The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced that it will, during its April graduation ceremonies, taking place on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses, confer honorary degrees on Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Professor Salim Abdool Karim.

The University said the conferral was for their significant contribution to society in their respective fields.

UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen said the acknowledgement was a testament to their outstanding contributions to society, academia and the betterment of humanity.

"Both are highly reckoned and respected, and their exemplary leadership, scholarship and unwavering commitment serve as guiding beacons for future generations," said Petersen.

The University said that the degree PhD in Theology (h.c.) would be awarded to Makgoba on the grounds of exceptional achievements of public service in accordance with the ideals and principles of the UFS, at the Qwaqwa Campus on 12 April 2024.

Makgoba, the esteemed Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, has dedicated his life to fostering social justice, education and spiritual guidance, the university highlighted.

His academic achievements reflect his dedication to intellectual pursuits alongside his pastoral duties, with the university stating that Makgoba's impactful leadership as president of the South African Council of Churches and Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape has inspired countless individuals across the world.

He has also received honorary doctorates from the General Theological Seminary, New York; Huron University College, Ontario; the University of the South, Tennessee; the University of the Witwatersrand; and Stellenbosch University. His memoir, Faith and Courage: Praying with Mandela, exemplifies his profound influence on reconciliatory efforts and spiritual guidance in challenging times.

Karim will be awarded the degree PhD in Medical Virology (h.c.) during the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Health Sciences, which will take place on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 April 2024.

The degree is awarded for Karim’s scholarship in the field of medical virology and his distinguished contributions in this field.

Karim, a distinguished clinical infectious disease epidemiologist, has garnered international acclaim for his ground-breaking research in HIV/Aids and Covid-19.

As director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa and Professor of Global Health at Columbia University, Karim has been at the forefront of scientific innovation and public health advocacy.

“His extensive publication record, including more than 500 journal articles and three epidemiology textbooks, underscores his dedication to advancing medical knowledge and combating infectious diseases. Prof Abdool Karim's pivotal research on HIV prevention and treatment of HIV-TB co-infection have revolutionised healthcare practices globally, saving countless lives and shaping public health policies,” said UFS.

Karim has served as special adviser on pandemics to the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO). He is an Adjunct Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard University, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Cornell University, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Karim serves as a member of the WHO Science Council, is Vice-President of the International Science Council, a member of the US National Academy of Medicine, and a Fellow of the Royal Society.