ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS
Media Advisory
For immediate release
Monday, 23 March 2026
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will, on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, confer an honorary doctorate on Mr Francois Pienaar, a prominent figure in South African sport whose leadership became a defining symbol of national unity.
Mr Pienaar was born in Vereeniging and attended high school in Witbank (now Emalahleni) before receiving a scholarship to study law and play rugby at the then Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit (RAU).
His rugby career began in earnest in 1989 when he started playing for Transvaal (now the Golden Lions). Over his tenure, he played in 100 matches and captained the team 89 times, guiding them to multiple Currie Cup and Super 10 victories and establishing himself as a key leader in South African provincial rugby.
In 1993, Mr Pienaar made his test debut for the Springboks and was appointed captain from the outset. He remained captain for all 29 test matches he played, an unprecedented achievement. As captain of the Springboks during the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory against New Zealand, Pienaar embodied reconciliation in action.
Following his retirement from international rugby in 1996, Mr Pienaar joined the Saracens Rugby Club in England, where he served as player, captain, coach and eventually CEO. Under his leadership, the club secured its first major title in 127 years.
He later served as a brand ambassador for Guinness and Visa during the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cups and established himself as a respected rugby analyst and commentator, contributing to coverage of the 2007, 2011, and 2015 tournaments. His work earned him two Royal Television Society nominations, an exceptional accolade for a non-career broadcaster.
Beyond the field, he has advanced youth development and education through the Make A Difference Leadership Foundation, and co-founded the Varsity Cup in 2008, transforming university sport into a powerful platform for talent development. His recognition by UJ celebrates leadership that unites performance, purpose and nation-building.
In 2023, he received the Oxonian Award for lifetime achievement, reflecting the enduring respect he commands both locally and internationally.
His role in advancing reconciliation through sport, his commitment to education and youth development, and his continued contributions to sports innovation and philanthropy distinguish Mr Pienaar as one of South Africa’s most impactful public figures.
This year, the University’s 2026 graduation series marks the Institution’s 21st anniversary. Over 13,000 graduates will cross the stage, joined by global and national leaders recognised for their transformative 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. This graduation season is not merely a celebration of qualifications conferred. It is a powerful affirmation of knowledge in action and of the role universities play in shaping nations and advancing our continent,” said Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Time: 13h00 (to be seated by 12h30)
Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Media Briefing:
Media are invited to attend a pre-conferral media briefing with Mr Francois Pienaar, offering an opportunity for direct engagement, interviews and photography.
Time: 11h00 – 12h00
Venue: Madibeng Building, 2nd Floor, 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 /0820527800 or to Masego Panyane at masegop@uj.ac.za /0840677528 by Tuesday, 24 March 2026.
Media are requested to arrive at the Madibeng Building no later than 11h00. Should you be running late, please inform the media liaison in advance.
Honorary Doctorates conferred this year:
- Monday, 16 March 2026 – Her Excellency Monica Geingos (Global Health and Social Development Advocate) Read more here
Honorary Doctorates to be conferred:
- Friday, 27 March 2026 – Tryphosa Ramano (Chartered Accountant and Financial Leader)
- Wednesday, 15 April 2026 – Professor Njabulo Ndebele (Literary Scholar and Academic Leader)
- Thursday, 16 April 2026 – John Samuel (Education Policy and Governance Leader)
- Friday, 29 May 2026 – Professor Loyiso Nongxa (Mathematics and Higher Education Leader)
Media Enquiries
Mpiletso Motumi
Media Liaison
011 559 6463
082 052 7800
