French knighthood for Thuli Madonsela
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Alumna receives honour for fight against corruption in South Africa.
The much-admired Wits alumna and South Africa’s former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela (LLB 1991, LLD honoris causa 2017) has been appointed as Knight of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French Legion of Honour celebrates the accomplishments of distinguished individuals, irrespective of social background or nationality. Viewed as the highest decoration in France it was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
The categories of the Order include the degrees Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross).
Former president Nelson Mandela (LLD honoris causa 1991) was a Grand-Croix recipient in 1994.
Previous Wits alumni recipients of the degree Chevalier include Nadine Gordimer (DLitt honoris causa 1984) and André P Brink (DLitt honoris causa 1985).
The title was conferred by Macron on 20 November 2020, but the official ceremony to bestow the insignia on Professor Madonsela will take place as soon as the COVID-19 situation eases.
In his letter to Professor Madonsela, Ambassador Lechevallier said Professor Madonsela is honoured in recognition of her remarkable achievements in defence of the rule of law and the fight against corruption in South Africa.
As current Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Law, Professor Madonsela said: “I can't find the right words to express the depth of my gratitude to the President and people of France for this immense honour.
“As indicated in respect of previous awards, I do my work to add value to humanity out of love and gratitude for the privileges life and humanity have given me and in pursuit of my duties. However, a recognition of this magnitude does inspire immense gratitude while spotlighting my work on social justice, the rule of law and ethical governance. I believe it comes from a place of appreciating our interconnectedness as humanity though separated by oceans and borders."