On 10 December 2014, the University of Pretoria held a graduation ceremony for students from the Masters programmes offered by the Centre for Human Rights and the Faculty of Law in the University of Pretoria. There were also some doctoral candidates who graduated on this occasion. The Graduation Ceremony marked the 15th Graduation Ceremony of students from the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa offered by the Centre for Human Rights. Each year, the Centre's human rights students graduate on International Human Rights Day (10 December 2014).
Ms Philina Wittke, Head of the DAAD South Africa Information Center delivered the keyonote speech.
The graduates on the day were as follows:
- 27 students graduated from the Masters in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.
- 18 students graduated from Masters in International Trade and Investment in Africa.
- 2 students graduated from the Masters in Multidisciplinary Human Rights.
- 1 student graduated from the Masters in Procedural Law.
The following doctoral candidates also received their degrees:
- Abdalla Amir Kamaleldin Ahmed
- Beredugo Ayebaesin Jacob
- Jegede Ademola Oluborode
- Miamingi Remember Philip Daniel
- Mundia Kenneth Ferdie
- Oloko Temitope Oredola
- Possi Ally
- Savage-Oyekunle Oluremi Ajoke
Three students from the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa programme received prizes. These were:
- Ms Thuo Lucyann Wambui (Kenya)received the Nelson Mandela Prize for the best overall academic performance.
- Ms Kamunyu Mariam Wambui (Kenya) received the Kéba M’baye Prize for the best dissertation.
- Ms Thuo Lucyann Wambui (Kenya)also received the Victor Dankwa Prize for the best performance in the module: Human Rights in Africa.
- Ms Sawo Musu Bakoto (The Gambia)received the Ubuntu Prize for the student who best embodied the spirit of ubuntu (compassion for others on the course).
At the Graduation Ceremony, the Vera Chirwa Award was also given to an alumna of the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa who has made significant contribution to human rights on the continent.
The recipient of the Vera Chirwa Award was Ms Leda Hasila Limann (Ghana, Class of 2003). She was recognisedfor her contribution to fostering peace and unity in Darfur and South Sudan and also for her contribution through personal leadership and financial support.
