(AGENPARL) – Wed 16 July 2025 Kaizer Motaung urges graduates to ‘stay driven
Football legend and now Wits honorary doctorate recipient calls on capped Witsies to get involved in nation building.
Motaung, a successful businessperson, soccer administrator and philanthropist, delivered a speech that struck a chord with graduates from the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management.
He delivered his address after Wits University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce on 15 July at the Wits Great Hall. This honour acknowledges his role in the betterment of South African society, the development of soccer in the country, and uplifting disadvantaged youth, amongst others.
Bearing witness were other student achievers awarded Master’s degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas in business administration, digital business, energy leadership, entrepreneurship and new venture creation, finance and philanthropy, and resource mobilisation. View the list and research topics of these business orientated students.
A son of Soweto, Motaung founded Kaizer Chiefs FC in the 1970s. It is one of the biggest football clubs in the country, worth millions of rands.
Motaung urged the Class of 2025 to stay focused and driven after graduating. “Be pioneers in your own right, pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers. Use your talents and skills to make a positive impact on our society. Nelson Mandela taught us that education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world,” said Motaung.
“I urge you to get involved in initiatives that promote sports development, education, and economic empowerment. Use your knowledge and skills to empower others, and to create a brighter future for our country.”
The ceremony was filled with warmth as Witsies and guests occasionally burst into ululation in appreciation of the legend – many of whom had proudly announced themselves as ‘amaKhosi for Life’ – Kaizer Chiefs FC’s slogan.
The call to build and inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers was the order of the day.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini said the graduates had no choice but to emulate the greatness of the giant.
“It is my prayer that each graduate today is motivated to build institutions that not only survive but thrive – institutions that make a positive impact for generations,” she said.
She described Motaung as a unicorn who has built an enduring institution with a lasting social impact.
A true patriot: development and non-racialism
Motaung’s football career at the age of 16 began in Orlando Pirates Football Club – another great club.
Motaung was considered the best player in South Africa in the sixties. In 1968, he was recruited to participate in football trials in Zambia, after which he made his debut for Atlanta Chiefs. He was voted NASL Rookie of The Year. Yet Motaung chose not to return to the US, citing a “desire to contribute and do something back home”. He returned to South Africa on 7 January 1970 to establish Kaizer Chiefs Football Club. He returned permanently in 1975 to continue playing for and run Kaizer Chiefs FC, now 55 years old with 14 million fans. The soccer administrator has been instrumental in setting up key football structures in the country elevating the game and thus investment.
He also assisted South Africa’s 2010 Soccer World Cup Bid Committee and was a member of the delegation to the FIFA head office in Zurich that won the bid. He was appointed as a member of the local organising committee for the 2010 event. Read his citation.
A journey shaped by loyal fans and events of the time
Acknowledging loyal supporters of the club, ‘the Chairman’ – as he is known – said the success of the club is due to the unwavering support from Amakhosi and sponsors.
Regarding the University, Motaung stated that his “love for Wits runs deep”, referring to ties that began during apartheid on the football field.
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi elaborated on the role football has played in building a non-racial country.
“In 1978, Wits became one of the first teams to join the National Professional Soccer League, which embraced non-racialism. The Wits Football Club was the first team with white players to play in Soweto,” said Vilakazi.
During one of the matches Wits beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in the Mainstay Cup final (the equivalent of the FA Cup) at Rand Stadium.
Wits has also been the university of choice for Motaung’s family, including grandchildren. “I have always been impressed by its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. It is an honour to be recognised by this great institution, and I hope that my contributions to society have made a positive impact. I am proud to be part of this community, and I hope that my legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” said Motaung.
Link
https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/graduations/2025/-kaizer-motaung-urges-graduates-to-stay-driven.html
Images
https://we.tl/t-OD7n53J5Lt
Tiisang Monatisa
Communications Officer | Wits Communications
W: http://www.wits.ac.za/
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