CAPE TOWN - “Now is the time for us to inspire through action. We are, however, still trapped in the ego of our privileged humanity. I plead for equal education and for breaking down our geographical past. Our tertiary institutions have to make training programmes available on which to build to bring our youth together.”
These were the words of honorary doctorate degree in Education recipient, Dr Marlene le Roux, who was lauded for her work in empowering and supporting disadvantaged groups to pursue a fulfilling career in the arts.
Le Roux, chief executive of the Artscape Theatre, received her honorary degree at the hybrid graduation ceremony held at Stellenbosch University earlier this week.
Le Roux was described as a well-known activist for communities without access to rights and opportunities and had started her career as a music teacher on the Cape Flats before joining the Artscape Theatre in 2001 as the director of audience development and education.
Her projects range from theatre appreciation workshops to taking complete productions, along with workshops and educational theatre, to rural areas and communities where opportunities for arts and culture are limited.
Accepting her honorary doctorate degree, Le Roux said: “What a special honour it is that Stellenbosch University deemed me worthy of this award. I accept this on behalf of so many disadvantaged women, persons with disabilities and also people who have no voice in life. I started my life in what can be seen as a cycle where you are born into poverty and would ultimately die in poverty.
“(translated) Never in my wildest dreams did I, as daughter of Christine (Tietie), and foster parents, Ouma en Oupa Christina en Frank Abrahams, think I would be standing here. They experienced the hard road of humiliation from our apartheid past but understood the importance of education. For that I want to thank them from the depths of my heart,” said Le Roux.
She was one of five individuals who received honorary doctorates at the ceremony.
The degree Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa was conferred on university alumnus, Judge Frederick Brand in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of law, while another alumna Nicky Newton-King received the degree Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa for her contribution in developing South African financial law and regulation, and strengthening the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), as a foundational pillar of South Africa’s economy.
Prof Marlene van Niekerk received the degree Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) honoris causa for her immense impact on the Afrikaans literature and literary landscape and the degree Doctor of Education (DEd) honoris causa was conferred on Prof John David Volmink for his outstanding contribution to education and curriculum reform, the advancement of mathematics education, and the quality assurance of schooling in post-apartheid South Africa.
Cape Times