Celebrities
Leleti Khumalo to receive honorary doctorate
Veteran actress Leleti Khumalo is set to be honoured with an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University, recognising her decades-long contribution to the arts and her impact as a social advocate.
The Sarafina! star will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa), with the university praising her for using storytelling as a tool to challenge injustice and highlight societal issues.
In its announcement, Rhodes University emphasised how Khumalo’s work has consistently gone beyond entertainment, touching on themes that shaped South Africa’s history and ongoing struggles.
“From the defiant spirit of Sarafina! to the poignant storytelling in Yesterday, Leleti has used her craft as a powerful tool for social change, confronting the realities of Apartheid and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She doesn’t just act; she advocates,” the institution shared.
Khumalo rose to international prominence through her role in Sarafina!, where she starred alongside global names like Whoopi Goldberg and Miriam Makeba.
Discovered by acclaimed playwright Mbongeni Ngema, she went on to build a career defined by powerful performances in productions such as Yesterday, as well as popular television shows like Generations and Uzalo.
Beyond the screen, Khumalo has remained a strong voice in advocacy, using her platform to raise awareness around issues like HIV/AIDS and youth development, particularly through her work in KwaZulu-Natal.
Despite the recognition, the announcement has drawn mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning the criteria for honorary degrees and arguing that such honours should prioritise academic achievement.
Others, however, have defended the decision, pointing to Khumalo’s cultural impact and her role in shaping important conversations through film and television.
Reflecting on her purpose as a storyteller, Khumalo once shared a vision that aligns closely with the recognition she is now receiving.
“I want to tell stories that are going to change people’s lives. I don’t want to just be an actress. I want to be an actress who is going to make a difference.”
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