Consummate philanthropist and entrepreneur, Mr Collen Tshifhiwa Mashawana was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of South Africa (Unisa) at a graduation ceremony held at the university’s Muckleneuk Campus on Thursday, 18 April 2024.
At its sitting on 15 September 2023, the Unisa Council agreed to confer the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) on Mr Mashawana for his unwavering commitment to societal advancement, strategic leadership and business growth initiatives which exemplify a rare blend of entrepreneurial spirit and humanitarian concern. This recognition is also a testament that Mr Mashawana stands out as a beacon of leadership, philanthropy and business acumen.
As the Founder and Chairman of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, he has spearheaded initiatives that have profoundly impacted communities, particularly in the construction of over 300 homes over the past decade without any external or government assistance. With this intervention, Mashawana’s foundation brought much-needed relief to the elderly, people living with disabilities as well as child-headed families.
Also, during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, his foundation was at the forefront of providing essential aid through the donation of personal protective equipment and food parcels, especially to the underprivileged and vulnerable sections of society; thus playing a critical role in mitigating the impact of the virus.
As a demonstration that Mashawana’s contribution extends beyond the business community, he was listed as one of the 100 most reputable Africans as well as included in the roster of highly prolific Africans of 2020. The Department of Social Development also honoured him with an Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2018, thus underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in the nation’s social and economic development spheres.
The graduation ceremony took place on 18 April 2024 during the 18:00 graduation ceremony on the Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria. Watch the proceedings on youTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqv5TWMwpk.
Publish date: 2024/04/18