At Rhodes University’s morning graduation session today, the festivities were heightened as Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza’s honorary Doctor of Literature (DLitt) was posthumously conferred, following the decision of the Rhodes University Senate and Council.

In tertiary education spaces such as these, entire studies are devoted to incredible people who leave a positive mark on the world. In the case of the literary icon Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza, through the beauty of her words in academia, journalism, and – closest to her heart – her poetry, she was able to write herself into history. She lived a long and colourful life as an anti-Apartheid activist, writer and diplomat before passing away on 06 December 2021.

Her daughter and CEO of the Advertising Standards Authority, Thembi Msibi, was in attendance to accept the honour on her beloved mother’s behalf.

“On behalf of my mother, Lindiwe Mabuza, we thank Rhodes University for this prestigious award. As a family, we are both humbled and honoured at the recognition of her contribution and commitment to the struggle and her beloved country, South Africa. It is most heartening that she was aware of this accolade as she received the letter from Rhodes shortly before her death. Indeed I am convinced she is smiling down from the heavens,” Msibi shared with the University.

In this same line of honouring the selfless dedication of a woman who bravely wrote her way into history, Rhodes University was honoured that Thembi Msibi could accept the degree on behalf of her mother – and elated by the inspiring speech she delivered to the graduates.

 

You can read more about Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza's life here: /latestnews/rhodesuniversitytohonourthelatediplomatpoetandacademicambassadorli.html