Dr Doc Khumalo reflects on the deeper meaning behind the TUT honorary doctorate recognition

Khumalo, arguably the most popular footballer in South Africa, from the early 90’s until today, played over 400 matches for Chiefs and was capped 50 times at international level for Bafana Bafana. Receiving the honorary doctorate at TUT today, this was a proud moment for the SABC Sport football analyst.

"Firstly, let me thank the Tshwane University of Technology for this acknowledgment. Sometimes, you know, you do stuff when you grow up, and when you've been given an opportunity to express yourself, not knowing that there are people who are actually watching and are very observant. For them to have done this, I must say I'm overwhelmed," said Khumalo

"Well, I actually don't know what to say, but thank you to TUT. This is not about me; they are sending a message indirectly to any aspiring youngsters out there that if you focus and respect what God gave you, this is what happens to you without you asking for it. It was not by default for them to do this."

"It's because it's a very, very profound university, and I'm so indebted to them. You know, I didn't see this coming. But having said that, thank you a million to my parents who have guided and supported me. I didn't understand when they were strict while I was growing up in Soweto. I thought probably they didn't want me to enjoy my heydays, but now I do. And like I said, I alluded to the fact that this is not just an achievement; it 's actually sending a message to South Africans."

"And like I said, I alluded to the fact that this is not just an achievement ; it 's actually sending a message to South Africans."

Khumalo was accompanied by his family, friends, and business manager Jazzman Mahlakgane. 

TUT Deputy Chair of the Council Pakiso Motau says it’s fitting that a month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they are honouring a member of the first Bafana Bafana squad to play at the World Cup in 1998, like Khumalo.

"This is very fitting. In fact, it's not a coincidence; it's meant to happen it's a match made. Maybe this is the football gods speaking to us as a nation through 16-V. In 1992, when he got the footballer of the year award, for some of us that is the year in which we were born."

"When we returned to International football in 1992, it is the year which I was born. Our parents influenced us by always speaking about him, and that on it's own, we also had the opportunity to experience 1998 that's when I started understanding football. Everyone wanted to call themselves Doctor Khumalo and that time."

"That's when we started faling in love. And the influence of supporting the big team that he played for was also influenced by my parents. So as I was saying, this is befitting. Bafana Bafana, after so many years have qualified [for the FIFA World Cup]. This is not a coincidence; it is meant to be."

To be continued....