2 remarkable South African women honoured by the University of Johannesburg
Barbara Masekela and Sister Abegail Ntleko were honoured with Honorary Doctorates by the University during its recent autumn graduation season.
“Despite the uncertainty of these times, when we are witnessing the brazen challenge to inclusivity, equality, and co-operation among nations, I dare say we must not allow ourselves to be ‘trumped’. Now, more than ever before, we ought to seek who we are.”
This was the rallying cry of Barbara Masekela, moments after the University of Johannesburg (UJ) conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon her. Just a few hours earlier, another remarkable woman, Sister Abegail Ntleko, also walked across the stage to receive her Honorary Doctorate. The two women’s journeys, though distinct, share a common thread: A steadfast commitment to social justice and transforming the lives of communities.
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Masekela, a renowned poet, academic, and diplomat, was honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) for her crucial role in shaping South Africa’s cultural and political landscape. Her contributions span literature, education, and public service, having served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, and later to France. A prolific feminist and activist, it was poetic that she had her Honorary Doctorate conferred upon her in the month of March, when the world celebrates women on International Women’s Day.
Masekla and Ntleko are part of the five luminaries that the university honoured on March 10, during the autumn graduation season. This comes at a time when the university celebrates its 20th anniversary, a milestone that highlights two decades of innovation, resilience, and societal transformation. During this graduation period, more than 13 000 students, who have completed their qualifications, will graduate. Of this number, more than 9 000 are undergraduate students, while the rest are postgraduates, including 2 310 Honours, 308 Masters, and 68 Doctorates.
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Speaking during the conferral ceremony, Masekela expressed gratitude for the university for recognising her. “I know this is not given lightly. This honour is one of the best of its kind in recognition of concrete transformation in our growing democracy.” Masekela was born in 1941 and grew up in eMalahleni and Alexandra Township, in a politically engaged family. Influenced by her father, a sculptor and health inspector, and her mother, a social worker, she developed an early awareness of social justice.
Also beaming with excitement during the Honorary Doctorate conferral was Ntleko (91). “I am excited to see youngsters here as I got my first degree at 62.” Her story is one of relentless courage and compassion, so much so that the late Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu once called her: ‘The true heart of South Africa’.
Starting her nursing career in 1968, Ntleko faced the devastating health crises of rural South Africa head-on, battling diseases like leprosy and typhoid. She established mobile clinics, hospitals, and orphanages, and pioneered holistic programmes that integrated education, therapy, and agriculture to heal children affected by HIV and trauma. Her memoir, Empty Hands, is a testament to her philosophy of communal care, and her belief that even in the face of scarcity, hope can flourish. Ntleko is also recognised globally, including by the Dalai Lama’s Unsung Hero of Compassion Award, and her legacy is a reminder that true leadership is about lifting others up.
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