Katlego Sekhu

Rassie Erasmus, arguably the most decorated South African rugby coach of all time, with two back-to-back Rugby World Cups under his belt, received an honorary doctorate from the University of North West on Thursday morning.
Prof. Awie Kotzé from the University of North West’s Faculty of Health described Johan Rassie Erasmus as someone who has shown himself to be a nation builder of whom the country can be proud.
“The embodiment of principles of resilience, determination, and teamwork that we at North-West University hold dear in our educational mission. His contribution to South African rugby both as a strategist and as a nation-builder serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and visionary leadership come together.
“This exempt recognition is not only well deserved but also serves as a testament to the remarkable contribution and exceptional impact Rassie has made in the field of sport.”
The North West University conferred the degree of philosophied doctor, recognizing Doctor Honoris Causa in Coaching Sciences, on Johan Erasmus, recognising his attributes as follows:
- His contribution as a provincial rugby player and South African Springboks.
- His innovative management of the Springbok team during their campaigns in the 2019 and 2023 Rugny World Cups.
- His significant standing in the international rugby coaching arena.
- His strong drive and focus on diversity, inclusion, culture enhancement, and maximising the human factor in the teams he manages through his passion and commitment to social responsibility.
- His contributions to South Africa both as an unconventional rugby strategist and as a national builder in being a unifying force and bringing together people of all different backgrounds and beliefs.
- His visionary leadership and commitment to the sports transformation charter.
Today at 9:30 AM, join us live as Rassie Erasmus, legendary Springbok coach and former SA Rugby Director, receives an Honorary Doctorate from North-West University (NWU)! Don't miss this momentous occasion: https://t.co/PlVe3z03dt#MyNWU #NWUGrad
— NWU – North-West University (@theNWU) May 2, 2024



