DURBAN -- Singer, actress, playwright and producer Thembi Mtshali-Jones has expressed her gratitude to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for honouring her with an honorary Doctorate in Visual and Performing Arts degree.
The honorary degree will be conferred on May 16th during the second session of the 2022 Virtual Autumn Graduation, which will be streamed on DUT’s website.
Mtshali-Jones said she was grateful to DUT.
“In 2011 my city, eThekwini, gave me a Living Legend Award and I would like to repeat the same words I made on that night. I have been highly decorated in almost all corners of the world where I have worked. This gave me a sense of achievement and pride. However, as it kept happening, I started to feel a sense of inadequacy. I had many questions I could not answer.
“As it happened then, I am now sure of where that emptiness stems from, despite being showered with all manner of praises and awards. The reason being is that: no recognition, no matter how much weight and wealth it carries, can ever beat a simple gesture, such as a Thank You from your own city and more so, by a reputable institution such as DUT,” she said in a statement.
She also mentioned that she is humbled by joining other legends such as Joseph Shabalala and Welcome Nzimande, among others, who also received the same award from DUT.
Mtshali-Jones, who currently stars as MaNdlovu on e.tv’s drama, Imbewu: The Seed, was born in 1949 and grew up in KwaMashu.
Her long and accomplished television career includes starring in the popular sitcoms ‘Sgudi Snaysi’ and ‘Stokvel’ which was nominated for an International Emmy in 2004.
She also worked with late great artists Hugh Masekela and Mariam Makeba.
She currently sits on the board of directors for The Living Legends Legacy Fraternity trust.
Professor Runette Kruger, the Executive Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Design at DUT said: “The Faculty of Arts and Design is delighted that the Honorary Doctorate will be conferred on Ms Mtshali-Jones. She is a giant in her field, with decades of ground-breaking achievements and contributions to show for her dedication and talent.”
DUT said the virtual graduation ceremonies will be followed by physical graduation events, whose dates will be announced in due course.
“Details of the physical graduation ceremonies will be communicated to all university stakeholders and to the graduates from the Class of 2021, using the official DUT communications platforms.”
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