On Friday, 13 October 2023, at 09h30, a graduation ceremony for Rhodes University masters and PhD graduands will take place at the Settlers Monument in Makhanda, and renowned freedom fighter Bishop Peter Storey will receive a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa).
According to Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, this honour recognises Bishop Storey's "sustained and distinguished contribution, which spanned more than six decades, as a fearless and leading figure in the anti-apartheid struggle and as a champion of nation-building following the democratic elections of 1994."
According to Bishop Storey's nominators, his impact traces back to his profound contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle in the 1960s. His other contributions include his chaplaincy to the Rivonia Trialists on Robben Island, his activist ministry resisting the District Six removals, and his turning the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg into a famous focus of mass democratic protest in the 1970s and 1980s. He also reached maximum prominence within and outside South Africa as the President of the South African Council of Churches and Methodist Bishop of Johannesburg before and during the State of Emergency and through the transition to democratic elections.
Of the October graduands, the majority are in the Faculty of Humanities and Science. Women graduands make up over 60%, and international graduands make up almost 30% of the total.
After the postgraduate graduation on Friday, a Garden Party will celebrate all the newly graduated alumni.
The University's social media channels will be jam-packed with pictures and videos, so keep a lookout for them. Please use the hashtag #RUOctGrad2023 for your own social media posts.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodes_Uni
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhodesuniversity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/rhodes-university
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhodes_university/
Please check the graduation gateway for further information and updates regarding the ceremonies. Information will be available at /graduationgateway/.