The Royal Society of South Africa has awarded prestigious Honorary Fellowships to Emer Profs George Ellis (left) and Brian Warner.

The Royal Society of South Africa awarded prestigious Honorary Fellowships (upgrades to Ordinary Fellows) to Emeritus Professors George Ellis and Brian Warner at its recent centenary conference.

"Generally, Honorary Fellows have been overseas residents, with Phillip Tobias the only Honorary Fellow living in South Africa," says Warner. But now there are three resident in the country.

Commenting after the announcement, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Martin West, said the awards were well-deserved.

"Though both are officially 'retired', Professors George Ellis and Brian Warner are active scholars of international renown. They continue to enrich our academic endeavour at UCT, and we are proud of their achievements."

Speaking at the conference opening, National Research Foundation vice-president Dr Albert van Jaarsveld told delegates that investment in people remains the best way to prepare the country for technological change and competitiveness.