Wits honours Dr John Kani with honorary Doctor of Literature degree
- Dr John Kani has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the prestigious Wits University
- The playwright was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree at a closed ceremony this week
- The world-renowned veteran actor is one of the pioneers of contemporary theatre in South Africa.
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Playwright Dr John Kani has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the prestigious Wits University.
Kani was honoured with an honorary Doctor of Literature degree at a closed ceremony this week. The world-renowned veteran actor is one of the pioneers of contemporary theatre in South Africa.
His legacy is embedded in performance cultures, theatres and learning spaces across the globe where it is studied, performed and archived for future generations.
As an artist and social activist, Kani has used his work to interrogate complex sociopolitical matters and contributed, through his art, to the liberation of Mzansi.
In his pre-recorded acceptance speech, Kani, who has served on Wits University’s Council, said that it is the artists individual and collective duty to speak openly about the many challenges that South Africa country faces.
"However, action is needed more than just words. Now is the time for all of us artists, who have the luxury of a public platform, to campaign openly against what is wrong in our country... and hopefully contribute towards building a brighter and more promising future for all who live in this wonderful land of ours."
Source: UGC
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The university also awarded another honorary doctorate to Professor Issy Segal. Professor Segal was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science in Medicine degree.
In other news, Briefly.co.za reported that legendary Mzansi musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka shared a stunning throwback picture with media mogul Oprah Winfrey as she looked back on some of her best moments.
The Umqombothi hitmaker compiled a Throw-Back Thursday (TBT) Instagram post that thrilled her many fans. In the collage, the singer also included snaps with Dionne Warwick and Vicky Simpson. She captioned her post:
"My TBT. Been there, done [that], love life [and] can't ask for more. Life is good. Thank you, Lord."
The star has been a firm favourite in world music for decades and has travelled across the globe. She has met some of the world's greatest minds such as the late Nelson Mandela and Mirriam Makeba.
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Source: Briefly News
