The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is set to honor three exceptional individuals during its autumn graduation ceremonies from March 25 to April 3, 2025, for their profound contributions in education, economics, and law. This year, over 5200 graduates will don their caps and gowns as they undertake this pivotal milestone in their academic journeys.
The distinguished recipients include Jennifer Glennie, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Education on March 26, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, honored with a Doctor of Commerce, also on March 26, and Professor David Dyzenhaus, who will be awarded a Doctor of Laws on April 1.
Wits University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, expressed his admiration for the honorees, stating, “These remarkable individuals have made lasting contributions to their respective fields, advancing knowledge, research, and policy that benefit society at large. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and welcome them into the Wits community.”
Jennifer Glennie, receiving her Doctor of Education, is recognized for her visionary leadership in education. She has significantly advanced open learning and distance education in South Africa, particularly aimed at out-of-school youth during the apartheid era. As the founding Director of the South African Institute of Distance Education (SAIDE), Glennie has championed various initiatives to enhance educational access, including the African Storybook initiative. This project promotes home-language literacy for children across the continent, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and social justice.
Professor Ernest Aryeetey will receive his honorary degree on March 26 at 5:00 PM. Renowned as an African economist and leader in higher education, Aryeetey has profoundly influenced economic research and institutional development. Notably, he was the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ghana and the founding Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), where he fostered collaborations between Africa’s leading research institutions. His work on informal finance and economic development has substantially guided policy decisions both regionally and globally.
Meanwhile, Professor David Dyzenhaus will be honored on April 1 at 9:30 AM. A distinguished legal philosopher and a Wits alumnus, Dyzenhaus’s research has explored critical issues such as constitutionalism, the rule of law, and legal theory. His contributions have shaped legal frameworks not only in Canada and South Africa but also worldwide. Drawing from his experiences in apartheid South Africa, his extensive scholarship engages deeply with the relationships between law, oppression, and resistance. Currently, he teaches at the University of Toronto and has significantly influenced many aspiring legal scholars.
The university is looking forward to honoring these distinguished individuals, who exemplify the values of excellence, leadership, and service that Wits strives to uphold during these graduation ceremonies. Their achievements serve as a source of inspiration for the graduating class and remind all involved about the indelible impact one can make through dedication and hard work.
