In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to advancing social justice and championing the rights of vulnerable communities, the Faculty of the Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS) awarded an honorary doctorate to Joyce Siwani during the April 2025 graduation ceremonies. 

Siwani - a decorated social worker, child advocate, and founding member of Fifty and Beyond South Africa (FABSA) - was conferred with the degree Doctor of Social Work (honoris causa) by Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty, on 9 April 2025. 

A moment of unexpected recognition

Accepting the honorary degree, Siwani described the moment as deeply moving and unexpected. “I am singularly honoured that the Vice-Chancellor on my graduation is a woman. It is a fair demonstration of how far we have walked the journey of emancipation at this level,” she said.  

Reflecting on the symbolism of receiving the honour from the UFS, she noted, “Today, I am standing here addressing a congregation of graduates duly constituted in terms of our education act - at a university I least expected to ever step foot in. But I have witnessed its evolution as our universities continue to transform alongside our country.” 

She emphasised that being honoured by the UFS was never something she imagined, making the moment all the more meaningful. 

Anchored in values and vision 

In her address, Siwani paid tribute to the people who shaped her path. She credited her parents for instilling values of discipline and excellence, and her brothers for teaching her the importance of teamwork from an early age. These early lessons, she said, formed the foundation of a professional life marked by high standards and a commitment to justice. 

“I have always expected nothing short of excellence from myself and the people I work with,” she said. 

A call to future social workers

Addressing the graduates –  and particularly those entering the field of social work – Siwani offered thoughtful advice drawn from her decades of experience. 

“Social work is about restoration and finding common ground,” she said. “Competition is healthy, but when it becomes destructive, we are in trouble.” 

She urged the graduates to see their work not merely as a profession but as a platform for advancing social justice. “The conferral of this degree to me illuminates the urgency of pursuing social justice in our practices and in our personal lives,” she said. She also encouraged ongoing collaboration, warning that “a lack of collaboration does not help in building our country.”