Good News

BULLETIN 28 October 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# Stellenbosch University has revealed a prestigious lineup of this year’s honorary doctorate recipients. Each year, the university confers honorary doctorates upon extraordinary individuals who have excelled in their fields, demonstrating a legacy of commitment and vision that inspires future generations. This year’s recipients are Nobel Laureate and internationally acclaimed author, professor Abdulrazak Gurnah, disaster management expert, Colin Deiner, entrepreneur Chris Otto, social scientist and epidemiologist, doctor Olive Shisana, and innovator, doctor Tjaart Johannes van der Walt.

Meanwhile, the ANC has congratulated president Cyril Ramaphosa on his honorary doctorate in international relations from the University of Malaya in Malaysia. The university said the conferment reflects its recognition of Ramaphosa’s leadership, contributions to international relations and dedication to global development. ANC’s spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, says the honorary doctorate is a testament to Ramaphosa’s commitment to diplomacy, inclusive governance and regional cooperation.

# South African author, book coach, and professional speaker, Kim Vermaak, has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa. Now in its 11th year, the awards celebrate and honour exceptional women who are making a significant impact across various sectors. Vermaak has been recognised for her remarkable contributions to publishing and mental health. She says women being celebrated not just for their success, but for their vulnerability and courage to rise through adversity, redefines what strength truly means.

# Award-winning South African comedian Stuart Taylor will bring his latest stand-up masterpiece, Odd Man Out, to the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and Johannesburg’s Theatre on the Square next month. His newest show takes an honest and hilarious look at what it means to be a little out of place and why being the oddball is often where the comedy lives. Taylor says the show sums up his life perfectly, as he has always been that guy who doesn’t quite fit in, like a vegan at a braai. 

# And finally: The University of Venda, through its Thoho ya Nzie initiative, received a generous donation of food parcels from the Todani 70 Foundation. The donation aims to help provide much-needed food support to students facing financial hardship. The donation includes maize, tinned food, two cows, and five pigs. The university’s Pila Nemutandani says food insecurity can make students vulnerable and lead to harmful coping mechanisms. She adds the donation will have a lasting impact.

Stay tuned for more news………….