Members of parliament Malusi Gigaba and Mmusi Maimane will be among the 2 163 graduates who will receive their academic qualifications when the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosts its 2025 winter graduation ceremony.
The prestigious occasion, held from July 16 to 31 at the Auckland Park Kingsway campus, will see the two prominent politicians being conferred with doctoral degrees in public management and governance on July 21.
This year’s graduates include 431 diploma and certificate holders, 425 undergraduate degree recipients, 115 honours graduates, 924 master’s graduates, and 194 doctoral candidates.
In a statement issued by Masego Panyane, the institution said for these individuals, crossing the stage is more than a ceremonial milestone; it marks the beginning of a future driven by knowledge, integrity, and purpose.
UJ, consistently ranked among South Africa’s and Africa’s top universities, prides itself on blending academic excellence with real-world relevance, producing graduates who are critical thinkers, innovators, and ethical leaders.
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ vice-chancellor and principal, captured the significance of the moment. “As each graduate crosses the stage, they carry with them the weight and worth of a qualification earned at one of Africa’s most forward-thinking institutions.
“Their future begins here, and it holds the promise of innovation, progress, and lasting change.”
Education is a continuous journey
Gigaba and Maimane have balanced their demanding public roles with rigorous academic pursuits, demonstrating the value of lifelong learning.
Gigaba, a former minister of finance and public enterprises, and Maimane, the former leader of the DA, have earned doctorates that reflect years of research and dedication to advancing public governance.
Their presence at the graduation ceremony serves as an inspiration, reminding the nation that education is a continuous journey, even for those in the public eye.
Sunday World recently revealed that Gigaba had successfully completed his PhD in Public Management and Governance at UJ, a testament to his commitment to deepening his expertise in leadership and policy.
Gigaba holds a Bachelor of Pedagogics in Education from the University of Durban-Westville, where he studied during the period of 1989 and 1990. Gigaba obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Social Policy from the same university from 1992 to 1994.
Gigaba, who currently serves as the co-chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, has served as the Minister of Public Enterprises and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
Maimane graduated from the University of South Africa with a BA in Psychology, the University of Witwatersrand with a master’s in Public Administration, and Bangor University in Wales with a master’s in Theology. An MP and leader of Bosa, Maimane is the former president of Democratic Alliance.
UJ’s doctoral candidates, including Gigaba and Maimane, represent the pinnacle of academic achievement, with their research spanning disciplines such as the sciences, humanities, public governance, and renewable energy.
Also Read: Ex-finance minister Malusi Gigaba has completed his PhD at UJ
