Mr X to be honoured by Wits
- Wits University
Mr X, a distinguished legal mind, will be celebrated alongside Witsies as the University hosts its final graduation ceremonies of the year this week.
More than 3600 students will graduate from Wits University this week during the December graduation season, which takes place from 8-12 December 2025.
“We are extremely proud to be ending the year with graduations, the ultimate symbol of our mission as a University – that is to develop human talent and change society for good,” says Professor Zeblon Vilakazi FRS, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
Research shows that more than 90% of Wits graduates find employment within six months of graduating.
Honorary Doctorate for ‘Mr X’ William Henry Frankel
Vilakazi says, “We have North Stars who motivate us to march forward in our never-ending mission to build a better world. This is why Wits University is honoured to bestow an Honorary Doctorate in Law, honoris causa, on ‘Mr X’ William Henry Frankel – a national treasure and celebrated icon in the legal fraternity, education, development and human rights.”
Frankel, who kept an undercover profile from 1966 until democracy in South Africa, will be recognised for his contribution to the above fields, a journey which began as a student opposing apartheid and continued in various capacities after escaping to the UK.
Frankel served as key ‘secret advisor’ of the Canon Collins’ International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa. In this role he was responsible for overseeing and secretly channelling funds into southern Africa to pay the legal costs of almost every political trial during apartheid.
Using his legal skills, he established and helped run foundations in the UK for the benefit of non-profit organisations in democratic South Africa, sustained financially through a network of eminent volunteers and institutions including the South African Constitutional Court and universities such as Wits. These organisations help to bolster South Africa’s growing democracy, whether directly or indirectly.
His contribution to South Africa continues through philanthropic activities that support education and democracy. The South African government awarded Frankel the Order of Luthuli (Silver) in 2015.
Frankel will be awarded the University’s highest honour on 10 November 2025 during the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. Read the citation.
Doctors of Knowledge
In addition, the University will cap 205 PhDs at the 09:30 graduation ceremony on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. PhD graduations are a significant milestone, not only for those who have walked the journey but also for the country and continent as a key player in the global knowledge economy. View the graduation lists and research topics of doctoral graduates.
Health Sciences
To conclude the week, the University will cap 1373 graduates from the Faculty of Health Sciences, including graduates in disciplines spanning the Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Oral Health Sciences, Pathology, Public Health, and Therapeutic Sciences.
“Your journey at Wits has been one of resilience, dedication, and intellectual curiosity. As you stand on the threshold of new beginnings, may you continue excelling and remember to use your knowledge in service of humanity – always. Congratulations on your remarkable achievement,” says Vilakazi.