Vice-Chancellor conferred with honorary doctorate from Caucasus University
HONOUR: CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo was conferred with an honorary doctorate from Caucasus University on Saturday.
Monday, 27 July 2026
CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo has been conferred with an honorary doctorate from Caucasus University in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The honorary degree was conferred during the university's graduation ceremony on Saturday in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to the development of Caucasus University”.
Addressing the graduating class, Nhlapo reflected on his journey, which started in the farming town of Paul Roux in the Free State.
“I stand before you today as a simple boy from Paul Roux. I stand before you today with a deep sense of humility and gratitude. I stand before you as a proud Vice-Chancellor and principal of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in the Western Cape, South Africa and a key and strategic partner of Caucasus University.
“To be recognised by this prestigious institution is a profound honour and one that I do not take lightly.”
Nhlapo said he accepted the honorary doctorate – not just as a reflection of his own journey – but as a testament to the community, mentors and loved ones who supported him along the way as well as the CPUT community.
“I accept it on behalf of the high achieving kids from the low income, less salubrious, less served areas of South Africa, the so-called lost Einsteins.”
He had the following message for the graduating class: “Do not let setbacks deter you and always remain curious. You have the power to shape the future and I’m confident that this university has equipped you with the tools you need to succeed. I’m deeply proud to be part of this family and I wish every graduate a future filled with purpose, joy and meaningful impact”.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za
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