Decades of service
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Be inspired by alumnae whom the University awarded with honorary doctorates over the past two decades for their service to society in their various capacities:
Mercy Makhalemele was awarded an honoris causa MA in 2000 for being the voice and the living face of those living with Aids in South Africa. “A woman in adversity who fought against disadvantage with dignity and courage.”
Margaret Marshall (BA 1967) was awarded an LLD honoris causa in 2000 for her long and uninterrupted history of public service.
Pauline Lipson was awarded LLD honoris causa in 2001 for being an unsung heroine of the struggle for a just and equitable legal system in South Africa.
Sheila Aronstam (BA 1950) was awarded LLD honoris causa in 2002 for her untiring work in many welfare projects including caring for the blind, children’s shelters and recognition of and respect for the dignity of all people.
Lydia Komape-Mgwenya was awarded an honoris causa MA in 2002 for her outstanding contribution to society in empowering rural people and their struggles.
Selma Browde (MBBCh 1959) was awarded a DSc honoris causa in 2003 for her dedication as cancer therapist and researcher, striving to improve care and palliation to patients.
Amina Cachalia was awarded an LLD honoris causa in 2004 for her work with organisations and groups that focus on the upliftment of women, the nurturing and protection of children, and rehabilitation of the disadvantaged. She was a trustee of the Mandela Children’s Fund, Ububele (a psychotherapeutic rehabilitation centre in Alexandra), and Operation Hunger. 
Maria Teresa Heinz (BA 1960) LLD honoris causa in 2007 for her vision, philanthropy, advocacy and deep commitment to alleviate deprivation.
Denise Scott Brown was awarded an honorary doctorate in architecture in 2011 as someone who has changed the course of contemporary architecture. She is perhaps the most important woman architect to have traversed the world stage in recent years.
Elza Miles was awarded an honorary doctorate of literature in 2012 for her extraordinary generosity in sharing and making accessible her ground-breaking research, her tireless and meticulous documentation with little funding, and her sense of responsibility in preserving ephemeral records.
Brenda Gourley was awarded a Doctor of Education in 2013 for her considerable role in the discipline of accountancy, in representing South Africa with distinction, and for her acumen and strategic wisdom.
Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was awarded LLD honoris causa in 2013 for her commitment to justice, education, research, the advancement of women in law and her inspirational leadership.
Justice Kate O’ Regan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2015 for her inspirational leadership and in recognition of her commitment to social justice both nationally and internationally. 
Esme Berman (BA Fine Art 1950) was awarded an honorary degree in 2016 for her contribution as an art historian to produce a comprehensive reference work on South African fine artists.
Marjorie Manganye was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017 for her selfless lifelong dedication and service to the ill, frail and elderly.
Patricia Horn was awarded an honorary commerce doctorate in 2017 for her service to informal workers. She has had a great influence in the International Labour Office’s expanded definitions of ‘worker’ and ‘workplace’, which now includes the informal economy. Her work in organising, advocacy and collective bargaining has influenced policy discussions and debates across the world.
Thuli Madonsela (LLB 1991) was awarded an honorary doctorate of law in 2017 for her steadfastness and integrity in seeking out corruption wherever it is to be found, in upholding the Constitution, and in defending our democracy.
Shula Marks was awarded an honorary degree in literature in 2017 for her role as an eminent historian of Africa and an activist for human rights and the rights of refugees.
Barones Valerie Amos received an honorary doctorate for her abiding passion for justice and equality around the world, and has served as an expert in world development. She is an activist for social justice, a diplomat and a public servant.
Brigalia Bam DLitt honoris causa in 2019 is one of the foremost South African women social activists and leaders, both in and outside of the church, and still consults various African countries on electoral matters.
Wendy Appelbaum (BA 1982) was awarded with a DSc honoris causa in 2019 for the significant social and economic impact that she has made in South Africa; in recognition of her contribution to the empowerment of women and vulnerable communities in South Africa; in appreciation of her advancement of healthcare, education and culture; and in honour of her advancement of society.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was awarded DLitt honoris causa in 2019 for her commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment nationally and globally, social justice more broadly, education and service to her country. 
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