Thuli Madonsela to celebrate 60th birthday with online auction of portrait
Professor Thuli Madonsela has been described as a “national treasure” and soon she plans to celebrate her milestone 60th birthday on 28 September in a fitting way – by raising money for a good cause through a silent auction of a recently completed oil painting of her by celebrated South African artist Shany van den Berg.
Professor Thuli Madonsela has been described as a “national treasure” and soon she plans to celebrate her milestone 60th birthday on 28 September in a fitting way – by raising money for a good cause through a silent auction of a recently completed oil painting of her by celebrated South African artist Shany van den Berg.
Madonsela is the Law Trust Chair in Social Justice and Law Professor at Stellenbosch University, where she conducts and coordinates social justice research and teaches constitutional and administrative law. She is also the founder of the Thuma Foundation, an independent democracy leadership, and literacy social enterprise. An Advocate of the High Court of South Africa and former Public Protector of South Africa, Madonsela has been a lifelong activist on social justice, constitutionalism, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. Named one of TIME100’s most influential people in the world, in 2014 and Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2016, Prof Thuli Madonsela is one of the drafters of South Africa’s Constitution and co-architect of several laws that have sought to anchor South Africa’s democracy.
On meeting Madonsela the artist said she was struck by her soft-spoken, kind, and powerful female presence. The proceeds of the silent auction of Madonsela’s portrait will go to Stellenbosch University’s #Action4Inclusion initiative, launched in 2020. The funds raised via #Action4Inclusion are used to support students who cannot register for the next academic year owing to outstanding fees, as well as graduates who cannot access their academic records upon graduation, thereby hampering their capacity to contribute to a talented workforce. Reflecting on turning 60, Madonsela said she is grateful for reaching this milestone.
“I am honoured to be a co-founder of the #Action4Inclusion initiative, with young Matie leaders. The purpose of #Action4Inclusion is to help young people achieve their potential so that they have the same opportunity I have been blessed with to be able to serve society at my fullest potential. Many have graduated because of this initiative and are now contributing meaningfully to our society, our environment, and the world.
“I call upon you to play your part to support this student debt relief initiative and other social justice advancing measures as an Ubuntu gesture and contribution to the constitutional commitment to establish a new society that is based on social justice, as one of three pillars. Thank you for serving as bridges of hope,” Madonsela said.
PLACE YOUR BID NOW
The oil painting of Madonsela will besold through a silent auction and the highest bidder will not only receive a memorable artwork but will also have the opportunity to have lunch with Madonsela.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Those who wish to donate and ease the burden of student debt can go to GivenGain. There you may choose to support an individual student or donate to the overall #Action4Inclusion campaign. All funds raised are paid directly to the University.
Contact persons:
Marna Lourens : mlourens@sun.ac.za
Sthabile Duma: socialjustice@sun.ac.za / sthabilexduma@gmail.com