All the graduates from the Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg stood up, turned towards their loved ones, and tipped their graduation caps to show them gratitude.
This was at the request of honorary doctorate recipient Professor Loyiso Nongxa, who congratulated the graduates and reminded them that without the support and sacrifices of their loved ones, they would not be crossing that stage.
Prof Nongxa was honoured with an honorary doctorate by UJ on Friday, 29 May 2026.
“Graduations are not just ancient rituals; they are special occasions for the graduates as a reward for their hard work. They are special occasions for their loved ones and communities, especially those of you who, like me, were the first in the village to go to university.”
Prof Nongxa, an esteemed mathematician and global academic leader, took the time to recognise his own family and the people who have given him a helping hand and believed in him even when he sometimes doubted himself. Born in the rural Eastern Cape in 1953, Prof Nongxa’s journey is defined by extraordinary resolve. In 1977, he made history as the first South African of African descent to be awarded the Rhodes Scholarship. He went on to earn his Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1982, specialising in Abelian Group Theory and cementing his place among the foremost mathematical minds of his generation.
During his conferral speech, he highlighted the rarity of post-school qualifications in South Africa, noting that only 12.7% of adults older than 25 have them and that the gender gap in tertiary educational achievement has grown, with more females (30.1%) compared to men (12.2%). He noted that only 4 out of 100 children who start school in South Africa complete their first degree within six years of entering university.
“You have joined a small group of people in our society. Don’t ever doubt your intellectual ability. You are achievers,” said Prof Nongxa.
Prof Nongxa’s contribution to advancing mathematical sciences is unmatched. He spearheaded the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, as well as the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, materially building postgraduate research capacity nationwide. From 2019 to 2022, he represented the African continent at the highest level of global discipline governance as Vice-President of the International Mathematical Union.
“Your long walk is not yet ended. As you receive your university qualification, you are ready to enter the next phase of your journey.”
Prof Nongxa encouraged the graduates to take risks, offer a helping hand to those in need, and to doubt anyone who claims to have all the answers, as complex issues often require innovative solutions.
He emphasised the need to restore trust in public institutions to build a united and democratic South Africa and highlighted the importance of public investment in higher education.
Prof Nongxa concluded his speech by urging the graduates to maintain intellectual curiosity, contribute to society with their scarce skills, and to continue their journey with pride and responsibility.
UJ celebrates Prof Nongxa, who deeply understood that the ultimate power of numbers lies in their capacity to transform human lives.
In addition to Prof Nongxa, the University has already conferred honorary doctorates this year on:
- Monday, 16 March 2026 – Her Excellency Monica Geingos (Global Health and Social Development Advocate)
- Wednesday, 25 March 2026 – Francois Pienaar (Former Springbok Captain)
- Friday, 27 March 2026 – Tryphosa Ramano (Chartered Accountant and Financial Leader)
- Wednesday, 15 April 2026 – Professor Njabulo Ndebele (Literary and Academic Leader)
- Thursday, 16 April 2026 – Mr John Samuel (Education Policy Leader)
Beyond the Autumn graduation ceremonies, additional honorary doctorates will be conferred later in 2026 during the University’s Spring and Summer seasons, further recognising leadership across law, social development, and global education diplomacy.
