Stellenbosch University honours distinguished individuals with honorary doctorates

Stellenbosch University (SU) has announced a prestigious lineup of honorary doctorate recipients who will be celebrated at upcoming graduation ceremonies, honouring individuals whose remarkable contributions have significantly impacted society. This year's recipients include Nobel Laureate and renowned author Prof Abdulrazak Gurnah, disaster management expert Colin Deiner, entrepreneur Chris Otto, pioneering social scientist and epidemiologist Dr Olive Shisana, and innovator Dr Tjaart Johannes van der Walt.

Each year, SU confers honorary doctorates upon extraordinary individuals who have excelled in their fields, demonstrating a legacy of commitment and vision that inspires future generations. The latest cohort was selected after a rigorous governance process, with nominations approved by both the Senate and the University’s Council, culminating in an endorsement on 29 September.

The awards will be distributed at two separate ceremonies; Einer and Otto, together with Prof Salim Abdool Karim—who will receive an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) award in 2024—will be celebrated in December, while the remaining recipients will receive their accolades in March 2026.

“Stellenbosch University is honoured to recognise these outstanding individuals whose work—spanning literature, law and entrepreneurship, disaster risk management, engineering innovation, and public health—has made a significant impact,” said Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. “Their achievements lift communities, deepen understanding, and help build a safer, fairer world. In celebrating them, we affirm our mission to advance knowledge in service of society and our ambition to lead from Africa, for Africa and the world.”

Profiles of the Recipients

• Prof Abdulrazak Gurnah: An acclaimed writer and literary scholar, Gurnah was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021. He will be conferred a Doctor of Literature (DLitt), honoris causa, and has a strong affiliation with SU, including a fellowship at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study in 2018, during which he worked on his novel Afterlives.
• Colin Deiner: Serving as the Chief Director for Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services in the Western Cape, Deiner is internationally recognised for his expertise in disaster response. He will be awarded a Doctor of Engineering (DEng), honoris causa, for his leadership in various disaster relief efforts, including the coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Chris Otto: An alumnus of SU, Otto will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD), honoris causa, in recognition of his entrepreneurial successes as a co-founder of PSG Group and Capitec Bank. He also significantly contributes to the legal landscape through his role as the founding chairman of the Stellenbosch Law Faculty Trust.
• Dr Olive Shisana: Renowned for her pioneering work in public health and epidemiology, Shisana will be awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) (Medicine and Health Sciences), honoris causa. Her leadership in the Department of Health has been pivotal in the national post-apartheid public health reconstruction. 
• Dr Tjaart Johannes van der Walt: Regarded as a pioneer in digital banking in Africa, Van der Walt will receive a Doctor of Engineering (DEng), honoris causa, recognising his innovative contributions through TymeGroup and TymeBank. His mentorship initiatives for postgraduate students exemplify his commitment to education and technology.
• Prof Salim Safrudeen Abdool Karim: A prominent epidemiologist, Abdool Karim will also be awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) (Medicine and Health Sciences), honoris causa. He played a significant role in the Covid-19 response both nationally and internationally and holds various esteemed positions in academia and research.