The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is proud to announce the conferment of doctoral degrees upon two prominent South African Members of Parliament, Dr Malusi Gigaba and Dr Mmusi Maimane. The pair graduated alongside hundreds of students on 21 July 2025, during the College of Business and Economics’ Winter graduation ceremony held at the university’s Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) campus.
Dr Gigaba and Dr Maimane each obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Management and Governance, further cementing their commitment to advancing public service through academic excellence. They are among 2,163 graduates who crossed the stage during the graduation season, which ran from 16 to 31 July, celebrating the culmination of years of hard work, research, and dedication.
Speaking on UJTV, Dr Mmusi Maimane—Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations in Parliament—reflected on the personal significance of this academic milestone.
“I don’t come from a family of academics in that sense. I started my academic journey here at Raucall (now UJ Academy) and to complete it at UJ is incredibly meaningful. This achievement is not just for me—it’s for my parents who made sacrifices, and for every person who invested in my education. A PhD is not awarded because of popularity, but because someone believed in your potential.”
Dr Malusi Gigaba, Co-chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and former Minister of Home Affairs and Finance, shared that his pursuit of a PhD was driven by his passion for understanding the complexities of governance from an academic perspective.
“This has been an exciting and humbling journey. I discovered myself during moments of uncertainty and discomfort. My doctoral research stems from real-world experience—having worked in public service, I wanted to explore how systems can be improved. I began this journey in honour of my parents, and I conclude it for my children,” he said.
Dr Gigaba added that his interest in public management and governance intensified during his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises, where he was exposed to systemic challenges that inspired him to interrogate existing models of governance and propose new frameworks.
Their academic achievements underscore UJ’s commitment to shaping thought leaders who not only engage in rigorous research but also apply their knowledge to real-world impact. Each qualification conferred by UJ reflects the university’s mission to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s knowledge economy.
Dr Maimane and Dr Gigaba exemplify how education and leadership intersect. Their presence on the graduation stage is a powerful testament to lifelong learning, strategic leadership, and the transformative power of academic inquiry.
As UJ continues to foster excellence in fields ranging from science and technology to humanities and governance, graduates like Dr Maimane and Dr Gigaba inspire future cohorts to pursue knowledge that leads to societal change.
