“Despite the uncertainty of these times, when we are witnessing the brazen challenge to inclusivity, equality and cooperation among nations, I dare say we must not allow ourselves to be ‘trumped’. Now, more than ever before, we ought to seek who we are.”

This was the rallying cry of Barbara Masekela, moments after the University of Johannesburg (UJ) conferred an honorary doctorate upon her. Just a few hours earlier, another remarkable woman, Sister Abegail Ntleko, had also walked across the stage to receive her honorary doctorate. The two women’s journeys, though distinct, share a common thread: a steadfast commitment to social justice and transforming the lives of communities.

They are part of the five luminaries that the university honours during this Autumn graduation season. This comes at a time when the university celebrates its 20th anniversary, a milestone that highlights two decades of innovation, resilience, and societal transformation.

During this graduation period, more than 13 000 students who have completed their qualifications will graduate. Of this number, more than 9 000 are undergraduate students, while the rest are postgraduates, including 2310 Honours, 308 Master’s and 68 Doctoral qualifications.

On Monday, 10 March 2025, Barbara Masekela and Sister Abegail Ntleko joined more than a hundred graduates to receive their honorary doctorates. Masekela, a renowned poet, academic, and diplomat, was honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa for her crucial role in shaping South Africa’s cultural and political landscape.

Her contributions span literature, education, and public service, having served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States and later to France.

A prolific feminist and activist, it was poetic that she had an honorary doctorate conferred upon her in March when the world celebrates women. International Women’s Day is commemorated on March 8th.

Speaking during the conferral ceremony, Masekela expressed gratitude to the University for recognising her. “I know that this is not given lightly, this honour is one of the best of its kind in recognition of concrete transformation in our growing democracy,” said Masekela, who was born in Johannesburg in 1941 and grew up in eMalahleni and Alexandra Township, in the apolitically engaged family. Influenced by her father, a sculptor and health inspector, and her mother, a social worker, she developed an early awareness of social justice.

Honorary Doctorate recipient Barbra Masekela (centre) is pictured with UJ leadership Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi (left) and Chancellor Dr Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka (right). Picture: University of Johannesburg/ NokuthulaMbatha

True to her roots of activism, Masekela used the opportunity to remind the audience of the importance of being dedicated to the truth. “Despite the uncertainty of these times, when we are witnessing the brazen challenge to inclusivity, equality and cooperation among nations, I dare say we must not allow ourselves to be ‘trumped’, she said, about US President Donald Trump’s decision to sign an executive order withdrawing aid to South Africa.“I insist that we are the heirs of a unique legacy, which we inherited from the greats of our country, legends from ancient times to the very doorstep of the end of the 20th century,” said,

Masekela, attended Inanda Girls’ Seminary, a renowned institution that nurtured generations of politically conscious Black South African women, where she encountered influential leaders such as Chief Albert Luthuli.

A lifetime of activism and serviceMasekela’s academic journey took her to the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland, before she pursued further studies in the US, earning a BA in English Literature from Fordham University and Ohio State University.

Her political and cultural activism gained momentum when she joined the ANC in exile in 1982, committing herself to the fight against apartheid. She was instrumental in establishing the ANC’s Department of Arts and Culture, working alongside key figures such as Wally Serote, Mandla Langa, and Lindiwe Mabuza to mobilise artists and intellectuals in resistance against oppression. Her efforts in shaping cultural boycotts cemented her reputation as a champion of the arts and a force for political change.

Beyond politics and diplomacy, Masekela has been a leading literary and cultural figure.“I proclaim that, having endured slavery and colonialism; the indignity of apartheid; grammar without textbooks and biology without laboratories to name a few.

Having survived wars, pandemics and persecution all whipped together; almost drowned in the indoctrination of patriarchal hypocrisy and expunged from the history books that aim to celebrate the valour of others, now more than ever we ought to seek who we are.

”Also beaming with excitement during the honorary doctorate conferral was Sister AbegailNtleko, 91. “I am excited to see youngsters here as I got my first degree at 62.” Her story is one of relentless courage and compassion, so much so that the late Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu once called her “the true heart of South Africa.”

Sister Abegail Ntleko has her Honorary Doctorate conferred on her at the University of Johannesburg. Photo: University of Johannesburg/Nokuthula Mbatha

A pioneer of social transformation starting her nursing career in 1968, she faced the devastating health crises of rural South Africa head-on, battling diseases like leprosy and typhoid. She established mobile clinics, hospitals, and orphanages, and pioneered holistic programs that integrated education, therapy, and agriculture to heal children affected by HIV and trauma. Her memoir, Empty Hands, is a testament to her philosophy of communal care and her belief that even in the face of scarcity, hope can flourish.

Sister Ntleko is also recognised globally, including by the Dalai Lama’s Unsung Hero of Compassion Award, Sister Ntleko’s legacy is a reminder that true leadership is about lifting others.

UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Lethlokwa Mpedi praised Masekela and SisterNtleko’s contributions to social transformation: “Barbara Masekela has shown that culture is not only an expression of identity but also a powerful tool for justice, unity, and transformation. Sister Ntleko is a true embodiment of humanities, and her honorary doctorate is for her life of serving humanity through innovation and with less than basic resources and the extraordinary insight into the true value of learning, and for being an example of what means to 'live ubuntu'.”