The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will, on Thursday, 16 April 2026, confer an honorary doctorate on Mr John Samuel, a distinguished leader in South African education, social justice, and public policy.

The honour recognises Mr Samuel’s five-decade career dedicated to the principles of equity, access, and the liberation of the mind. His life’s work serves as a primary exemplar of education for liberation, aligning seamlessly with UJ’s mission of inclusivity and decolonised knowledge.

During the height of apartheid, Mr Samuel emerged as a transformative leader. As the National Executive Director of the SACHED Trust from 1979, he turned education into a tool of intellectual resistance. Influenced by his engagements with Paulo Freire and his friendship with Dr Neville Alexander, Samuel spearheaded mass literacy initiatives and distance learning modalities that defied the racialised education system of the time.

In 1985, he established Khanya College, providing a critical bridge for disenfranchised students to move from political activism into rigorous academic life – a cornerstone of his commitment to educational access for the marginalised.

Mr Samuel’s influence transitioned from the grassroots to the state level during South Africa’s democratic dawn. At the request of Walter Sisulu, he led the ANC’s Education Department and was instrumental in drafting the Policy Framework for Education and Training.

As Deputy Director-General, he was a primary architect of the seminal White Paper on Education, translating revolutionary ideals into the unified, non-racial administrative reality that governs South African schools and universities today.

His expertise extended well beyond South African borders, leaving an indelible mark on the Pan-African region, including shaping curricula as Deputy Chief Examiner for the West African Examinations Council and pioneering the Education with Production framework in Zambia.

He served as the Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and was a trusted confidante of the late icon.

Mr Samuel also commissioned the landmark Emerging Voices report to highlight rural educational needs.

He continues to contribute to the African intellectual tradition. His recent collection, Winged Words, explores cultural significance through bird mythology, reflecting his belief that aesthetic expression is vital to the human experience.

The University of Johannesburg celebrates Mr John Samuel as a trailblazer who did not merely expand access to education but transformed its very foundations to serve a democratic society.

This year, the University’s 2026 graduation series marks the institution’s 21st anniversary. Over 13,000 graduates will cross the stage this season, joined by global and national leaders recognised for their transformative leadership and impactful contributions to society.

“Honorary doctorates represent lives anchored in integrity, courage and sustained excellence. As our graduates enter new chapters of professional and civic life, they do so in the presence of individuals who demonstrate what can be achieved when education is matched with purpose,” said Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ.

In addition to Mr Samuel, 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)

Honorary doctorates to be conferred this season:

• Wednesday, 15 April 2026 – Professor Njabulo Ndebele (Literary and Academic Leader)
• Friday, 29 May 2026 – Professor Loyiso Nongxa (Mathematics and Higher Education 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.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026

Time: 13h00 (to be seated by 12h30)

Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

RSVP: Media interested in attending this conferral during the graduation session are requested to RSVP to Mpiletso Motumi at mmotumi@uj.ac.za by COB Wednesday, 15 April 2026.