LEGENDARY broadcaster Noxolo Grootboom has been conferred her honorary doctorate by Rhodes University.
The former SABC newswoman was awarded the degree at the university’s second virtual graduation on Friday, 29 October.
According to Rhodes University, they are honouring her for her significant promotion of national pride and culture throughout her career, that spanned 37 years, at the SABC.
The veteran broadcaster hosted a graduation ceremony and it was attended by the likes of Anele Mdoda, Hulisani Ravele and Chriselda Lewis.
Noxolo, through a statement, said she is humbled and honoured.
“I am out of words to thank Rhodes for the honour bestowed upon me. Each event of my life is a lesson that cannot be merely explained. Even though I had minimal opportunities to further my studies, it seemed as if my dreams about my future were perishing,” she said.
“Today, Rhodes teaches me that hope is always ignited when it seems as though your dreams are perishing. And when that hope is ignited, it leads you to a new dream. I feel like I am a living example to the youth,” she said.
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“This is because, when you devote yourself to your work, new opportunities open up. I am very thankful to Rhodes for this opportunity. Only a wicked person despises success.
“Lastly, I would have failed if I did not express my sincere gratitude to my home language. I am being honoured today because of isiXhosa,” she added.
Vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela said our nation owed her an unpayable debt of gratitude and appreciation for all she had done to give hope to many South Africans and for being a passionate advocate of the isiXhosa language.
