By: Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela

In Psalm 118, verse 24, the psalmist reminds us that this is the day that the LORD has made and that we should rejoice and be glad in it.

On this special day, we truly rejoice and are grateful for the opportunity to complete the honouring of Mama Ntsiki Biko by officially robing her for her honorary degree, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. This moment allows us to celebrate her remarkable contributions and enduring legacy.

In 2021, Rhodes University conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws on Mama Ntsiki Biko in a virtual graduation ceremony, in adherence to COVID-19 restrictions. Today, we have gathered here in Ginsberg to publicly celebrate this phenomenal woman, whose quiet yet profound contributions over the decades have touched countless lives in her community.

On behalf of our Chancellor, Judge Lex Mpati, our Chair of Council, Judge Gerard Bloem, and the entire Rhodes University community, I take great delight in extending our warmest and heartfelt congratulations to you, Mama, on the conferral of your honorary degree. You have earned this well-deserved recognition and honour through your unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and deep commitment to the well-being of the marginalised and downtrodden in our society.

As we commented in 2021, “This conferral (of an honorary degree) on Mama Biko is in recognition and celebration of her long and sustained contribution as a dedicated community activist and an advocate for the upliftment of the poor and marginalised in our society. Deeply rooted in the philosophy of Black Consciousness and the approach to community development that promotes self-reliance and personal agency, she has played a critical role in giving hope and livelihoods to the communities in which she has worked. Through her community activities, she has touched many lives and helped young and old regain their dignity, self-respect, and humanity.”

As is often said, true leadership is not defined by titles or accolades but by the lives impacted and the lasting change inspired. Mama Biko exemplifies this principle, not in pursuit of recognition but in the fulfilment she finds through uplifting others.

Never one to seek the limelight, Mama has lived a life of service with dignity and grace. She is indeed humility personified. Her work in the community has transformed lives and given hope to countless individuals. Despite the many challenges you have faced, Mama, you have exemplified resilience, courage, and strength, remaining steadfast in your unwavering commitment to serving humanity with conscience and dignity.

At the dawn of democracy in 1994, amidst the scramble for political and economic positions, there was never any record of Mama seeking a special dispensation or recognition for the hardships and political harassment she endured during Apartheid. At no point did she express any sense of entitlement.

It is with immense pride and admiration that the Rhodes University community has had this opportunity to honour and celebrate you, Mama, here in Ginsberg, in the company of your community while you are still with us in the flesh. 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.

Your legacy of selfless and dedicated service to humanity will live on in the hearts and minds of the ordinary people you have touched, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for current and future generations. Your name will be permanently etched in the history of Rhodes University, serving as an enduring testament to your remarkable work of compassion and dedication to community upliftment. Future generations will learn of your invaluable contributions and the lasting impact you have made.

We aspire for current and future generations of Rhodes University students to look to your example as a testament to the true meaning of selfless and dedicated service to humanity. We honour you, we salute you, and we commend you.

Hearty congratulations, Mama.

Thank you.