Today, at its 2025 Spring Graduation, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) conferred an Honorary Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, on Advocate Dr. Thandi Orleyn, exactly fifty years after she first walked onto the Alice campus as a young student in 1975.
The Fort Hare law graduate (1978), former Council Chairperson, and trailblazer across commerce, law, and empowerment, Adv Orleyn’s recognition is both a celebration of her achievements and a symbolic homecoming to the institution that launched her journey.
“I stand here with appreciation. Fifty years ago, I registered for my first degree at this very institution. Back then, there were only 1300 students, and the Great Hall was a place of robust debate. Today, I return grateful and proud of the growth of Fort Hare,” she said.
A Trailblazer
Adv Orleyn’s career is steeped in many firsts. She was the first black woman to lead both the Independent Mediation Service of South Africa (IMSSA) and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) – institutions that helped shape post-apartheid labour relations. She has left her mark on employment law, consumer law, and customary law, and co-authored the influential book Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, which advanced workers’ rights nationwide.
Her journey later extended into business, where she co-founded Peotona Group Holdings and the Peotona Foundation with Cheryl Carolus, Wendy Lucas-Bull, and the late Dolly Mokgatle, creating platforms for women and black South Africans to thrive. Today, as Chairperson of Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats), she continues to shape corporate governance and transformation at the highest levels.
Champion of Empowerment and Social Justice
Beyond the boardroom, Adv Orleyn has played a pivotal role in social development. She has chaired the Legal Resources Centre, the Zenex Foundation, the South African AIDS Council, and the Inanda Seminary Education and Development Trust, all while serving as a non-executive director on the boards of the South African Reserve Bank, Toyota South Africa, bp South Africa, De Beers, and the Industrial Development Corporation.
Her leadership embodies the Fort Hare values of courage, justice, and transformation.
Words of Wisdom to the Next Generation
In her acceptance speech, Adv Orleyn turned to the graduating class of 2025 with a challenge and a reminder.
“When I came to Fort Hare, I claimed it as my university. Today, I want to say the same to you: this is your university, your launchpad. Go forward as masters and mistresses of your own destiny. Do not be limited by the shortcomings of government, parents, or circumstances. This is your time.”
She spoke of the power of mindset and self-belief: “The world can be full of negativity. But when you look in the mirror, do you see a cat, or do you see a lion? The only real limit is your imagination, and people’s perceptions of you. Choose to rise above both.”
“There is no time limit on your dreams. May your journeys take you far, and may they one day bring you back to this place, to give back to the institution that gave you your start.”