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Annan receives his framed degree from UNISA Chancellor Judge Bernard Ngoepe while Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Mandla Makhanya looks on
Annan receives his sash during the ceremony
L-R Chairperson of the UNISA Council Dr Matthews Phosa, Education Minister Naledi Pandor, Kofi Annan, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, and Prof Makhanya
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On 17 July 2008 the usually quiet ZK Matthews was energised by the presence of hundreds of high profile guests as UNISA honoured former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan with a Doctorate of Literature and Philosophy degree.
This soft spoken diplomat accepted this degree praising UNISA as pioneers of distance education, saying “it is an Institution which provides world class teaching not only to South Africans, but to citizens across the Continent, and internationally.”
Annan raised many continental issues of the challenges facing Africa that of strong leadership, the current food crisis as well the ever threatening climate changes affecting communities around the world.
He spoke about “today’s generation of young people and the leadership we need them to provide” saying that “we need that leadership – now and in the future. Africa is at a crossroads. It can continue to move forward or retreat, in the face of old and new challenges, letting the advances of recent years slip away.”
Annan being conferred his degree
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L-R Chairperson of the UNISA Council Dr Matthews Phosa, Annan and Judge Bernard Ngoepe |
Current food crisis
Annan highlighted the current food crisis saying that “this year, the food crisis has seen people take to the streets in over 30 countries to protest against the rising cost of food. Even before the current crisis, 200 million Africans were hungry." "We must do better than this,” he strongly urged as “we must ensure that every individual has access to sufficient food.”
He went on emphasise the effects of climate change having a “severe humanitarian impact on vulnerable communities around the world - from jobs to health to food security and peace within and among nations...While wealthier nations are able to take time to negotiate over targets for reducing carbon emissions, the poor are already suffering,” he added.
Many Ambassadors, High Commissioners, members of Executive and Extended Management as well as various government ministers were present at this special graduation of Annan.
Annan also released the Statement by the Elders on the current Zimbabwean crisis. Click here for the statement. |
