Stellenbosch University (SU) awarded an honorary doctorate to renowned South African entrepreneur and social justice champion Chris Otto at its December graduation. Otto, a SU alumnus, received the degree Doctor of Laws (LLD), honoris causa, on Tuesday (9 December 2025) at the graduation ceremony for the Faculties of Law and AgriSciences.

He was honoured for his visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to value creation, and his dedication to projects that promote social justice and positive change in South Africa.

In his acceptance speech, Otto thanked SU for the honorary doctorate. He praised the university for it’s progressive transformation.

“I'm very proud to be associated with the university that has transformed progressively to where we are today.”

Otto also highlighted SU’s legacy of producing top legal scholars known for their critical and independent thinking.

Addressing the new law graduates, he said: “we have always produced top students, top graduates. Stellenbosch legal scholars were also always in the lead.” Otto encouraged them to be independent and critical thinkers in their careers. 

“It's also important that you defend our Constitution. We depend on you for our future, for the future of South Africa.”

More about Chris Otto

Chris Otto co-founded PSG Group in 1995, was part of the team that founded Capitec Bank in 2001 and founded Zeder Investments in 2006.

Today, the PSG Group is a major South African investment holding company with interests in financial services, education, agriculture and other key sectors. Capitec Bank has grown to become one of South Africa’s most successful retail banks, contributing to the economy by creating jobs, promoting savings and empowering small businesses through accessible credit. Zeder Investments also plays a key role in the development of the agribusiness industry. 

Otto is also involved in various community development initiatives. In 2016, Otto and his daughter, Zephne Ladbrook, established the Otto Foundation. Through the Foundation, he contributes to social justice and positive change in South Africa by creating libraries and reading programmes to improve early literacy.

He has also made an immense impact at SU. Otto is the founding chairman of the Stellenbosch Law Faculty Trust. The Trust supports various projects, such as bursaries for postgraduate students, funding to support research and training initiatives for staff, and funding for academic materials. The Trust assisted with the establishment of the Chair in Social Justice, the Gys Steyn Chair in Financial Regulation Law and the Chair in Urban Law and Sustainability Governance.