Issued by: Office of the Presidency
24 May 2001
Deputy President Jacob Zuma is to receive honorary degrees from three universities in May and June 2001 - the Universities of Fort Hare, Zululand and Medical University of Southern Africa, (Medunsa).
Tomorrow, Friday May 25, 2001, the Deputy President will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Fort Hare in Alice. The Vice-Chancellor of Fort Hare, Prof Derek Swartz, said the University's Council had unanimously passed a resolution recommending the awarding of the degree in recognition of the outstanding role that the Deputy President has played in laying the foundations and building South Africa's democratic dispensation. On Saturday, May 26, Medunsa will award the Deputy President a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
The degree is in recognition of the Deputy President's dedicated contribution to the liberation struggle as well as his outstanding effort in the fight against HIV/AIDS, said Professor Ramaranka Mogotlane, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Medunsa. The Deputy President is chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC).
The University of Zululand said it was awarding a degree of Doctor of Administration (Political Science) in recognition of Deputy President Zuma's outstanding qualities as a political scholar, activist, public administrator and champion of peace. The University added that it also recognises the Deputy President's sterling leadership qualities, resilience and ability to succeed against great odds, his concern for the economic development and upliftment of the underprivileged, his pursuit for peace and justice and his promotion of good governance.
For further information please contact Lakela Kaunda, Spokesperson, on 082 782 2575.