Limkokwing University recently awarded The President of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma an Honorary Doctorate in Humanity.
Limkokwing University recently awarded The President of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma an Honorary Doctorate in Humanity.
The doctorate is in tribute to Zuma as he takes position among the most significant leaders in Africa.
He has established the Jacob Zuma Foundation in order to provide support to the poor communities.
In his speech, Zuma said it was an honour to accept the honorary doctorate for humanity, not only for himself but also as recognition and appreciation of deepening the bond between the peoples of Malaysia and South Africa.
“I must say that the acceptation received from the community of this University has real indicated to us the vibrancy, the creative energy of this University, you made us feel better. The drums and the ululation of the students, it made me feel indeed this is a global University,” said His Excellency Jacob Zuma.
Zuma added, “The community is judged by its energy, its excitement and configures. I’m certain that this University is going to play a major role in changing the output and the attitude of the young students.”
He was accompanied by his wife Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma; South Africa’s International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane; Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies; Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba; Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Science and Technolgy Minister Derek Hanekom; Energy Minister Ben Martins along with Limkokwing University Founder and President, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing at the ceremony in Limkokwing’s Hall of Fame.
“Indeed, one of the leading advocates for the developing world, former Malaysian prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had consistently championed the cause of the south countries, and was their voice and conscience on the global stage,” said Zuma.
“Therefore, South Africa has to learn from Malaysia in many aspects, to become a developed country, among the sectors being education, which is putting investment on education for the benefit of its people,” advised Zuma.
Zuma is the seventh leader from the African continent to receive an honorary doctorate from the University, apart from former South African president Dr Nelson Mandela, Botswana President Dr Festus Mogae, Kingdom of Lesotho Prime Minister Dr Pakalitha Mosisili and other African leaders.
Tan Sri Limkokwing said, “To those who know him, His Excellency is a dauntless, gregarious, charming and inspiring individual. His disarming smile, infectious grin and delightful manner send out positive vibes and indeed, he inspires all those around him. But behind that charming smile is a leader who embodies steely determination and the resilience to lead one of the world’s most dynamic countries, the Republic of South Africa.”
“Zuma has risen to become the most influential leader in Africa, and one of the most powerful voices in the world,” added Tan Sri Lim.
Jacob Zuma was a fighter for freedom and champion for peace, as he was imprisoned for 10 years in Robben Island, following in the footsteps of his comrade, Nelson Mandela.
“This University has a well-established tradition of conferring Honorary Doctorates upon international leaders of great stature. This is evidenced by the fact that our list of enrolled Honorary Doctorate holders include Dr Nelson Mandela; Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad; Dr Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia; Dato’ Sri Dr Mohamed Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia; His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang and His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland,” said Tan Sri Lim.
Limkokwing University feels privileged to bestow the Honorary Doctorate in Humanity upon Jacob Zuma for his passion, commitment and dedication in building South Africa.
