Wits celebrates Dr Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs founder, for his impact

Wits University recently honoured Dr Kaizer Motaung with a second honorary doctorate, this time in Commerce, recognising his remarkable influence on South African football, business, and society. This accolade celebrates not only his achievements as a player but also his visionary role in founding Kaizer Chiefs, a football club that has become a cultural and sporting cornerstone in the country.

On 15 July 2025, the Great Hall at Wits University in Johannesburg was filled with admiration as the 80-year-old football legend received this prestigious award during the university’s graduation ceremony. This follows his earlier honorary doctorate in Social Sciences from the University of Cape Town in 2022. Distinguished guests, including Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini and Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, were present to acknowledge Motaung’s extraordinary leadership and legacy.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Motaung expressed deep humility and gratitude, emphasising that this honour symbolises not only his personal journey but also pays tribute to football itself. He reflected on the timing of the award, coinciding with Mandela Month, and noted the significance of Nelson Mandela’s connection to Wits, adding an extra layer of meaning to the recognition.

Dr Motaung’s journey is a testament to perseverance and belief. Beginning his career as a teenager with Orlando Pirates, he quickly made a name for himself in the 1960s before moving abroad to the United States, where he was celebrated as the North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. Despite international success, his passion for South African football remained strong. In 1970, at just 25 years old, he founded Kaizer Chiefs alongside former teammates, a bold move met with doubt and limited resources. Yet, through determination and hard work, he transformed the club into South Africa’s most successful football team, amassing more than 90 trophies and establishing a devoted fan base of 14 million.

The impact of Kaizer Chiefs extends well beyond the football pitch. Dr Motaung’s business acumen has been central to the club’s growth, securing major sponsorships and transforming it into a powerful brand. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership contributed to the establishment of the Premier Soccer League and played a pivotal role in South Africa’s successful 2010 FIFA World Cup bid. Beyond business, he has been a passionate advocate for youth development, non-racialism, and education, earning a place in the South African Hall of Fame for his dedication to sports and community upliftment.

Dr Motaung’s connection with supporters runs deep, and he emphasises the club’s significance in shaping national morale. He recalled the celebrations following the 2025 Nedbank Cup victory, which ended a decade-long trophy drought, describing how the joy resonated across the country as though a World Cup had been won. This bond with fans underscores the club’s influence on everyday life and national spirit.

Addressing the graduates, Dr Motaung offered wisdom drawn from his own experiences. He encouraged them to remain resilient, innovate boldly, and use their knowledge to empower others and build a better future for South Africa. He reminded them of their responsibility to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly, whether in business or other fields, urging them to dedicate themselves fully to their goals.

In closing, Dr Motaung paid tribute to his family for their support, his wife Julegka as his steadfast partner, and the fans who have made Kaizer Chiefs one of the country’s most beloved institutions. Wits University leaders also lauded him as a visionary who inspires future generations, with Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini calling him a “unicorn” and Vice-Chancellor Professor Vilakazi acknowledging the powerful message in his life story.

Dr Kaizer Motaung’s journey from a young footballer to a celebrated pioneer exemplifies the power of vision, perseverance, and community spirit, leaving an indelible mark on South African sport and society.