The University of the Free State (UFS) will confer honorary doctorates on four distinguished individuals during its April 2026 graduation ceremonies on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses. The university will also award a Council Medal in recognition of exceptional contributions to music and the arts.
The UFS bestows honorary degrees on individuals whose achievements reflect the university’s values and aspirations. In keeping with its strategic vision of advancing Responsible Societal Futures (RSF), the university recognises individuals whose work has contributed meaningfully to knowledge, creativity, social justice, and societal development.
“Honorary doctorates represent one of the highest recognitions bestowed by the University of the Free State. Through these honours we celebrate individuals whose work embodies the transformative power of knowledge, creativity, and leadership in service of society,” says Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.
“The 2026 honourees reflect our commitment to advancing Responsible Societal Futures – recognising scholars, writers, and leaders whose contributions challenge us to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to a more just and inclusive world.”
Honorary doctorates
Ingrid Winterbach – Doctor of Literature (DLitt) (honoris causa)
Acclaimed author and visual artist Ingrid Winterbach will receive the honorary Doctor of Literature in recognition of her outstanding contribution to South African literature and the arts.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Afrikaans literature, Winterbach has published an acclaimed body of work noted for its intellectual depth, stylistic innovation, and socio-political insight. Her novels have received numerous prestigious awards, including the Hertzog Prize, the WA Hofmeyr Prize, the M-Net Prize, the UJ Prize for Creative Writing, and the kykNet-Rapport Prize. Her work has been translated into several languages, cementing her international reputation.
Zukiswa Wanner – Doctor of Literature (DLitt) (honoris causa)
Author, publisher, and cultural commentator Zukiswa Wanner will receive the honorary Doctor of Literature in recognition of her contribution to African literature and cultural discourse.
She is the author of several novels, children’s books, and works of nonfiction. Her award-winning novel London Cape Town Joburg received the South African Literary Award and was later adapted for the stage, first performed at the University of the Free State. Wanner is also known for championing African writers and founded the virtual literary festival Afrolit Sans Frontières, which brought together more than 80 writers from across Africa and the diaspora.
Prof Relebohile Moletsane – Doctor of Education (honoris causa)
Prof Relebohile Moletsane will receive the honorary Doctor of Education in recognition of her significant contribution to research addressing gender inequality and social justice.
She holds the FALF-Wits-NRF Research Chair in Gender-based Violence and Femicide at the University of the Witwatersrand and serves as a UNESCO UniTwin Co-Chair in Mental Health and Psychological Support for Teachers and Learners. Her research focuses on participatory approaches to addressing gender inequality, sexual and reproductive health rights, and the lived experiences of girls and young women, particularly in rural communities.
Sheila Sisulu – Doctor of Education (honoris causa)
Sheila Sisulu will receive the honorary Doctor of Education in recognition of her distinguished contributions to education, public service, and social development.
A respected South African diplomat and advocate, Sisulu served as Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University until 2023. She also held senior leadership roles at the United Nations World Food Programme in Rome between 2003 and 2013, including Deputy Executive Director for Policy and External Affairs.
Earlier in her career, she served as South African Ambassador to the United States and Consul General in New York. Sisulu has also played significant leadership roles in civil society and government, contributing to education policy, youth development, gender equity, and early childhood development initiatives.
Council Medal
An internationally acclaimed cellist, she serves as Adjunct Professor and Head of the Odeion String Quartet at the UFS. Her distinguished career includes performances with major South African orchestras and international appearances in more than fifteen countries. Through her performances, recordings, and teaching, she has made a lasting contribution to the development of classical music and music education.
Celebrating excellence and societal impact
The conferral of honorary doctorates and the awarding of the Council Medal form part of the UFS graduation ceremonies, celebrating academic achievement while recognising individuals whose work has had a meaningful impact on society.
Through these recognitions, the University of the Free State affirms its commitment to advancing knowledge, creativity, and leadership that contribute to shaping responsible and inclusive societal futures.