THE University of South Africa (UNISA) has conferred an Honorary Doctorate to St. Engenas Zion Christian Church Bishop Engenas Joseph Lekganyane.
The prestigious event was held at the Unisa's main campus in Tshwane on the evening of Friday, 28 October, led by the university Chancellor, former President Thabo Mbeki.
The esteemed spiritual leader is the latest eminent person to join the list of illustrious Unisa Alumni to be conferred with a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology.
Unisa’s spokesman, Tommy Huma, said the university’s Council resolved at its meeting on 29 June to confer the honorary doctorate on Lekganyane in recognition of his outstanding achievements and globally impactful societal contributions to peace, social cohesion, social capital, as well as successful and resilient African-initiated institutions in the 21st Century.
Delivering her keynote speech, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Unisa, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, said: “We are happy that you will be joining many of the University of South Africa students to become part of the building of the fabric of our society, our continent, and the global arena through the knowledge that this 150 years’ university will have made available to all of us.”
ALSO READ: Zulu royal battle takes different turn
She further said Unisa recognises and supports the efforts of the Africanisation and Internationalisation Agenda of the Bishop and the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church as it continually seeks to build social cohesion, social capital, and peace amongst people, countries, and the world.
Accepting his degree, Lenkganyane said that, unfortunately, human beings often elevate their differences far beyond what they deserve and in so doing, they fail to recognise the greater strength that lies within their combined efforts.
“Unity is still possible as illustrated by the period of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as participation in supporting different sports teams,” he said.
Amongst other dignitaries who attended the ceremony were the Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi and the former Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura.
