GRADUATION CEREMONYWednesday, 08 July 2020 l 09:30

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ORDER OF PROCEDURE

08 JULY 2020 AT 09:30 The audience will rise as the academic procession enters the hall and will remain standing until the Chancellor is in place The Wits Choir will perform The Chancellor will constitute the congregation The Chancellor will welcome the graduands Address to the congregation Conferment of degrees The President of Convocation will address the graduates The Chancellor will dissolve the congregation The audience will stand while Ihele is played Members of the audience are requested to stand while the academic procession leaves the hall and not to leave the hall before the end of the ceremony.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

In the event of load-shedding or power cuts, the Great Hall may become totally dark until the generator comes into

operation.

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FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

DEAN: PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych (Hons) MPsych (Western Cape) DLitt et Phil (Unisa)

Master of Education BIOWE, Oluchi Maureen Education

RESEARCH REPORT: A critical multimodal analysis of gender representation in South Africa and Nigeria English language school textbooks DEWA, Nokuthula Ntombiyelizwe Education

RESEARCH REPORT: Investigating 4th year student teacher preparedness for teaching inclusively in diverse Grade R classrooms LEICHER, Sable Hillary (with Distinction)

RESEARCH REPORT: Exploring the experiences of adult carers of siblings with severe autism spectrum disorder MATSHEDISHO, Knowledge Rajohane (with Distinction)

Education

RESEARCH REPORT: First-Year Students’ (Pre)Writing Experiences: Knowledge Schema and Authorial Identity NKOSI, Nobuhle Education

RESEARCH REPORT: The effectiveness of integrating ICTs in the teaching of Mechanical System and control in a Grade 8 Technology subject: a case of two township schools. RADEBE, Nomfundo Knowledge Education

RESEARCH REPORT: Exploring Pre-service Physical Sciences teachers’ experiences and perceptions of learner-learner talk in the classroom RYK, Johan (with Distinction) Education

RESEARCH REPORT: Exploring transitions from youth skills development programmes into economic activity in the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme SALOOJEE, Nasreen

RESEARCH REPORT: The prevalence of traditional bullying and cyber-bullying among university students SEEDAT, Zaheera

RESEARCH REPORT: Comparing the performance of English First Language and English Additional Language children on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for children (2nd Edition) knowledge scale SEEKO, Limakatso Marcelina Education

RESEARCH REPORT: Silent exclusion (of learners) and democratic classrooms in post-apartheid South Africa: a critical analysis of inclusive education policy SINGH, Michel'le Tegan

RESEARCH REPORT: Links between the father and the Development of Childhood Psychopathology: Psychotherapists understandings TSHUMA, Trace Education

RESEARCH REPORT: Exploring Servant Leadership at three schools in Johannesburg East District: perspectives of teachers and school principals

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HUMANITIES AT WITS

The Faculty of Humanities is a leading, vibrant centre of academic and research excellence on the continent.

Our students undergo rigorous theoretical and methodological training which imparts strong research and analytical

skills and enables them to adapt, and often define, the constantly changing world of work. Our students learn to think

critically – they are problem-posers, problem-solvers, and active social citizens who make a difference in society.

The creative suite of programmes on offer in the Faculty equips our students to compete globally and to act locally.

To this end, the Faculty engages creatively and critically with its location in Johannesburg – South Africa’s most

globally networked city – taking advantage of its dynamic political, social, economic and cultural links to the rest of

Africa and the world.

The Faculty drives innovation in our undergraduate and postgraduate studies by encouraging multi-disciplinary,

cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary programmes that link the arts, social sciences, natural

sciences, engineering, health sciences, education and law. To this end, we have collaborative degrees in Digital

Arts, E-Science, Institutional Studies, Public Health and Law. As a research intensive university, the Faculty is

steadily increasing its post-graduate enrolments in order to innovate and service the needs of our fast changing

world. The Humanities Graduate Centre is a home for collaboration and public intellectual activities where students

are active participants.

The Faculty offers a wide range of research-oriented programmes including professional degrees. Collectively, our

programmes impart skills that offer graduates access to a range of careers across a variety of professions in the

public and private sectors, including, academia, research institutes and councils, governmental and

non-governmental organisations, civil society, and corporate enterprises, amongst others.

Renowned for its distinguished academics and scholars, the Faculty is home to globally acclaimed and emerging

scholars working at the horizon of the knowledge economy. Its cosmopolitan mix of international and local staff are

located in a number of disciplines that are highly ranked across a range of global higher education measures. It is

home to some 80 researchers rated by the South African National Research Foundation as having national and

international standing. Our scholars are innovating at the leading edge of research in the areas of African art, area

studies, cities and housing, human migration, diversity and difference, critical race studies, violence, gender and

sexuality, cultural studies, translanguaging, narrative, and labour/work etc. Our mission is to develop and advance

globally impactful scholarship on the questions that define and disrupt what it means to be human in the twenty-first

century.

The Faculty boasts a number of prestigious research institutes including the Society, Work and Development

Institute; the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research; the Centre for Researching Education and Labour; the

History Workshop; the Centre for Indian Studies in Africa; the African Centre for Migration and Society; and the Wits

Centre for Diversity Studies. To complement the research institutes, we host eight prestigious research chairs.

NRF Chair in Local Histories

NRF Chair in Critical Diversity Studies

NRF Chair in Mobility and the Politics of Difference

NRF Chair in Political Theory

NRF Chair in Skills Development

NRF/FRF Chair in Mathematics Education

NRF/FRF Chair in Numeracy

UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education for Diversity and Development

The Faculty of Humanities remains a dynamic hub of teaching innovation, research excellence and critical

scholarship embedded in a local and global society. Our extensive list of renowned alumni provide inspiration for our

current students and new graduates to leave their mark in society.

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Emergency and Fire Plans during Graduations

1. In the event of an emergency and/or fire:

The presiding official (Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor/Deputy Vice-Chancellor) will make an announcement

requesting guests, graduands and staff to keep calm and remain seated;

The Ushers will assist guests to proceed to the nearest Emergency exits in order to evacuate the Great

Hall in an orderly fashion;

Emergency exit signs are visible in red above all exit doors situated on your left and right hand sides as

well as the back of the Hall;

The Ushers will assist the elderly and disabled guests out of the building;

The academic procession on stage must exit through the back stage door;

Once outside the Great Hall all guests, graduands and staff must proceed to the main assembly point on

the piazza.

2. In the event of a Bomb threat

All bomb threats will be treated as real in order to protect lives and property and the premises will be evacuated

immediately.

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TURUSIDA, Pauline Education

RESEARCH REPORT: The Role of Toy Librarians in Gauteng Province in Promoting Inclusive Education

Bachelor of Education Honours ABELSON, Talia Tzivia

HLATSHWAYO, Bongiwe Noluthando

AHMED, Aqeela

HLONGWANE, Sithulisiwe Louise

AKOOJEE, Maryam Bibi

HO, Mark

AMANJEE, Safiyyah

HOOSEN, Aadila

ANOOP, Sanjul

HOOSEN, Tasmiyah (with Distinction)

AZAR, Bronwen Theresa

JUQU, Ntando Fortunate

BALELE, Raudina Madina

KANYINJI, Timeyo

BALOYI, Akani Debra

KHUMALO, Menzi Michael

BERKMAN, Ariela Rachel

KOHLER, Wesley Werner

BODHANIA, Aneesa (with Distinction)

LAHER, Safiyyah

BOTA, Sandisiwe

LIAU, Neo Thomas (with Distinction)

COTSHANI, Sinenhlanhla

LORGAT, Aaliyah

CROWDER, Sameega Gairoenisha

MABELANE, Magate Phoebe

DANIELS, Raeesah

MADITSI, Theto Veronicah

DEANE, Delara

MAGCAYI, Sincedise

DIPALE, Onalenna Emmanuel

MAGWAZA, Sthembile Lebohang

DLAMINI, Senamile Rejoice

MAHOMED, Sabeehah

DUBE, Ntokozo Nduna

MATHIBE, Lerato

DUMA, Angeline (with Distinction)

MBATHA, Nothando Nomusa

EBRAHIM, Raeesa

MC BRIDE, Janine Sabrina

FIKIZOLO, Nolwethu

MHLANGA, Agnes Tsakane

HANNA, Tarryn Tayla

MKHWANAZI, Mpho Albertina

HASSAN, Fahmida (with Distinction)

MKHWANAZI, Sifiso Phineas

HATTINGH, Jeanine

MOCWALEDI, Bokamoso Tshegofatso Desiree

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MOFOKENG, Palesa Mary

PETERS, Zena

MOKONYANE, Frank

PHUNGULA, Ayanda

MOLOSIWA, Matselana

PRIMROSE, Guy Bruce

MORAPEDI, Kgomotso Josephine

PUQA, Lwazi

MORARE, Bonolo Otsile

PURMASIR, Yadir

MOSELANE, Salaminah Mmankokoti

RAMOSHABA, Mpho Eunice

MURINGANI, Plaxedes

RAMPERTAB, Nishika

MUSHAGASHA, Balungile Vennessia

ROSA, Roxanne Pereira

MUSTAFA, Seemal

SANGWENI, Charmain

MWELASE, Nokwazi Nokuvela

SHABANGU, Bongani

NADAS, Che Imane (with Distinction)

SHABANGU, Nokuthula

NAIDOO, Reena

SIBANDA, Londiwe Rithabile

NDAWONDE, Nondumiso Ziyanda

SIBISI, Jemima Thandi

NENE, Nomfundo

SITHOLE, Irving (with Distinction)

NGEMA, Kwanele Adequate Peabo

SIWELA, Lindokuhle

NKABINDE, Nonjabulo Portia Nadia

STEENKAMP, Marcelle

NKOME, Maponto Rosalina

STEGGINK, Dominique Sarah (with Distinction)

NKUNA, Mary

SULIMAN, Ameena

NTHIBELI, Moleli Zakaria

TALANE, Tshegofatso Milicent

NTHOPO, Gift Rebone

VARACHIA, Sabeeha Yusuf

NTSOANE, Moditi Samuel

VILJOEN, Aspenn Blue (with Distinction)

ODUSANYA, Oluwayemisi

WESTPHAL, Jade

O'GORMAN, Megan Clansie

YUNUS, Luthfiyah Qoodisiyah

OLUBODUN, Julius

ZIVUKU, Reginah

PAPIYANA, Siphe

ZWANE, Sanele

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OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY Chancellor DR NJ DLAMINI MBChB (Natal) DBL (Unisa) MBA (Witwatersrand) IEC (USA) Vice-Chancellor and Principal PROFESSOR A HABIB BA Hons (Witwatersrand) MA (Natal) MPhil PhD (City University of New York) Chairman of Council MR I SHONGWE BA (Wesleyan) MPhil(Oxford) Vice-Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Postgraduate Affairs) PROFESSOR Z VILAKAZI BSc (Manchester) MSc PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf FAAS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) PROFESSOR R OSMAN BA (Witwatersrand) HDipEd BEd (Unisa) MEd PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf Registrar MS CG CROSLEY BA HDipEd (Witwatersrand) BEd (Hons) (Unisa) MEd (Witwatersrand) Chief Operating Officer MR F SIBANYONI BSc(Eng) (Natal) MBA (Cape Town) PrEng SMICMEESA Chief Financial Officer MR PC DESAI BCom (University of Durban, Westville) BCompt. (Hons) (Unisa) CA (SA) Dean of Student Affairs MR JAP SEPTEMBER BA MPhil (Cape Town) DEANS OF THE FACULTIES Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management PROFESSOR I VALODIA BCom (Unisa) BCom Hons (Natal) MSc (Lancaster) DEcon (KwaZulu-Natal) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment PROFESSOR IR JANDRELL BSc(Eng) GDE PhD (Witwatersrand) IntPE(SA) PrEng FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE Faculty of Health Sciences PROFESSOR MG VELLER MBBCh MMed(Surg)(Witwatersrand) FCS(SA) Faculty of Humanities PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych (Hons) MPsych (Western Cape) DLitt et Phil (UNISA) Faculty of Science PROFESSOR N CHETTY BSc Hons (Natal) MS PhD (Urbana-Champaign) MSAIP MASSAf President of Convocation MS S BOLON BA Hons MA (Witwatersrand)

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GRADUATION AWARDS FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

Prize to be presented at the Faculty’s prize giving ceremony The John Earle Prize: For Excellence in the teaching of Geography Shenay Ganasen

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Bachelor of Education with Honours DUBE, Nkazimulo Keith

MARCON, Bronwen

KHUMALO, Cynthia Smangele

Bachelor of Education SOKHASI, Sonelise

Postgraduate Diploma in Education ADEWUNMI, Yewande Adetoro

MAUBANE-NKADIMENG, Manoko Stephina

AGUIRRE DE CARCER GIRON, Nuno (with Distinction)

MOTUBATSE, Kgobalale Nebbel

AJOODHA, Ritesh (with Distinction)

NKOSI, Thulani Gift

DLAMINI, Sitsabo Samuel

OWEN, Gavin Ray (with Distinction)

DUKHAN, Shalini (with Distinction)

SEBEHELA, Tumellano

FOTHERINGHAM, Christopher

SOLOMONS, Yvette Frances (with Distinction)

HEWLETT, Lynn (with Distinction)

TSHESANE, Thelma Machoene Johanna

JADHAV, Ashwini Mohan (with Distinction)

WILLEMSE, Sonia (with Distinction)

JOFFE, Avril Louise (with Distinction)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education ZINI, Sithembiso Eugene

Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching ABDULLAH DAWOOD, Sabeehah

BATEMAN, Kari-ann (with Distinction)

ABREU, Leandra Imilia (with Distinction)

BHOWANDAS, Ajay

ALEXANDER-FOX, Nicole Sara

BISMILLA, Maleeha

AMBROSIUS, Jadene

BISSE, Sindisiwe Nteyas

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BLOEM, Nadene Michelle

GREYLING, Deidré

BOEHM, Candice (with Distinction)

HEALD, Chrissy Anastasia (with Distinction)

BORTHWICK, Hannah

HLONGO, Nyiko Cute (with Distinction)

BROWN, Christopher John (with Distinction)

ISMAIL, Layla

BUTHELEZI, Fanele Grace

JANKELOWITZ, Gila (with Distinction)

CHAUKE, Dumazile

JANSE VAN RENSBURG, Ilanka

CHUMA, Oupa Senator

JONKER, Anerique

CORNEELSEN, Timara

KELLY, Lara Jacqueline

CROSBIE, Tyla Catherine

KEYI, Zukisa

CROWN, Taryn Leora

KEYTER, Lee-Ann

CULVERWELL, Danielle Megan

KGARUME, Atlegang Modiegi

DA ROCHA GONCALVES, Mariza Loureiro (with Distinction)

KGOWANA, Mankoana Neo

DAWOOD, Azraa

KHUMALO, Tshengisani Maritha

DENDAR, Shameez

KODISANG, Tsholofelo Lydia

DEYSEL, Dominique Claire

KUALI, Tsitso

DICKSON, Shanaaz

LATHA, Adela

DOCKRAT, Zainub Mohammed (with Distinction)

LEGAE, Rebaone

DODSON, Thomas Jack Keightly (with Distinction)

LEKOLOANE, Meriam Motlalepula

DUDULA, Africa Zweletu

LETSOALO, Precious Mmatshepo

FRANDSEN, Megan Louise

LOCKYER, Stephanie Rosemary

GANASEN, Shenay (with Distinction)

LONG, Graeme Darryl

GANESS, Daelene Noelle

LUCIOLI, Keegan Jay

GATUKE, Gugu Pergy

MABOTE, Makhotso

GELESE, Ayabonga

MABUNDA, Elizabeth Nxobile

GOMES, Andrew Jared (with Distinction)

MAGANE, Tarcia Mamothibedi

GOVENDER, Yashoda Tamryn (with Distinction)

MAHAPA, Tumisang

GQABE, Kayakazi Sipokazi

MAHLASELA, Ditiro (with Distinction)

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GRADUATION ADDRESS: DR BONISILE JOHN KANI Honourable Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adam Habib, Chairperson of the Wits Governing Council, on which I served for eight wonderful years, the Senate, the President of the SRC, distinguished members of the academia, parents, invited guests and my fellow graduating colleagues. I greet you all. When I was young, my grandmother told me a story of seven little frogs swimming in a pond somewhere in the middle of the forest, having a great time. Suddenly seven little snakes came to join them in the pond. The frogs jumped out of the water. “We cannot play with them, they do not look like us, they are different,” said the frogs. For a moment, there was a silence around the pond. On the other side of the pond, a similar conversation was taking place. The little snakes were saying the same thing. However, children being children, they started going into the pond again, as it was very hot that day. Soon the little frogs and the little snakes forgot about their differences and they all played happily together. There was great deal of laughter and joy around the pond. Even the birds joined in singing. The little snakes went home and told the papa and mama snakes about these wonderful new friends they had met at the pond. Papa snake said “Please invite them over for dinner tomorrow night – and they will be the dinner”. On the other side of the pond, the little frogs also told their parents about the new friends they met at the pond that day. Mama frog said “Gather all your things right now, we are relocating to a place far away from here. The snakes are our mortal enemies”. The following day the sun was shining, the birds were twittering in the distant trees, but the pond was empty and there were no children’s laughter. This story made a great impact on me – youngas I was. I swore that day with my grandmother that I was going to dedicate my entire life to getting those children back into the pond! I so wished that the parents had not burdened those children with all the problems from their past. That is why I became writer. That is why I became an artist. In 1994, I saw the children coming together again under a wonderful leader. Since then there have been a lot of challenges and we, as country, are very much a work in progress.

For years, I was a cultural activist but today I speak as a concerned social activist. As an artist and a writer, I am able to hold up a mirror to my fellow citizens and what they see is a true reflection of who they really are. This past decade has not been easy for our country. The cracks of a rushed political settlement in the ’90s have manifested themselves in much more racial polarisation than was ever imagined. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of racial outbursts from our people towards our own people and, although this has led to laws that are supposed to protect the majority against racism perpetuated by a minority, the racial slurs and confrontations continue to occur. In addition, sexual and gender based violence has now become a national scourge resulting in daily media headlines. As artists we have marched and leant our support to the various movements –Not in my Name, Men against SGBV, and the Me Too movement – which may have assuaged our guilt and non-action in some way but all that has made little difference to the amount of the violence continuously perpetrated on our women and children. Despite our efforts, we, as a nation, have still not come up with a radical and effective plan of action to address this dire situation. And, unfortunately, until the perpetrators of this violence suffer immediate consequences for their actions, very little is going to change. We believe as artists that it is a duty for us to speak openly about the many challenges our country faces – racism, reconciliation, sexual and gender based violence, lack of humanity, Ubuntu, a redistribution of the country’s wealth and resources and an inclusive economy. However, action is needed more than just words. Now is the time for all of us artists, who have the luxury of a public platform, to campaign openly against what is wrong in our country – just as we did against apartheid – and hopefully contribute towards building a brighter and more promising future for all who live in this wonderful land of ours. If we ever achieve that, we would have finally fulfilled Madiba’s dream for the land he was so committed to. Thank you again to the Wits University community for this doctorate. I am indeed very proud to be the recipient of such an honour. Dr John Kani

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In addition to his creative output and influence, Kani's active citizenry is notable. He has been a member of the University of the Witwatersrand Council. Prior to that, Kani was appointed as a Distinguished Carnegie Equity Scholar by the university's transformation office in partnership with Drama for Life. Kani's keynote address at the seminal Apartheid Archives Conference during this time demonstrated his mastery of storytelling as a catalyst for capturing the complex human experience. Kani's extraordinary career has led to countless awards and honours, including honorary doctorates from the universities of Durban-Westville, Rhodes, Cape Town, and Nelson Mandela University. He has also received the Hiroshima Foundation Award for Peace, as well as Fleur du Cap and Naledi lifetime achievement awards (in addition to a Naledi International Impact Award). The Afrikaans community rewarded him with the kykNET lifetime achievement award, and in 2005 he also received a national honour from the South African president - the Order of Ikamanga in Silver - recognising his contribution in the struggle for the liberation of his country through his work in the arts. Kani is a patron of the Market Theatre Foundation and, in 2015, it named the complex's main theatre the John Kani Theatre, in recognition of the critical role he continues to play in the creative industries. In 2017, Whites Road in Port Elizabeth's city centre was renamed John Kani Road. In 2018, he was awarded the JF Kennedy Gold Medal by the Kennedy Arts Centre for his service to humanity and excellence in the arts. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Sortugui Afrique Cinema Honour in Burkina Faso. Most recently, Kani was awarded the Voices in Freedom Award by Shared Interest in New York. Previous recipients include Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

In South Africa, Kani's written texts form part of the prescribed curriculum in high schools as well as in many university performance and literature departments. His legacy continues to be felt across all generations. It is fair to state that today, his voice remains as commanding, critical and forthright about our country's current social circumstances as it was in the darkest days of the anti-apartheid movement, and it is therefore befitting that the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, bestow an honorary doctorate degree on Bonisile John Kani.

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MAHOMED, Faheem

MLANGWANA, Ntombifuthi Elmah

MAKAMU, Ruth

MNISI, Sikhumbuzo Simphiwe

MAKHASI, Ntuthuzelo Ntuthu

MOAHLOLI, Bongiwe

MAKHINGI, Ripfumelo

MOCHAI, Precious Letjoba

MAKONYE, Chido

MODIBA, Leshate Piet

MALL, Yaseerah (with Distinction)

MOLALE, Maki Emily Yolanda

MALULEKA, Ntombifuthi Precious

MOLEPO, Mosehlana

MANGERA, Waheeda

MONNAMME, Lesego Beverley

MANGERA, Zaahira

MOODLEY, Lemishka

MAOMBE, Avhafunani

MOOLLA, Yaseera (with Distinction)

MAPHUTHA, Mmachidi Reginah

MOTAUNG, Prudence Ntombifuthi

MAROGA, Lentutse Hellen

MOTLOUNG, Lucky

MASEHLELA, Mmapule

MPOFU, Thubelihle

MASEKO, Nompumelelo Patty

MQUQU, Bonginkosi

MASEKO, Zonela

MSHUQWANA, Fern Neliswa

MASEMOLA, Mahlatse Pearl

MTHETHWA, Nolwazi

MASHIANE, Ramaesela Lizza

MTHIMUNYE, Nonkululeko Marcia

MASIA, Chiara Gina

MUSHWANA, Chayeza

MATEZA, Lusanda

NCUBE, Bongani Mduduzi

MATHER, Muneer

NDLOVU, Senzokuhle Fezile (with Distinction)

MATHIBENG, Never

NDOU, Tshimangadzo Pennelope (with Distinction)

MATLALA, Tsebo Nompumelelo

NDZWANA, Ntandokazi (with Distinction)

MAYET, Azraa

NGOBENI, Mahlatse Joseph

MBADALIGA, Tshilidzi Hilda

NICHOL, Thomas Edward

MBOWANE, Bronley

NKUNZI, Mziwanele

MCHIZA, Aphiwe

NOGUDA, Thembakazi

MKHWANAZI, Zakubo Nomathamsanqa

NTIMANE, Sandile Goodman

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NXUMALO, Olwethu

SANDLER, Chantal (with Distinction)

NZIMANDE, Nomonde Samantha

SARTINI, Nicole

OSATO, Alexia

SEGODI, Tiisetso

OYEJIDE, Aderemi Oyewunmi (with Distinction)

SEHLABANE, Irene Matsatsi

PACHECO, Alice Araujo

SEQUEIRA, Shana

PARRATT, Bronwyn Ann

SHIPPEY, Caitlin Jenna (with Distinction)

PATEL, Zainab (with Distinction)

SITHOLE, Mirriam Semola

PEARCE, Michelle

SOAL, Savannah Grace

PEARSON, Thomas George

STRAEULI, Mareike Renate (with Distinction)

PEWA, Bonisiwe Junior

TADIELLO, Gianluca (with Distinction)

PHORA, Malebogo Lucia

TLEANE, Mahlatse

QHOJENG, Nombulelo Grace

TOOTLA, Shannon Lauren

RADEBE, Neo

TSOTETSI, Dimakatso Gladness

RADEBE, Zinhle

TURKEY, Zainub

RADINGOANE, Speed Podile

VALLABH, Sheetal Heena

RAMABULANA, Odwa Olive (with Distinction)

VAN ZYL, Abigail Rose (with Distinction)

RAMOGALE, Kamogelo

VARIAWA, Saalihah

RAMULWELA, Thakhani

VILJOEN, Caitlin (with Distinction)

RAPOO, Pinky Motlhapa

WAINSTEIN, Kelly Genna (with Distinction)

RATUNE, Reratile

WELCH, Kayleigh (with Distinction)

RIEDEL, Stephen Siegfried

WITELSON, Keith Jacques (with Distinction)

RIKHOTSO, Lungile

ZITHA, Shirly

SALEE, Aisha (with Distinction)

ZONDI, Sithembiso Fraser

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CITATION: BONISILE JOHN KANI One of the pioneers of contemporary theatre in South Africa, John Kani's legacy is one shaped by an extraordinary command of language, storytelling and performance. It is a legacy that has been embedded in performance cultures, theatres and learning spaces across the globe - his body of work studied, performed and archived for future generations. Kani's deft storytelling, emboldened performances and frank social gaze are a testament to the artist's broad expressive range, skilled delivery and insightful representation of reality. However, his mastery of acting, directing and writing does not alone encapsulate his significance as an artist; it is his chronicling of South Africa's historical journey through his art over the last five decades that is of even more importance to our country and beyond. Kani's unwavering commitment towards social justice is rooted in his creative research through theatre, television and film, as well as his civil society engagements, providing a complex, humane socio-political critique of South Africa's relational landscape. Bonisile John Kani was born on 30 August 1943 in the Port Elizabeth township of New Brighton, in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. His prolific career grew from performance to writing and dramaturgy, to directing in theatre, to television and, more recently, to working in film. Today, Kani is an internationally acclaimed actor and writer. His first major encounter with theatre was through the ground-breaking Serpent Players in 1965 in New Brighton. Here, the formidable trio of Kani, Winston Ntshona and Athol Fugard took root, a relationship that saw the creation of Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island, which were first performed in the early 1970s. The works are the epitome of grand-scale storytelling, born of a rich tradition of what would come to be known as workshop theatre, a process of improvised, researched storytelling that culminates in collaborative writing. This rehearsal and writing method has had a lasting impact on successive generations of theatre-makers throughout South Africa. Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island captured the heart of the devastating impact of apartheid. They were brave inscriptions of the systematic genocide of the human spirit and, ultimately, bold acts of resistance too. Following the triumphant performance of the plays in New York and on other international stages, Kani and Ntshona both won a Tony Award in 1975 - a feat that only a handful of South Africans have achieved. On their return to South Africa, the actors faced detention, harassment and violence at the hands of the apartheid police. Kani survived an attempt on his life. His courage to speak truth to power through his art never wavered through this period. Kani's extensive body of work boasts an impressive global reach and spans award-winning performances, significant roles across the performing arts spectrum, and creative collaborations with leading directors, playhouses and producers. Among his most prestigious engagements are performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Hamlet (2006) and The Tempest (2012). He has worked closely with the likes of Janice Honeyman, Dame Janet Suzman and Sir Antony Sher. His recent film performance in the ground-breaking Black Panther (2018), directed by Ryan Coogler, has elevated his international stature. His film credits are growing rapidly, with the new iteration of The Lion King as the latest addition, and he also directed the film version of his award-winning play Nothing but the Truth.

Nothing but the Truth (2002), like Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island, stands out as a seminal work in the South African theatre landscape. Setting his play in post-apartheid South Africa, Kani set out to explore the complexity of truth telling, healing and justice in a family ravaged by the traumatic impact of the country's war for freedom. Kani, capturing the mood of the time, questions what it will take for black South Africans to reconcile. In 2003, he won three Fleur du Cap Awards and five Naledi Theatre Awards for Nothing but the Truth. Kani's latest play, Kunene and the King (2019), promises to be of equal status. The play deals with the effects of apartheid 25 years into democracy through the relationship between two elderly men - one white, one black. Kunene and the King, according to arts critics, captures the critical reality that South Africa's contemporary socio-political relationships face.