The SA National Editors’ Forum wishes to congratulate its executive director, Mathatha Tsedu, who was honored today by the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town.
A veteran activist and editor, who braved the worst of apartheid repression as a journalist and who played an important and key role in efforts to transform the media in a democratic SA, Mathatha was awarded an honorary doctorate, DPhil in Arts.
It is in recognition of the role Mathatha has played and continues to play in fighting for media freedom in South Africa and on the continent, as well as the integrity, courage and fearless reporting and editing that has marked his stellar career.
Sanef believes it is a fitting tribute for Mathatha who has served his country, the continent and profession with dedication and honor and who continues to be an example to the legion of journalists who have followed him, particularly those he has worked with, mentored and trained. It is yet another accolade for a man who is regarded as one of South African journalism’s towering figures.
It is somehow fitting that the child who once dreamt of becoming a doctor, has today received an honorary doctorate.
In a 2012 interview, Mathatha described himself as “the personification of the African cliché that it takes a whole village to raise a child”.
“My mother died when I was five and my father lost his job when I was in primary school. I grew up in a family that had nothing, but there were people in the community who looked after me. If there’s something I can distill into a life philosophy based on this background, it is that I must always be worthy of the efforts of those who helped me.”
Sanef wishes to thank the University of the Western Cape for having honored Mathatha today.
Those who have been on the receiving end of Mathatha’s emails and inimitable style will appreciate that it is indeed “For Africa, Always”
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