Graduation wraps up this morning

Jawaahier Petersen accepted the honorary doctorate posthumously conferred on her father, Taliep Petersen. She was photographed with David Kramer who also received an honorary doctorate.

Today sees the culmination of a week-long series of graduation ceremonies, ending with the final humanities faculty ceremony.

Over 4 500 students graduated across the six faculties.

Sibongile Balfour, daughter of the Minister of Correctional Services, Ngconde Balfour, received her BA (Theatre and Performance) at this morning's graduation.

At this morning's ceremony UCT bestowed on David Kramer and Taliep Petersen, posthumously, the degree Doctor of Literature (DLitt) honoris causa.

In doing so, the university paid tribute to two great sons of this country.

Petersen and Kramer became a tour de force in the 1980s. They wrote their first musical, the landmark District Six, which was invited to the Edinburgh Festival and which ran to full houses at the Baxter and the Market Theatres.

Kat and the Kings was their big international success. It was performed for 10 years, including a run on the West End and on Broadway.

Petersen's last collaboration with Kramer was as musical director for Ghoema.

At a celebratory dinner last night the Vice-Chancellor's bronze medal was awarded to Gudrun Schirge, formerly of the National Research Foundation. These medals are awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the university.