Pretoria — The Vaal University of Technology will on Tuesday confer an Honorary Doctorate in the field of Applied Sciences to Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena.

This is in recognition of his services and contribution to the social upliftment of both the region and the country, said the department in a statement.

Mr Mangena has been the Minister of Science and Technology since 29 April 2004.

He completed his primary school education at the Lethabong Primary School in Wallmannsthal, north of Pretoria, and went on to obtain his Junior Certificate with distinction from Wallmansthal Secondary School in 1967.

He matriculated at Hebron Training Institute in 1969.

In 1970, he enrolled at the University of Zululand (Ongoye) for a Bachelor of Science Degree but was unable to complete his studies due to his political activities.

While imprisoned on Robben Island from 1973, he completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science Honours Degree Cum Laude through the University of South Africa.

The minister has also completed a Master of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics.

Mr Mosibudi is the author of four books namely, On Your Own; A Quest for True Humanity; A Twin World; and My Grandmother is Permanent.