College of Humanities

Graduand of the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Doctor of Music

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela is an African Music living-legend. He is also a world-renowned musician and a political struggle icon, whose political campaign through music, contributed greatly in the liberation struggle. He has been recognized locally and internationally not only as a superb performer and entertainer, but also as an inspiration to several generations of South Africans. His work has exemplified the power of tenacity and hope in the creation of a fair and just dispensation in South Africa. He has worked with such diverse artists as Harry Belafonte, Dizzy Gillespie, The Byrds, Fela Kuti, Marvin Gaye, Herb Alpert, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and the late Miriam Makeba. The Grammy Award winner is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades both locally and internationally. In 2010, he received the highest national order in South Africa, The Order of Ikhamanga. In 2011, Masekela received a Lifetime Achievement award at the World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Copenhagen. The US Virgin Islands proclaimed ‘Hugh Masekela Day’ in March 2011, not long after Hugh joined U2 on stage during the Johannesburg leg of their 360 World Tour. In 2012 Hugh toured Europe with Paul Simon on the Graceland 25th Anniversary Tour. His music placed South Africa on an international stage. His world-wide political activism through music has contributed greatly to the liberation of South Africa and the creation of a democratic and non-racial society.

Graduand of the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Doctor of Social Science

Kumi Naidoo

Kumi Naidoo is the Director of New Africa Civil Society Centre, an international organization working with over 15 million people in 45 countries for a world free from poverty and injustice. Naidoo is the former Executive Director of Greenpeace International, a position he held with distinction. He was selected for his tireless campaigning in the area of human rights and environmental justice. He has a long history of activism and leadership for international organisations including Greenpeace, CIVICUS and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. Kumi was also active in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and as a student leader he was an inspiration not only during the South African struggle for freedom but also in the international struggle against climate change. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Since his return to South Africa he has lent his support to the growing struggle for a just energy future. He believes that nuclear power and democracy do not mix and that South Africa deserves a future based on 21st century, renewable energy sources that not only protects the environment but will help create jobs and economic prosperity.

Graduand of the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Doctorate of Social Science

Patricia Horn

Patricia Horn has spent the last three decades organizing women in the informal economy and helping them to build a collective voice to demand their rights. She has ensured that informal workers have a place in South African society and thereby contributing to social justice and poverty reduction. She established the Self-Employed Women’s Union (SEWU), the first of its kind in South Africa, which represents the interests of self-employed women engaged in the informal economy.  

She has also organized informal workers for better rights and protections at an international level through the establishment of StreetNet International which has 52 affiliates from 46 countries. Her work in organizing, advocacy and collective bargaining has influenced policy discussion debates across the world.

Graduand of the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Doctorate of Social Science

Vasudevan Gounden

As the Founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), Mr Gounden has brokered peace in trouble torn countries like Burundi, Madagascar, DRC, Somalia and South Sudan and has a formidable reputation in the realm of Conflict Resolution. ACCORD, under his guidance, is contributing to policy and conflict management capacity in the United Nations, the African union, the Regional Economic Communities and National Governments. He is an alumnus of UKZN and has served the University in various capacities over the years from President of the SRC during the State of Emergency that prevailed in South Africa during the eighties to being a member of the Council of the University of Durban-Westville and also as a member of Senate and Convocation.  

His work in peace and security contributes directly to enhancing South Africa’s role in peace and security in Africa and promotes South Africa’s soft diplomacy role in global affairs. This contributes directly and indirectly to building a stable continent that has a direct impact on South Africa’s economic, social and political landscape.

Honorary Graduand of the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Doctor of Literature (honoris causa)

Fée Halsted-Berning

Artist and ceramicist, Fée Halsted-Berning is home-grown talent in the truest sense. An alumnus of the University of Natal, Ms Halstead-Berning is a graduate who has excelled beyond measure. Revered for her unique style in merging Western ceramics with African art, she is placed among the world’s best ceramicists.

Halsted-Berning set out to establish her very own business, Ardmore Ceramic Art, in 1985.  Here she met Bonnie Ntshalintshali whose natural skills as an artist blossomed under her mentorship.  Five years later, in 1990, Halsted-Berning and Ntshalintshali were jointly awarded the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award, the first such artistic partnership to be recognized.  Halsted-Berning  established the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Museum to honour her co-artist and friend after her tragic death from HIV/Aids in 1999.  The museum is dedicated to the memory of Ntshalintshali and many other artists at Ardmore who died as a result of the Aids pandemic and was the first museum in South Africa to be dedicated to a black woman artist.

Today, Ardmore Ceramics has grown into a major world player, and is regarded as a South African national treasure. The meticulously detailed vases, urns, bowls, plates and tureens that are produced by the artists of Ardmore have become coveted pieces of fine art prized by collectors around the world.  Some Ardmore pieces have been awarded as gifts to international visitors including Bill Clinton, Jacques Chirac and Empress Michiko of Japan. While some have also graced the insides of landmark sites which include the White House and Buckingham Palace.

Ardmore is accredited with a particular African vernacular, with the majority of their design iconography being African flora and fauna. The visual foundations of Ardmore are rooted firmly in the aesthetics of African art: the ability to model from nature and Ardmore’s use of rhythm, pattern and colour, especially Zulu aesthetics.

Throughout her career Halsted-Berning has shared her success with many other local artists whom she nurtured and guided along the way. A large number of artists who came to Ardmore as talented but untrained individuals with no opportunity for developing their vocation or reaching global markets are now internationally renowned artists. From this, her contribution in nurturing talent in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Ardmore Ceramic Art has been hailed throughout the international arts world as a triumph of creativity and empowerment over poverty, disease and lack of formal education. Through Ardmore ceramics Halsted-Berning has exposed South African artists to a global audience.  This recognition has enriched the communities from which they come, economically as well as through education, opportunity, pride and dignity in their work as artists.

Halsted-Berning uses the established artists to mentor younger and newer talent, creating a network of skills transferal, mentorship and leadership that ensures the continuation of the Ardmore legacy.

As part of a commitment to uplifting local artists, Halsted-Berning established the the Ardmore Excellence Fund in 1998 to help cover medical expenses for Ardmore artists suffering from HIV/AIDS and also to serve as an educational programme on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Her work promotes African-led globalisation through African creativity.

In recognition of her contribution to the social upliftment of her community and for achieving excellence and global recognition for her art-form the University of KwaZulu-Natal awards Ms Halstead-Berning the Doctor of Literature honoris causa.

Honorary Graduand of the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Doctor of Music (honoris causa)

Philip Nchipi Tabane

Philip Nchipi Tabane is an extraordinary musician. He is the creative genius that spawned a whole genre of music known as Malombo. Philip Tabane is the architect of the Malombo tradition and is credited for having fused ancient African rhythms with western instruments creating a new and unique sound that saw world renowned musicians like Miles Davis stand in line to share the stage with him. Malombo is the rhythm and sound of the ancestral spirits that emanates from the elevated realm of spiritual creative harmony.

Philip Tabane can best be described as the African Renaissance music man who expresses his creative spirit in a fusion of Pedi, Shangaan/Tsonga and Venda the languages of his ancestral home. Despite his massive musical talent he has remained the quintessential African performer that has long been true to his African roots.

Born in 1934 Philip Tabane is one of South Africa’s most respected and innovative vocalists, jazz guitarists and band leaders. The 80 year old has been a mentor to a host of musicians the world over. His music has crossed borders and genres. He has been recognised nationally and internationally for his unique musical style. There are musicians and ensembles in Europe that have adopted the Malombo sound. His unique blend of music has helped to shape and inspire other subsequent South African music legends.

In the late 50’s, Philip Tabane founded the Malombo Jazzmen a trio of young Mamelodi township street musicians that went on to win several jazz music awards. As a musician Mr Tabane was inspired by African spirituality by way of his mother who was a sangoma. This led to him producing some of South Africa’s most interesting and adventurous sounds. Whilst sadly under-recorded in South Africa he has enjoyed international acclaim having toured extensively in Europe and the United States with performances at the Apollo Theatre in New York and the Montreaux Jazz Festival, amongst others. His musical genius has been enthralling audiences for over six decades.

This son of Africa’s writing skills were so sharpened by his interaction with talented writers like Aggrey Klaaste and Can Temba that he himself got to write a play. Having understood how the arts can play a role in emancipating the oppressed Tabane collaborated with Nana Mahomo in New York on an anti-apartheid film called Last Grave at Dimbaza.

Philip Tabane captures the essence of African Scholarship in his music. Music critics describe him, “as an unparalleled music force that is in a class of his own. No one rivals this national treasure that seems to be in a world inhabited by celestial beings when he is on stage. His music continues to defy pigeonholing and commercialisation. It is spiritual, mesmerising, unique and spell-bounding.” A highly talented performer he has remained loyal to his traditional art form.

Tabane is the recipient of the South Africa Music Awards (SAMA) Lifetime Achievement Prize and in 1998 was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Philosophy of Music from the University of Venda.

In recognition of his contribution to the development of indigenous music and his phenomenal contribution to the music of Africa and that of the world, the University of KwaZulu-Natal awards Philip Nchipi Tabane its highest honour, the degree of Doctor of Music honoris causa.

Citation: Doctor of Social Science (honoris causa)

In a world in which achieving a balance between nature and human development is increasingly a matter of survival, Andrew Kirkwood Muir’s innovative and people-centered conservation efforts provide both inspiration and strategic direction.

Executive director of the Wilderness Foundation, a Rolex Enterprise Award laureate, and a graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Muir has been nationally and internationally recognised for his success in integrating conservation programmes with social and development interventions – in other words, using nature as a tool for social change.

Concerned to build a new generation of conservation leaders, Mr Muir initiated the West Coast Walk in 1987 when he was just 21 years old. This 350 km hike along the West Coast of South Africa defied the rules of apartheid by bringing together young South Africans of all races to learn about the natural environment, to teach them vocational and life-skills and, importantly, to nurture their leadership potential.

Since then, Mr Muir has conceived and implemented a range of programmes aimed at social and environmental sustainability, which have given over 120,000 South Africans, mainly from disadvantaged communities, the opportunity to experience the wilderness, to identify with their natural heritage, and to understand the role of nature in the 21^st century. Many of these youngsters have gone on to pursue careers in conservation.

Nurturing the legacy of his mentor and Wilderness Foundation founder Dr Ian Player, Mr Muir has ensured the growth of the Foundation and the Wilderness Leadership School and has succeeded in building their profile both at home and abroad. Understanding the need for multi-sectoral cooperation in the field, he has also brought together conservation agencies, NGOs and role players through a number of associations and alliances. 

Mr Muir played a leading role in adding over 500,000 hectares to the conservation estate of South Africa and was instrumental in having the Baviaanskloof declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. To bring attention to the plight of the Rhino in South Africa, he addressed a televised national assembly portfolio committee in 2012 on the subject and was invited to speak at a special meeting on poaching held in the Capital building in Washington DC.

In recognition of his contributions, Mr Muir received the South African Conservationist of the Year award in 2007 and in 2008 was honoured as an International Rolex Awards Laureate. He was one of five innovators named as the Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 (Africa) by the Schwab Foundation.

For his life-long commitment to both social justice and conservation, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is pleased to award Andrew Kirkwood Muir its highest honour, the Degree of Doctor of Social Science honoris causa.

Citation: Doctor of Literature (honoris causa)

Lecturer, master printmaker and founder of the Caversham Press, Malcolm Christian has for nearly three decades played a leading role in nurturing South African artists from disadvantaged communities. During apartheid in particular, Mr Christian created opportunities – particularly for those artists in rural areas – where none had previously existed, thereby developing a cohort of African artists who might otherwise have remained unknown.

After graduating in 1984 with a Masters Degree in Fine Art from the former University of Natal, Mr Christian established the Caversham Press in 1985 as an open access, racially inclusive, comprehensive, professional printmaking facility for established and emerging artists in South Africa and abroad. Based in a former Methodist chapel in Lidgetton in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, the Press was the first comprehensive facility of its kind in Southern Africa.

Since its establishment, the Press has hosted a number of highly regarded South African artists, including William Kentridge, David Koloane, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Deborah Bell, Mmakgabo Sebidi, Robert Hodgins, Bonnie Ntshalintshali and the late Gabisile Nkosi – Caversham’s first training programme manager and community co-ordinator, who was murdered in 2008.

Mr Christian went on to found the Caversham Educational Trust in 1993 which formalised the print-based educational programme and aimed at nurturing emergent artists from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since its founding, the Press has contributed to the skills development of over 250 artists, including Ezekiel Mabote, Vulindlela Nyoni and Sarah Tabane. Later, in 2000, Mr Christian set up the Caversham Centre for Artists and Writers, a non-profit organisation hosting international cultural dialogue and specialist residencies.

Under Mr Christian’s leadership, the Press has taken a range of educational and leadership programmes out into the surrounding communities. These include digital film-making for school children, annual art workshops, leadership programmes for young artists and community catalysts, and internships.

The Press has also provided a base at some point for famous South African artists such as Vuminkosi Zulu. Primarily known for his wood carving, Zulu also worked extensively in printmaking. After his death in 1996, Mr Christian fulfilled his promise to Zulu by organising a posthumous exhibition of his prints, the proceeds of which were used to establish a trust fund to provide for the education and basic needs of Zulu’s family.

For his commitment to the value of human creativity, the common bonds of humanity and the educative power of collaboration, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is pleased to award Malcolm Christian its highest honour, the Degree of Doctor of Literature honoris causa.

Citation: Doctor of Literature (honoris causa)

Author, actor and activist, Mr Pieter-Dirk Uys has been a fearless critic of injustice in South Africa and an ardent campaigner for an open, tolerant and democratic society for over four decades.

Using humour as a weapon, Uys consistently exposed the absurdities and iniquities of apartheid, moving on, post-1994, to work at the frontline of HIV/AIDS activism, building awareness of the disease and challenging the stigma associated with it.

A prolific artist and one of South Africa’s most well-known theatre personalities, Mr Uys has written, directed, produced and, most often, performed in 26 plays, four monodramas, 43 cabarets and revues, 16 films, videos and DVDs, 10 TV series and specials. He has published 13 novels, memoirs, anthologies and e-books. His archival collection has been housed by the University of KwaZulu-Natal since 1994 and serves as a much-used and valuable source of material for local and international researchers.

For his work as both a satiric playwright-performer and his AIDS activism, Mr Uys has received recognition. He has received four honorary doctorates from local universities and a range of national and international awards such as the Truth and Reconciliation Award in 2001, the Obie Award in New York for Foreign Aids (2001) in 2004, the annual Special Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2011 and, in 2012, the German Africa-Award.

Mr Uys was associated with both the Space Theatre in Cape Town and Johannesburg Market Theatre – both defiantly non-racial performance venues — during the 1970s and early 1980s.  After 1981, Uys became best known for his one-man political revues which lampooned the Nationalist government. Under this “fugitive” theatrical form, he introduced the now famous character of Evita Bezuidenhout, his formidable and famous female alter-ego.

In 1999, Uys announced his retirement from theatre. In his memoir Elections and Erections he wrote that when the ANC came to power, he realised that his career as a South African satirist was in trouble: “I was thrilled,” he wrote.

However, new material soon presented itself. Concern over what he called the “AIDS is from Venus and HIV is from Mars” attitude of President Thabo Mbeki and his then health minister, he embarked on a nationwide AIDS awareness tour. By 2003 his show had been seen in nine provinces, 250 schools, by over 500 000 high school pupils. In September 2008, Evita Bezuidenhout launched Evita’s Peoples Party to assist with voter education ahead of the 2009 elections. 

Uys currently lives in Darling in the Western Cape where he continues to perform. He also continues his AIDS awareness activism and serves on the board of directors of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. 

For his exceptional ability to combine creativity with social activism; for his lived commitment to tolerance and democracy; and for his enduring optimism and hope for his country and its people, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is pleased to award Pieter-Dirk Uys its highest honour, the Degree of Doctor of Literature honoris causa.