Two extraordinary women, Barbara Masekela and Sister Abegail Ntleko, have been honoured with UJ’s highest recognition – not just for what they have achieved but for the countless lives they have uplifted.
Johannesburg, South Africa (13 March 2025) – The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has once again celebrated excellence, recognising two incredible women whose impact on South Africa (and the world) has been nothing short of extraordinary. Barbara Masekela and Sister Abegail Ntleko have both been awarded honorary doctorates, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to social justice, education, and the upliftment of communities.
Their achievements come at a momentous time as UJ marks 20 years of innovation and transformation. Alongside these honours, more than 13,000 students will graduate this season, stepping into the world with fresh knowledge, hope, and the drive to make a difference.
A Legacy of Words, Activism, and Truth
Barbara Masekela, a poet, academic, and diplomat, has long been a voice for change. Her work has shaped South Africa’s cultural and political landscape, from her time in exile working with the ANC to her diplomatic roles in the United States and France. She has spent decades using literature, education, and activism as tools for justice.
Gracious and reflective, Masekela acknowledged the honour with deep appreciation.
“I know that this is not given lightly, this honour is one of the best of its kind in recognition of concrete transformation in our growing democracy,” she said.
True to her spirit of activism, she used the moment to remind the audience of the ongoing struggle for truth and justice.
“Despite the uncertainty of these times, when we are witnessing the brazen challenge to inclusivity, equality, and cooperation among nations, I dare say we must not allow ourselves to be ‘trumped’,” she declared, reinforcing the need for resilience in the face of adversity.
Her words carried the weight of history – of a life spent fighting against oppression and working towards a more just world. Born in Johannesburg and raised in eMalahleni and Alexandra, she grew up in a politically conscious family. Her passion for education took her across continents, from the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland, to Fordham University in the US.
Her journey saw her standing alongside giants of the liberation movement, shaping cultural resistance against apartheid, and later representing South Africa on the world stage. And yet, despite all she has achieved, she remains focused on the future.
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“Now, more than ever before, we ought to seek who we are,” she urged.
A Lifetime of Care and Compassion
If Barbara Masekela’s life has been a story of words and activism, Sister Abegail Ntleko’s has been one of boundless love and care. At 91 years old, she is a pioneer in healthcare, a champion for the vulnerable, and an inspiration to generations.
“I am excited to see youngsters here as I got my first degree at 62,” she said, smiling with warmth as she received her honorary doctorate.
Her career as a nurse began in 1968, in the deep rural areas of South Africa where healthcare was scarce and diseases like leprosy and typhoid were widespread. Undeterred, she built mobile clinics, hospitals, and orphanages, ensuring that even those in the most desperate conditions had access to care.
Her work with children affected by HIV and trauma has left an immeasurable impact. Through holistic programmes that integrate education, therapy, and agriculture, she has not just healed bodies—she has restored hope. It is no wonder that the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu once called her “the true heart of South Africa.”
Her memoir, Empty Hands, tells the story of a woman who has given everything she has to serve others. It is a story of resilience, of selflessness, and of the power of human kindness. Recognised globally, including receiving the Dalai Lama’s Unsung Hero of Compassion Award, Sister Ntleko’s legacy is a reminder that leadership is not about status, but about lifting others up.
Honouring Those Who Change the World
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, summed up the significance of these honours beautifully.
“Barbara Masekela has shown that culture is not only an expression of identity but also a powerful tool for justice, unity, and transformation. Sister Ntleko is a true embodiment of humanity – her honorary doctorate is for her life of serving others through innovation, despite having fewer resources than most. She has given us an extraordinary insight into the true value of learning and what it means to ‘live ubuntu’.”
As the university celebrates two decades of progress, it could not have chosen two more deserving individuals to recognise. Barbara Masekela and Sister Abegail Ntleko have spent their lives lifting others, shaping the nation, and proving that true impact is measured not in titles but in lives changed.
And as they walked across the stage to receive their doctorates, they did so not just for themselves but for every South African who believes in the power of education, justice and compassion.
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