Leleti Khumalo awarded an honorary doctorate

Award-winning South African actress Leleti Khumalo shared her disbelief and gratitude after receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Rhodes University, a moment she described as beyond anything she had ever imagined. The degree was conferred on Wednesday during the university’s Autumn graduation ceremonies. Khumalo, whose career has spanned decades, has become one of the country’s most recognisable and respected performers, using her craft to tell stories that reflect South Africa’s struggles and triumphs.

She rose to prominence in the iconic anti-apartheid musicalSarafina!, a role that elevated her onto the international stage, before delivering a powerful performance inYesterday, the first isiZulu-language film to be nominated for an Academy Award. Across film, television and theatre, includingHotel Rwanda, Invictusand local productionsGenerationsandUzalo, Khumalo has consistently brought to life stories rooted in Africa’s history, from apartheid to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Expressing her gratitude, Khumalo said she felt seen for her contribution to South African theatre.

Dr Leleti Khumalo. Never in a million years did I ever think that would be my title. “From a little girl in the dusty streets of KwaMashu to a holder of an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) in recognition of my profound contribution to South African theatre, film and television, and for my enduring role in using storytelling to illuminate the social realities of our country.

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“Oh I could only dream, and now it’s a reality for the little old me. I still don’t have the words. “Somandla, ngiyabonga ngaleli thalente owangibusisa ngalo(Almighty God, I thank you for the talentyou blessed me with),” she said.

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