WSU to recognise Winnie Mandela’s work

Walter Sisulu University will posthumously confer an honorary degree on Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on Thursday.

The doctoral degree for social science will be received by the late stalwart’s daughter, Zenani Dlamini.

WSU spokesperson Yonela Tukwayo said the university recognised people who dedicated their lives and work to the building of a better world.

“The doctoral degree of social science was an appropriate choice for Madikizela-Mandela as her biography attests to her organising local clinics, campaigning actively for equal rights and was later promoted by the ANC as a symbol of its struggle against apartheid.

“WSU is proud to be associated with a resilient, strong character, who had the gusto and audacity to stand up to oppressors,” said Tukwayo.

WSU chancellor Sheila Sisulu will officially confer the degree when 1,074 graduands will be capped at the university’s Mthatha campus.

Madikizela-Mandela was also honoured by the Ugandan Makerere University for her role in the anti-apartheid struggle. She missed the ceremony because of ill-health.

The university awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Law, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the institution.

Tukwayo said: “Madikizela-Mandela is one of the most well-known and distinguished graduands for her controversial activism in shaping our democracy. Due to her radical political activities, Madikizela-Mandela became a global name when she met different international leaders . . . ”

[it] attests to her organising local clinics, working actively for equal rights