The University of Warwick has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on University of Johannesburg (UJ) Chancellor, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, in recognition of her outstanding global leadership in advancing gender equality, sustainable development and social justice.
A distinguished Warwick alumna, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka has dedicated her career to championing women’s rights and inclusive development. She previously served as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, as well as Deputy President of South Africa, where she played a pivotal role in shaping policies that promoted equality, education and economic empowerment. Her decades of public service and advocacy have helped influence legal reform and expand opportunities for women across the world.
The honorary degree celebrates her lifelong commitment to building more inclusive societies and her leadership in driving global initiatives that advance gender equality and sustainable development.
The occasion also marked a historic milestone for the University of Johannesburg. UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, became the first visiting Vice-Chancellor from another university to be invited to join the University of Warwick’s official academic procession. The distinction reflected the strength of the growing partnership between UJ and Warwick and underscored the mutual respect shared by the two universities.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from my alma mater. It is a testament not only to my personal journey but also to the collective efforts of many who continue to fight for equality and justice. At UJ, we place great importance on North–South collaboration, ensuring that partnerships with institutions in the Global North create equal opportunities and meaningful impact for the African continent and beyond.”
Congratulating the UJ Chancellor, the University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Mpedi said the award reflected both Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka’s exceptional legacy and the values that define the University.
“We are immensely proud of Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka’s recognition by the University of Warwick. Her lifelong commitment to advancing gender equality, education and social justice embodies the very values that UJ stands for. This Honorary Doctorate not only celebrates her remarkable achievements but also strengthens the ties between our institutions, reinforcing the importance of North–South collaboration in creating equal opportunities and driving meaningful global impact.”
The recognition further deepens the longstanding relationship between UJ and the University of Warwick, underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing academic excellence, equity and international collaboration.
The award also comes just weeks before the inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture, which will be held on 12 August 2026 at UJ. This year’s lecture will be delivered by
Her Excellency Thenjiwe Mtintso and forms part of UJ’s ongoing commitment to advancing conversations on gender equality, leadership and social justice.
The 2026 lecture coincides with the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, when more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the extension of pass laws to women. The march remains one of the defining moments in South Africa’s democratic history and a lasting symbol of courage, solidarity and the transformative role of women in society.
Through the annual lecture, UJ seeks to celebrate women’s leadership in addressing critical societal challenges, showcase impactful work by women within and beyond the University community, strengthen its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, and foster collaboration between academia, civil society and public institutions.
