Iconic South Africans honoured by Unisa

On 22 November 2024, Unisa hosted the annual Chancellor’s Calabash Awards in Sandton to recognise the sacrifices and contribution of nine South Africans and the university’s alumni whose selfless efforts have contributed to shaping the country towards democracy.

The event was attended by donors, various alumni, practitioners, dignitaries, Chancellor’s Club members, and civil society representatives, among other leaders of note.

Unisa Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki

In his welcome address, Unisa Chancellor, Dr Thabo Mbeki, said the Calabash Awards is one of the university’s flagship projects which aims to recognise the excellence and exemplary achievements of its outstanding alumni and other South Africans who have made immense contributions to shaping futures in the service of humanity.

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Puleng LenkaBula, said that this awards ceremony is one of the most prestigious events on the calendar of the university. Each year, she said, Unisa recognises the excellent public service work done by outstanding Africans. “These are people who have distinguished themselves in ways that align with the mission and values of the university."

Both the Chancellor and the VC took to the stage to present the awards in the following categories:

The Unisa Robben Island Alumnus Award

Introduced in 2012, this award recognises the role of political prisoners/activists who sacrificed immensely towards the liberation of South Africa. Dr Rev Stanley Mmutlanyane Mogoba and Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane were conferred the award.

The Outstanding Educator Award

Introduced in 2015, this award acknowledges the contribution of any outstanding educator who has excelled in or advanced teaching learning, skills development and/or research in his/or her area of expertise. The award was conferred on the CEO of the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (EDTP SETA), Nombulelo Nxesi.

From left: Dr Rev Stanley Mmutlanyane Mogoba, Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane, and Nombulelo Nxesi

The Outstanding Public Servant Award

The award recognises South Africans who are making exceptional contributions to government structures. Dr Pali Lehohla and Tsietsi Winston Dennis Mohapi were conferred the award.

From left: Dr Pali Lehohla, Tsietsi Winston Dennis Mohapi, and Shawn Slovo (on behalf of Ruth First)

The Liberation Struggle Hero/Heroine Award

A new category introduced this year, this award recognises persons who demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership, and dedication in the fight against oppression and injustice. The award was conferred on Justice Albie Sachs and, posthumously, Ruth First. Shawn Slovo received the award on behalf of her mother, Ruth First.

The Outstanding Alumna Award

The award acknowledges an outstanding alumna who has excelled in her area of expertise and who has made a significant contribution to society. The award was conferred on Christine Ramon and Innocentia Itumeleng Motau.

From left: Justice Albie Sachs, Christine Ramon, and Innocentia Itumeleng Motau

The Calabash Awards continues to recognise the immense contributions made by South Africans who put their lives on the line, agitating for freedom from apartheid and oppression. Their contributions have helped shape the country into a prosperous and equitable society.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement, with additional reporting by Unisa Media Affairs

* * Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre