Justice Khampepe urges graduates to make democracy a reality - IOL
Justice Sisi Khampepe received an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg.
Accomplished jurist Justice Sisi Khampepe has called on the younger generation to actively shape democracy and make its promises tangible in the daily lives of South Africans.
Speaking after receiving her honorary doctorate on Wednesday at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Justice Khampepe used her platform to inspire graduates to engage with their communities and become catalysts for change.
“My generation's task was to help dismantle an unjust political order and lay the foundation of a constitutional democracy,” Justice Khampepe stated. “Your calling is to make the promise of that democracy real in the daily lives of our people.”
Her emphatic words served not only as a reminder of the historical struggles that have paved the way for democracy, but as a challenge to the graduates to avoid the pitfalls of indifference and complacency.
Justice Khampepe’s journey began in Soweto, where she was born in 1957. She is celebrated as one of the first Black South African women to graduate from Harvard Law School, earning her LLM in 1982.
Reflecting on her education in a democratic context, she articulated how her experiences abroad inspired her to engage with the socio-political landscape upon her return to South Africa.
“Apolitical systems are made by human beings and can be unmade. Once you have seen that another identity is possible, it becomes much harder to accept the claim that the present is permanent.”
Her esteemed legal career gained national prominence when the late former president, Nelson Mandela, appointed her as a commissioner to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995.
Justice Khampepe’s role required immense integrity and compassion as the country navigated its painful past. She acknowledged that while significant strides have been made towards justice, systemic issues continue to plague South Africa, presenting unique challenges for the new graduates.
“You enter a societal landscape rife with high unemployment, systemic inequality, and climate crises,” she warned.
“I will not incite you by pretending that optimism alone can solve these problems. Nor will I tell you that every obstacle is merely a failure of personal effort.”
Her call to action highlighted the importance of individual agency amidst structural inequalities.
Justice Khampepe expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the honorary doctorate, describing it as a meaningful recognition that she will cherish.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, lauded her contributions to democracy, praising her legacy of integrity and community engagement that aligns deeply with the university's values.
This year, UJ conferred honorary doctorates on a distinguished group of individuals, including Her Excellency Monica Geingos, former Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar, global human rights activist Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, literary and academic leader Professor Njabulo Ndebele, and Chartered Accountant and financial leader Tryphosa Ramano, who all exemplify outstanding contributions to society.
