Emeritus Professor Njabulo Ndebele, author, scholar and former vice-chancellor of UCT, has received the 2009 National Research Foundation (NRF) President's Award for Lifetime Achievement.

"The role that art and literature play in political struggle has been a central theme in Ndebele's work," said a statement from the NRF. One of South Africa's literary icons, Ndebele has received worldwide acclaim for his work, which includes The Cry of Winnie Mandela, the children's book Bonolo and the Peach Tree, Rediscovery of the Ordinary, and Fools & Other Stories.

Much of Ndebele's working life has been in academia. He also chaired the South African University Vice- Chancellors' Association.

Vice-chancellor Dr Max Price said: "UCT is doubly proud that Emeritus Professor Ndebele, named by the NRF as a leading light among South African writers, continues to work as an academic at UCT, having also contributed his wisdom and leadership to UCT as its former Vice-Chancellor."