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360˚ PERSPECTIVES • ISSUE 2 • 2013/14
UWC’s Greatest
Alumnus Twenty-three years ago, on 28 November 1990, one of the most significant public events in the history of UWC took place, when the newly inaugurated first president of democratic South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, was awarded an honorary doctrate. In memory of one of Africa’s greatest sons, below is the description of the event as reported in the Campus Bulletin produced by the UWC Public Affairs Department at the time. More than 4 000 people cheered, applauded and toyi-toyied as Mr Nelson Mandela, deputy president of the ANC, was made an honorary doctor of laws in the ceremony at UWC. Arriving guests were greeted by a university square decorated in festive manner, table and chairs facing towards the library steps where a stage had been erected for the concert and party afterwards. Above it was a banner reading “Towards a People’s University”. Giant ANC banners had been draped over the main pillars outside the Great Hall. Security was tight, ANC cadres and UWC marshals checking the bags of everyone
entering the hall and requiring the audience to pass through metal detectors. Some, neatly dressed for the occasion, paced around nervously, asking guests for spare invitations. When one succeeded in obtaining an invitation, his spontaneous reaction was: “Somewhere out there somebody loves me!” Others who had tickets for the auxiliary venues tried desperately to bluff their way past ushers, so that they would be able to see Mandela in the flesh. At the entrance to the Main Hall security staff had their hands full with cameras which had to be collected as photography by private individuals was not allowed inside. During a pre-ceremony photo session photographers were not allowed within five metres of Mandela, resplendent in blue and grey satin gown and velvet cap. About 2 000 invited guests crowded into the university’s Great Hall, while about the same number watched the proceedings on giant television monitors outside. The procession for the first time ever included community figures, such as the ANC’s Reg September and Pallo Jordan.
When Mandela finally entered the hall, the waiting assembly rose as one in spontaneous welcome, to which the ANC leader responded with warm waves and a huge grin. And, at the long-awaited capping of Mandela by UWC Chancellor Archbishop Desmond Tutu, UWC became the first South African university to confer an honorary doctorate on Mandela. UWC’s Creative Arts Choir gave two performances. One of the pieces was dedicated to Mandela and left the leader obviously touched. When the Chancellor called for a freedom song there was no hesitation from the audience.
Arts Dean Prof Ridge, President Nelson Mandela and Faculty of Law Dean Prof Smit
People toyi-toyied down the aisles, showing their respect for a person who had pledged his life to fighting apartheid. The warmth of the entire ceremony was also reflected during a praise poem to Mandela, moving the university’s newest alumnus to chuckle several times.
Madiba giving a speech at UWC
The tight security delayed the start of the ceremony by 45 minutes but the Chancellor, declaring the congregation of the university open, said people should stop looking at their watches. To applause and laughter he said, “We’re in Africa now.” After the ceremony and a private party in a staff dining room, a jazz concert featuring Abdullah “Dollar Brand”Ibrahim, Monty Weber, Robbie Jansen and Basil Coetzee kept guests entertained with a tribute to Mandela which stretched well past midnight.
Madiba being congratulated by Prof Jakes Gerwel