By Khanyisa Khenese and Sindisiwe Tshona
Last week, on Friday, 5 April 2024, Rhodes University concluded its five autumn graduation ceremonies by honouring two prominent people – Thandabantu August and Professor Irvy Gledhill. The university recognised five remarkable people during its graduation season, and this year’s recipients are Ambassador Barbara Masekela, Professor Sylvia Tamale, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Thandabantu August and Professor Irvy Gledhill.
During Friday’s morning session convocation, August was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) (honoris causa) for his courage, resilience, tenacity, and tireless efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of many young people in the Eastern Cape.
Alongside him, Professor Gledhill was also honoured with an honorary doctorate – a Doctor of Science (DSC) (Honoris causa), in an afternoon session.
Prof Gledhill was recognised for her long, distinguished and outstanding contribution to research in Physics, national and international leadership in Physics and human capital development, particularly with women in Physics.
August said in his acceptance speech: “It gives me immense pleasure and excitement to be the recipient of this Doctor of Laws (hr) from this prestigious institution, Rhodes University. I accept this honour with the greatest respect and humility. I dedicate this Degree to my late parents, Arthur and Nomsisi August, who have always inspired me and motivated me.”
August, who is wheelchair-bound, also encouraged Rhodes to consider disabled students. He said that universities located in the Eastern Cape don’t have wheelchair ramps and other necessities to assist disabled students in navigating campuses. Therefore, such students opt to attend other institutions outside the province.
In his address, August posed questions about the university’s facilities for inclusivity for those living with disabilities: “Do you have a functional disability unit? Where is it located? Does it have a needs-based budget? Do you offer courses in Braille and South African Sign Language (SASL)? Do you have students who are wheelchair users? Do you have wheelchair ramps? How long does it take for a wheelchair to move from one lecture learner hall to another? Does your library have books in Braille and in SASL? Have your PGCE students been trained in Special Needs Education (SNE)? Has Rhodes University ever visited any of the special schools in Makhanda? Kuyasa for Severe Intellectual Disability (SID) and Amasango for learners with Deviant behaviour.”
He added that Rhodes should lead by transforming society as a renowned institution by taking into consideration those with special needs.
Gledhill began her speech by congratulating the graduates. In her acceptance speech, she said, “I think there’s a special smile that is internal and secret, that rises from the heart and can’t be hidden, and we all have it today. Ndiyabulela ukuba lapha namhlanje (I am honoured to stand here with you today).” Gledhill continued, “I find it difficult to express how very honoured and delighted I am. It was a surprise, exceeding all others. I have today’s internal secret smile.”
Gledhill also stated that women face barriers related to gender stereotypes in the field of science, and many overcome the bias.
“I realised that relying on traditional roles of women and men made life in some science departments unendurable for women in the profession context.”
Gledhill believes that there is still not enough equality when it comes treatment of women who are scientists who are working in universities and other organisations.
