The legendary actress, Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones received a standing ovation when the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Chancellor, Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi conferred her with the honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts at the DUT Celebratory Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre, earlier today, Wednesday, 20 July 2022.
It was an exciting moment for the graduates from Faculty of Arts & Design at DUT, who had an opportunity to share the graduation stage with the remarkable Dr Mtshali-Jones during the morning session (session one) of the graduation.
In his welcome address, the DUT Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Alan Khan, revealed that during this graduation season, a total of 9081 graduates over 35 sessions, 12 days in Durban and Pietermaritzburg will walk the graduation stage. He excitedly introduced the Honorary Doctorate recipient, Dr Mtshali-Jones, who currently stars as MaNdlovu on ETV’s popular drama series, Imbewu: The Seed.
“I first had the chance to watch her on stage as a young boy in the 1970s when she starred in the show Ipi Tombi. She then took part in some of my favourite television series and now I am glued to Imbewu: The Seed. When I met her earlier on I forgot her real name and I called her MaNdlovu because I am so used to having her in my home every day. She is on stage with us today, graduates and guests, you are about to witness history, a true South African legend, a national treasure is about to be conferred with an honorary degree by the Durban University of Technology,” said Khan when introducing Dr Mtshali-Jones.
He further read Dr Mtshali-Jones citation, commencing with a brief background, revealing that she was born in 1949 and grew up in KwaMashu township in Durban. Mr Khan also pointed out how she was discovered by Welcome Msomi and had performed in the original Umabatha, the isiZulu adaptation of Macbeth in 70’s. Attendees were overwhelmed as they listened to Dr Mtshali-Jones life journey, noting her several national and international accolades throughout her stellar career.
Taking to the stage after obtaining her Honorary Doctorate, Dr Mtshali-Jones stated she was honoured to join the likes of the legends including; Jonathan Clegg, Sipho Mchunu, Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande, Ela Gandhi, Joseph Shabalala and Steve Biko, who have all received this privilege from DUT.
Expressing her appreciation to DUT for the recognition, Dr Mtshali-Jones said: “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 manners 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.”
The Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design, Professor Runette Kruger saluted Dr Mtshali-Jones for her sterling contribution to the world of Arts along with the other graduates for completing their qualifications with courage and perseverance.
“Allow me to congratulate our Honorary Doctor, Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones, who has inspired us with her many accolades, her journey to success through trials and tribulations. We appreciate her words of wisdom and encouragement shared with us today. It is an honour to add her to our DUT family,” said Prof Kruger
After the ceremony, Dr Mtshali-Jones said she will not forget this honour as it was one of the greatest honour that she has received. She indicated that she was proud of herself and the Mtshali clan. In terms of her acting career, she stated that as long as she can still remember her lines, she is ‘here to stay’. Her message to the DUT students, Dr Mtshali-Jones said they can be anything they want to be and should not let anyone water their dreams.
Dr Mtshali-Jones’ only daughter, Phumzile Mtshali expressed her gratitude to DUT for honouring her hardworking mother. She said the ceremony afforded her an opportunity to visualise her mother’s achievement.
“I am so proud of her, she is somebody I really look up to. I have so many fond memories of all the ups and downs that she has gone through. She conceived me when she was young. I am so proud of her, for following her dreams and working on her talent,” said Mtshali.
Later on in the evening at 20h00, Wednesday, 20 July 2022, DUT will host a Celebratory Gala Dinner to honour Dr Mtshali-Jones at the Durban ICC.
Pictured: Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones.
Simangele Zuma
