The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will confer an honorary doctorate on Professor Njabulo Ndebele on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, for his work as a literary giant and academic leader.
Professor Ndebele’s career which spans over five decades has been marked by contributions that reflect a rare combination of intellectual rigour, creative brilliance, and visionary leadership.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in English & Philosophy from The University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS), that was a predecessor to the universities of the respective countries, presently the University of Botswana, the National University of Lesotho, and the University of Eswatini in 1973. A Master of Arts in English Literature from Cambridge University in 1975, and a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Denver in 1983.
Prof Ndebele has published numerous noteworthy books including Fools and Other Stories which won the prestigious Noma Award in 1984; The Cry of Winnie Mandela which was published to critical acclaim; essays in Rediscovery of the Ordinary and Fine Lines from the Box were widely influential.
He served as Vice-Rector at University of the Western Cape, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the North (1993–1998), Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Cape Town (2000–2008), and as Chancellor of UJ for two terms (2012–2022).
He has chaired government commissions on broadcasting policy, history curriculum, and African languages as media of instruction; chaired the South African Universities Vice-Chancellors Association (SAUVCA) and served on the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) boards.
He was the Chair of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (until March 2024) and the Chair of the Nelson Mandela Foundation (until October 2024). He has received numerous accolades, such as the National Research Foundation(NRF) Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), the Molteno Gold Medal (2015), honorary doctorates from the UK, USA, Netherlands, Japan, South Africa, and various honorary fellowships.
Professor Ndebele has made exceptional and prolific contributions to the building of scholarship in the field of the Humanities. A literary giant, acclaimed academic, and transformational leader in higher education and public life, Professor Ndebele is one of South Africa’s most respected intellectuals. Over the course of several decades, he has shaped the country’s literary and academic landscapes and has brought South African perspectives to global scholarly and cultural discourses.
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 Prof Ndebele, 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:
- Thursday, 16 April 2026 – John Samuel (Education Policy and Governance 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: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Time: 09h30 (to be seated by 09h00)
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 Masego Panyane at masegop@uj.ac.za or to Mpiletso Motumi at mmotumi@uj.ac.za by midday Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
