned parent and a social activist. Chief amongst his concerns were the persisting racial outbursts and violence against women and children. He said, “However, action is needed more than just words. Now is the time for all of us artists, who have the luxury of a public platform, to campaign openly against what is wrong in our country ? just as we did against apartheid and hopefully contribute towards building a brighter and more promising future for all who live in this wonderful land of ours.”