NWU confers honorary doctorate on renowned choral music composer Kgotlaetsile Henderson Pule
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Mosiane, communication manager and writer, NWU. Visit North West University press office The North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate on renowned choral music composer and teacher Kgotlaetsile Henderson Pule during the autumn graduation ceremony at the Mahikeng Campus on 8 May 2026. The graduation ceremony was attended by Dr Anna Mokgokong, NWU chancellor, alongside Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, and Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research, innovation and community engagement, post-graduate studies with the assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus. Dr Joe Molete, graduation host and deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture, welcomed graduates and guests to the Mahikeng Campus. Also in attendance were Tutu Kgobane, president of the NWU Convocation, and Relation Seobela, president of the Students’ Representative Council. The prestigious honour recognised Pule’s immense contribution to choral music, music education and the development of South African cultural heritage through his decades-long commitment to composing and teaching music. In his acceptance speech, Pule described the recognition as both humbling and deeply meaningful, particularly because it came from a university in his home province. “I never imagined that the work I started many years ago through teaching and composing music would receive this kind of recognition. I accept this honour not only for myself, but also for the many choirs, teachers, musicians and communities who have walked this journey with me,” said Pule. Addressing the graduates, Prof Tyobeka reflected on the important role of higher education in addressing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges. “Our country continues to face serious challenges such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, food insecurity, pressure on healthcare services, government