Honorary Doctorate RECIPIENT 2023

JUSTICE DIKGANG MOSENEKE

DOCTOR PHILOSOPHIAE

Justice Dikgang Moseneke, born in December 1947, is celebrated for his profound impact on South Africa’s legal and political landscape. At the age of 15 he was arrested for his anti-apartheid activities and sentenced to ten years on Robben Island. During his imprisonment, Justice Moseneke earned three degrees from the University of South Africa: a BA, BIuris and LLB. After his release, his legal career flourished and he progressed from attorney’s clerk to prominent advocate and Senior Counsel. In 1993, Justice Moseneke played a crucial role in drafting South Africa’s interim Constitution, and he was deputy chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission during the 1994 elections.

Appointed to the High Court in 1994 and the Constitutional Court in 2002, he was Deputy Chief Justice between 2005 and his retirement in 2016. He always advocated for justice and equality, contributing to numerous legal and community organisations. Justice Moseneke’s influence extended beyond the judiciary, and he served as Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand and in various academic roles globally. His dedication to education, justice and community upliftment has left an indelible mark on South Africa. His memoirs, “My Own Liberator” and “All Rise”, reflect his enduring commitment to liberation and justice.