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Is Strive Masiyiwa less appreciated at home?
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Zimbabwean telecoms mogul and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa continues to receive global accolades for his contributions to Africa's telecommunications industry and his philanthropy. On December 10, 2024, Masiyiwa was awarded an honorary doctorate in Engineering by Stellenbosch University in South Africa. This prestigious recognition came in acknowledgment of his transformative role in shaping Africa's telecom sector over the past four decades, alongside his philanthropic work through the Higherlife Foundation.
Professor Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch, lauded Masiyiwa as "an exemplary African who did well and is now doing good by improving the lives of many Africans." The university noted that Masiyiwa's visionary leadership and generosity have positively impacted millions across the continent, with his efforts directly benefiting over a million people through initiatives led by the Higherlife Foundation.
In its statement, Stellenbosch University highlighted the significant contributions Masiyiwa has made to increasing access to the internet across Africa. His companies have played a pivotal role in connecting millions of Africans to the digital world, opening doors to education, business, and communication. "Millions of Africans now have access to an enabling tool, the internet, made possible through investments led by companies built by Mr Masiyiwa," the university said.
This latest honor adds to a growing list of prestigious recognitions for Masiyiwa on the global stage. In October 2024, he was among the recipients of the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, awarded by the Harvard University Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. Masiyiwa has also received honorary doctorates from renowned institutions such as Yale University, Morehouse College, Nelson Mandela University, and his alma mater, Cardiff University.
While these accolades affirm Masiyiwa's international standing, they stand in stark contrast to the relative lack of recognition he has received in his home country, Zimbabwe. The Bible verse "A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own house" seems to encapsulate the situation of Masiyiwa, whose groundbreaking contributions to both the telecoms industry and philanthropy have not always been celebrated within Zimbabwe. Despite his immense influence and success on the global stage, the telecoms mogul's achievements have often gone unacknowledged by some within his homeland.
Nevertheless, Masiyiwa's commitment to uplifting his fellow Africans remains unwavering. Through the Higherlife Foundation, which he co-founded, he has provided scholarships, healthcare, and other vital resources to underprivileged communities across the continent. His work continues to inspire a new generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs.
As Masiyiwa's global recognition continues to grow, his impact on Africa's digital landscape and the lives of millions of people stands as a testament to his vision and commitment to improving the continent. The honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University is another milestone in a legacy of progress that has far-reaching effects across Africa, even as he remains underappreciated at home.
Professor Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch, lauded Masiyiwa as "an exemplary African who did well and is now doing good by improving the lives of many Africans." The university noted that Masiyiwa's visionary leadership and generosity have positively impacted millions across the continent, with his efforts directly benefiting over a million people through initiatives led by the Higherlife Foundation.
In its statement, Stellenbosch University highlighted the significant contributions Masiyiwa has made to increasing access to the internet across Africa. His companies have played a pivotal role in connecting millions of Africans to the digital world, opening doors to education, business, and communication. "Millions of Africans now have access to an enabling tool, the internet, made possible through investments led by companies built by Mr Masiyiwa," the university said.
While these accolades affirm Masiyiwa's international standing, they stand in stark contrast to the relative lack of recognition he has received in his home country, Zimbabwe. The Bible verse "A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own house" seems to encapsulate the situation of Masiyiwa, whose groundbreaking contributions to both the telecoms industry and philanthropy have not always been celebrated within Zimbabwe. Despite his immense influence and success on the global stage, the telecoms mogul's achievements have often gone unacknowledged by some within his homeland.
Nevertheless, Masiyiwa's commitment to uplifting his fellow Africans remains unwavering. Through the Higherlife Foundation, which he co-founded, he has provided scholarships, healthcare, and other vital resources to underprivileged communities across the continent. His work continues to inspire a new generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs.
As Masiyiwa's global recognition continues to grow, his impact on Africa's digital landscape and the lives of millions of people stands as a testament to his vision and commitment to improving the continent. The honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University is another milestone in a legacy of progress that has far-reaching effects across Africa, even as he remains underappreciated at home.
Source - online
