Lapsley – hero, role model

DR MICHAEL Lapsley, a priest and humanitarian, is one of our great heroes and role models in South Africa and globally.

His life in service of humanity is an inspiration to us all.

On April 10, 2017, the anniversary of the assassination of another great hero, Chris Hani, Father Michael received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

The Convocation leadership of UWC on behalf of all graduates and academics decided to nominate Father Michael .

He brings honour to UWC and our association with him is an important reminder to respect the human dignity of everyone, oppose injustice every- where all of the time and hold those who abuse power accountable.

Professor Brian Williams, at the time he was president ofConvocation, and political scientist and historian Keith Gottschalk, who wasvice-president, visited Father Michael at his residence and requested permission to put his name forward for an honorary doctorate.

Professor David Fisher assumed responsibility for obtaining all the signatures necessary and piloting the nomination through the UWC honorary degrees processes.

Dr Lapsley, you are now indelibly a part of the UWC narrative.

As Convocation (all graduates are automatically part of it) we will honour your principles by committing ourselves to intensify our struggles against injustice, oppression, exploitation and to challenge those within our institutions who abuse power.

At the graduation ceremony, Dr Lapsley stated: “Not only am I a follower of Jesus of Nazareth but also an admirer of Commandante Fidel Castro… I chose to join the liberation Struggle… I fought for the recovery of my own humanity in solidarity with black people fighting for their basic human rights.”

While in exile he received a letter bomb that blew off both his hands and damaged an eye. His response was not hatred but increasing his work to serve humanity and help others on a path of healing. Our country needs him more than ever before.

Long live Dr Lapsley! Long live!