Veteran journalist Max du Preez was honoured at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) graduation ceremony this past week with an honorary doctorate which he described as “special”.
“Special because it’s my alma mater [SU] and also because journalists do not get recognised by universities that often.”
Du Preez joined a group of 13 thought leaders who were awarded honorary degrees by SU this past week including businessman Patrice Motsepe, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of the Gift of the Givers, legendary actress, director and cultural activist Sandra Prinsloo, and Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba.
Max du Preez with his honorary degree, Doctor of Philosophy. PHOTO: Stefan Els
Awarded the degree, Doctor of Philosophy, du Preez said: “I need to look at this degree in perspective. It is nice recognition and I appreciate it. It does not make me a Doctor now. I would like to think it is recognition for what journalism has done, especially in the last five years.”
He added that he accepts the degree on behalf of his colleagues in the field.
“The last five years, investigative journalists have really put in the hard work and we should thank them, with civil society and the judiciary for getting us out of that dark [Jacob] Zuma era and into a new deal where political accountability is on the table again.”
Speaking about the so-called ‘new dawn’, du Preez said, “we need to be multifaceted when we think of the new dawn. We should not be too cynical about it. We should allow ourselves to be enthusiastic about a new deal and a new era. We should be the first, as journalists to realise the new deal means an awful lot of work and a lot sacrifice. And a lot of changing of minds.”
Du Preez and legendary actress and director Sandra Prinsloo. PHOTO: Stefan Els
As a final note, du Preez said that journalists have a huge responsibility to play in filling the information gap for people.
“Journalists should position themselves with the people and not with politicians, business people and the private sector. Let us really get down as journalists and go outside of our middle class environment and go and find the will and the need of the people and highlight those stories.”
WATCH: Max du Preez responds after being awarded his honorary degree on YouTube