![[L-R]: Acting Registrar Professor Michelle Karels, Dr Ntsiki Biko, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela](/media/rhodesuniversity/content/communicationsmarketing/images/Biko,_Karrels,_Mabizela.jpg)
Testament to the Power of One: Rhodes University Robes Dr Ntsiki Biko
Date Released: Fri, 28 March 2025 14:46 +0200By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
In an intimate and profoundly symbolic ceremony, Rhodes University formally robed Dr Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Biko with the academic gown befitting her Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa), conferred during the University’s virtual graduation in 2021. The robing, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, occurred at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg.
Presiding over the ceremony was Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, accompanied by Acting Registrar Professor Michelle Karels. The Vice-Chancellor had promised Dr Biko (in 2021) that he would ensure that the University would complete the process of conferring her Honorary Doctorate in her community. In his address, Professor Mabizela paid tribute to Mrs Biko’s life of unwavering service, saying: “Your courage, compassion, and relentless pursuit of a better life for the less privileged in our society are truly inspiring and remind us all of the power of one determined individual to make a positive change in the world.”
More than just a ceremonial act, the robing of Mama Biko was a moment of collective affirmation — of her sacrifices, dignity, and quiet defiance in the face of adversity. Her life, grounded in the philosophy of Black Consciousness, is a testament to the idea that liberation begins with self-respect and collective care.
In her speech, Dr Biko reflected on her path from Libode to Ginsberg, nurse to community stalwart, and widow to elder activist. She honoured her roots, her siblings, and the many organisations she helped shape — from the Ginsberg Education Trust to the Steve Biko Foundation, which she co-founded with her son Nkosinathi. “My home became a centre of convergence for the activists of the Black Consciousness Movement,” she recalled, “and I remain devoted to the community that embraced us.”
Dr Biko also paid tribute to the many women, caregivers, and youth she has mentored and supported — not for recognition, but because “it is the right thing to do.” Her humility was echoed in her desire to broaden the honour, dedicating it to frontline workers, community-based organisations, and the many unnamed people working to uplift the marginalised. “Our country does not need to thank any of us,” she said. “Yet for recognising this journey, I accept this honour with great humility.”
The event also featured remarks by Dr Nomphumelelo Babeli, whose postgraduate research into Dr Biko’s life helped bring her legacy into scholarly and public consciousness. Dr Babeli, herself a Rhodes alumna, reminded the audience that Dr Biko’s life was not only shaped by history — she has shaped it in return, with compassion as her weapon and justice as her compass.
This robing marks more than the completion of a ceremonial process; it affirms a life lived with courage and conscience. As Prof Mabizela noted, Dr Biko's name will be forever etched into the story of Rhodes University — not for the accolade itself, but for what it represents: the power of one woman to uplift, heal, and lead with grace.
Source:The Division of Communications & Advancement