University of Johannesburg honours Sheikha Moza for decades of work in education, social development and justice

# What happened Moza bint Nasser. Ghulam Hoosein Asmal, South Africa's Ambassador to Qatar, wrote about the significance of the award in an opinion piece, framing it as recognition of a lifetime of work in education, social development, justice and human dignity.

# Why the university honoured her According to the ambassador, Sheikha Moza's leadership—especially through the Qatar Foundation and other global initiatives—expanded access to quality education, strengthened healthcare systems, promoted innovation, and supported sustainable development. Her efforts are described as creating opportunities at scale and improving human development both within Qatar and internationally.

Sheikha Moza's advocacy for the empowerment of women and girls is presented as a central reason for the honour. The ambassador argues that investing in women boosts societal prosperity and that her work has inspired women across the Global South to pursue leadership and opportunity.

# Timing and context The honorary degree was announced while Qatar and the Sheikha were mourning the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, described in the piece as the architect of modern Qatar. The ambassador extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa and the South African community in Qatar, and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for the late Amir. The piece treats the award as particularly meaningful given this backdrop of national mourning.

# Values highlighted by the ambassador

The opinion piece emphasizes Sheikha Moza's commitment to dialogue, peace and human dignity. Her principled advocacy for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people is singled out as a source of respect across the region.

# Regional and global reach The ambassador notes Sheikha Moza's influence beyond Qatar, particularly across the Global South where inequality and exclusion remain acute. He credits her initiatives with creating pathways to opportunity and dignity for future generations, and with demonstrating that national investment in human potential can drive meaningful change.

# The late Amir's legacy Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is portrayed as a visionary leader whose tenure focused on nation-building, economic development, diplomacy, education, culture and humanitarian action. The ambassador calls that legacy an inspiration and prays for the Amir's elevation in the afterlife.

# Bottom line Sheikha Moza's long, internationally focused career in education, social development and women's empowerment. In the ambassador's view, the award aligns with South African democratic values and carries additional poignancy given Qatar's concurrent mourning for its former Amir.