RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

UNISA has honoured former president Kgalema Motlanthe and former Constitutional Court judge and wellknown HIV/Aids and gay-rights activist Judge Edwin Cameron.

They join 25 South Africans who, over the years, have been honoured at the Unisa Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony.

Motlanthe received the Robben Island Award for his role as an activist who sacrificed a lot during the liberation of South Africa. Judge Cameron received the Public Servant Award for his exceptional contributions in government structures and in consolidating constitutional democracy.

They were joined by Sizwe Nxasana, the founder of the Sifiso Learning Group, who received the Outstanding Alumnus Award for excelling in his area of expertise and his contribution to South African society, and Unisa’s Professor Azwihangwisi Helen MavhanduMudzusi, who received the Outstanding Educator Award for her contribution as an outstanding educator who has excelled in and advanced teaching, learning, skills development and research in her area of expertise.

Speaking at the event, Unisa chancellor and former president Thabo Mbeki saluted the recipients for their invaluable contribution towards the continuing reconstruction and development of society.

He extended the appreciation to the people and institutions that contributed resources to Unisa to enable it to discharge its responsibilities.

Unisa principal and vice-chancellor Professor Mandla Makhanya said the awards were about celebrating and encouraging excellence, and a rededication to education.

“The future is bright, even during all the challenges society faces,” he said.