Stellenbosch University (SU) bestowed honorary doctorates on the president of the Novartis Foundation in the United States, Dr Patrice Matchaba, and Andries Calitz, a global leader in the oil and gas energy sector, at its April graduation this week.They received their degrees at in-person graduation ceremonies for students in the Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) and Engineering respectively. Both ceremonies were held at the Coetzenburg Centre on Tuesday (5 April 2022).Matchaba was awarded the degree Doctor of Science (DSc), honoris causa, for his outstanding contributions to pharmacology and clinical science, his leading role in addressing disparities in health care and research capacity globally, and for applying his knowledge to improve medical treatment and quality of life for people worldwide. In his acceptance speech, Matchaba expressed his gratitude for the honorary doctorate and said he was touched by this recognition from SU.
“When the Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers told me about the decision the University has made, I asked him for a minute because I was emotional. I was emotional because when a recognition comes from home, it makes a personal difference." He congratulated SU on having transformed into a truly South African university. “We are all proud of what you have done." Matchaba said the Covid-19 pandemic has presented the institution with an ideal opportunity to take the lead in, among others, science and technology and cutting-edge messenger RNA (mRNA) research in Africa. “For the next decade, I would implore you – lead the academic constellation in Africa."Matchaba added that he is looking forward to working with the new dean of the FMHS.More about MatchabaMatchaba has a long association with the Novartis Foundation, an organisation that seeks to improve the health of low-income populations through various innovative programmes. Before he became its president, Matchaba was appointed medical director and chief scientific officer at Novartis in South Africa in 2000 and transferred to the pharmaceutical corporation's offices in the States two years later. Since then, he has made his mark in the industry, excelling in various leadership roles at Novartis. He led the successful development, registration and launch of a new, breakthrough heart failure drug (Entresto) and managed the opening of new pharmacovigilance and safety signal detection centres in India, Argentina, Ireland and China.A passionate advocate for corporate social responsibility, Matchaba is also at the forefront of Novartis's initiatives to address inequities in health care across the globe. He supervised the development of new antimalaria medicines and initiated the Novartis Africa Sickle Cell Disease Programme in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, he launched a new Novartis Africa Sub-Sahara organisation that incorporates 47 countries with the aim of increasing access to medicines and strengthening health systems in Africa. In addition, his strong support for SU has resulted in significant funding contributions to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to sustain training and research initiatives.Andries CalitzAndries Calitz received the degree Doctor of Engineering (DEng), honoris causa, for his contribution to the development of the global energy supply sector, and his visionary leadership and remarkable achievements in the energy field.
Calitz thanked SU and specifically the Faculty of Engineering for bestowing on him this honour. He congratulated the new Engineering graduates and emphasised the value of their qualifications. “I've seen the critical role that engineers of all the disciplines play in driving economies of the world, especially by creating production and service facilities. I've seen the important role that engineers play in creating infrastructure, in innovation, in transportation, in medical services, in financial services, and in every form of what society needs." “I can assure you today as you leave here and as you proudly graduate, that it was the right decision because the world needs engineers and people like you."Calitz added that the new graduates are ideally placed to play a key role in the transition to renewable energy and in sustainable development.More about CalitzFrom Asia and Canada to South Africa, Andries (Andy) Calitz has played a prominent role in shaping the global energy supply sector. Currently secretary-general of the International Gas Union and chief executive of FutureEnergy, Calitz used to head up LNG Canada and held various senior executive positions at energy corporations Shell and Eskom.This Stellenbosch University Electrical Engineering alumnus from the class of 1981 started his career at Eskom, where he fulfilled various managerial and executive roles in electricity production planning, pricing, sector restructuring, and transmission. During his time at Eskom, he was responsible for the operation of South Africa's high-voltage grid and led the integrated planning process for the country's electricity industry.After joining Shell in 1996, he became involved in ground-breaking international energy projects. He has an impeccable track record of managing international energy mega projects, especially in the context of joint ventures. He has been involved in energy investments to the tune of $100 billion and contributed to business development in countries across the globe. Calitz also holds qualifications in commerce, management and business administration from Harvard Business School, the universities of the Witwatersrand and South Africa, as well as INSEAD.
Photo: Dr Patrice Matchaba and Andries Calitz at the graduation. Photographer: Stefan Els
