On a week when the University of Johannesburg (UJ) celebrated achieving another of the highest rankings in Africa, the institution honoured individuals for their contributions to its advancement and to higher education in general. The occasion was the UJ Council Awards, held on Friday, 29 November 2024, in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
The Council Awards are split into two categories, the Ellen Kuzwayo and Alumni Dignitas awards.
The Ellen Kuzwayo Awards, named after the revered anti-apartheid activist and community builder Nnoseng Ellen Kuzwayo, honour South Africans for their impactful contributions to the higher education sector. The Dignitas Alumni Awards, meanwhile, recognise UJ alumni whose achievements and dedication have elevated the university’s reputation globally, inspiring future generations of students to dream and achieve big.
As usual, the event had all the hallmarks of a ceremony full of pomp and ceremony, with guests and attendees glowing under the shimmering lights to the soothing melodies of the award-winning UJ Choir. Grammy-winning flutist and composer Wouter Kellerman was honoured with the Dignitas Alumni Award 2024 for bridging cultural divides through his music and mentorship, leaving a global legacy of art infused with activism. A graduate of RAU (now UJ), Kellerman studied engineering before dedicating his life to music, a journey that has made him a global ambassador of South African culture. Kellerman’s talent and versatility have led him to the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. But his influence goes beyond music.
For over 16 years, Kellerman has supported disadvantaged children through the SOS Children’s Village, financing housing and providing essential resources. His philanthropic efforts have been widely recognized, including a nomination for the Inyathelo Special Recognition Award for Philanthropy. A jovial Kellerman serenaded the audience with the trials and tribulations of his career, including his academic journey at UJ and his experiences in music that would eventually catapult him to the global stage.
Linda Twala was honoured with the Elen Kuzwayo Award for championing community development, a contribution that has earned him the name The Father of Alexandra. In 1967, at just 23, he founded the Alexandra Society for the Care and Welfare of the Aged and Disabled, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to the welfare of his community. During the turbulent apartheid years, Twala risked his life to save his township from being demolished, steadfastly preserving the homes and heritage of Alexandra. His Phutaditjaba Community Centre offers healthcare services, a gym, a library, and skills training programs for young people. His philanthropic work has attracted support from luminaries such as Richard Branson and Oprah Winfrey.
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said the awards were a fitting celebration of societal impact. “This represents the tangible and lasting changes made in our communities and a commitment to a more just and equitable world. We have scoured the landscape and found individuals who have made a mark on society. We choose people who demonstrate formidable characteristics like activism and strength in the face of adversity. We choose people who are shaping the future because this signifies excellence. We choose people for their societal impact. This is not a mere buzzword; it is a commitment.” Prof Mpedi said the event was an opportunity to bid “a heartfelt farewell” to Mr. Frans Baleni, a long-serving member of the UJ Council, “whose steadfast contributions have left an indelible mark on our institution”.
