Rector honoured at Unisa

The University of the Western Cape wishes to congratulate UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian O’Connell, on his honourary degree of Doctor of Education from the University of South Africa.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place at Unisa’s Main Campus in Tshwane on Monday, 15 September 2014.

The Honourary degree comes as recognition and acknowledgment of his significant contribution to education and development in South Africa.

Professor O’Connell is a leader and activist revered by South African communities and educators alike. He has committed himself to improving the lives of the oppressed and disadvantaged people of South Africa. O’Connell has made a direct, practical impact on the lives of countless people and has been hailed as a role model for teachers and communities.

He is best described through the voices of those who know him, amongst whom is Professor Cyril Julie, a professor at the education faculty at the University of the Western Cape, who says this of him:

“In all his work, he is driven by a passionate commitment to the development of South Africa and a deep desire to make a contribution to that development. He has the ability to deeply motivate those with whom he works. He is compassionate and respectful in his dealings with people and firm in his expectation of a high level of accountability to the project of education.”