An Exciting Day at North West University: Celebrating Johan “Rassie” Erasmus

The honorary doctorate is a recognition of his substantial impact on society and the sport, and Erasmus can now be addressed as Dr. Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus.

The Man Behind the Legend: Rassie Erasmus

Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, the much-loved Springbok coach, was awarded an honorary doctorate by North West University in November 2023. Erasmus’ exceptional tactical acumen, innovative approach, and outstanding leadership of the Springboks during their triumphant campaigns at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup were cited as primary factors behind the decision. His influence extends beyond the rugby field, with a notable dedication to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.

On a chilly morning in May, a unique sense of exhilaration pervaded the North West University (NWU) campus. The reason was the university’s decision to award Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, the much-loved Springbok coach, with an honorary doctorate. The special event allowed Erasmus to join an elite group of individuals, including Desiree Ellis, the Banyana Banyana coach who recently received a corresponding honour from Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The Man Behind the Legend: Rassie Erasmus

Anyone who is familiar with the rugby landscape knows that Erasmus embodies relentless tenacity and resolve. His exceptional tactical acumen and innovative approach have allowed him to make a noteworthy impact on the sport. The NWU Council’s resolve to acknowledge his contributions with a honorary doctorate in November 2023 is a clear reflection of his significant influence on the game.

Erasmus’ journey to this point has been nothing less than remarkable. Throughout his term as the Springbok coach, the team has celebrated consecutive victories at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup. The university affirmed that his innovative and outstanding leadership of the Springboks during these triumphant campaigns was a primary factor behind their decision to award him the honorary doctorate.

Extending Influence Beyond the Field

But Erasmus’ influence doesn’t stop at the rugby field’s edge. His considerable position in the global rugby coaching sphere, combined with his unfaltering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility have solidified his legacy. His devotion to the Sport Transformation Charter, leading to systematic change in talent and skills development across the national rugby landscape, has been particularly influential.

On the day of the ceremony, at 51 years of age, Erasmus entered the stage to accept his honorary doctorate with the understated self-assurance of a man used to public attention, yet moved by the recognition. He can now officially be addressed as Dr. Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus.

Reactions to the Honorary Doctorate

In attendance to celebrate Erasmus’s accomplishment were many personalities, including the captain of the Springboks, Siya Kolisi. Kolisi spoke eloquently about the profound influence Erasmus has had on him and many others. He depicted a picture of a coach who was able to bring together a diverse team of players, making them feel valued and listened to. Erasmus’s emphasis on playing for South Africa rather than for individual glory was a key factor in their collective success.

Zizi Kodwa, the Minister for Sport, Arts, and Culture, reiterated Kolisi’s reflections, recognizing Erasmus for his superb leadership of the Springboks.

Honorary Doctorate: A Unique Recognition

Despite the prestigious honorary doctorate, it’s crucial to point out that not all doctorates are created equal. The SA Association of PhDs has stressed that those awarded honorary doctorates should not insist on being referred to as “Dr”. As Dr Avela Majavu from the association aptly elucidated, there are two types of doctors in South Africa: medical doctors and those who have obtained their PhDs through years of intensive academic study and research.

The honorary doctorate, conversely, is a recognition of the individual’s societal impact. This description aptly applies to Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s impact on rugby and South African society as a whole. It is a salute to a man who has altered the path of the sport, affected countless lives, and left a lasting impression on the national psyche.

1. What is an honorary doctorate?

An honorary doctorate is a recognition of an individual’s significant impact on society in a particular field, but it is not obtained through academic study and research.

2. Who was awarded an honorary doctorate by North West University in November 2023?

Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, the Springbok coach, was awarded an honorary doctorate by North West University in November 2023.

3. What were the primary factors cited behind Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s honorary doctorate?

Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s exceptional tactical acumen, innovative approach, and outstanding leadership of the Springboks during their triumphant campaigns at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup were cited as primary factors behind the decision.

4. Does Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s influence extend beyond rugby?

Yes, Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s influence extends beyond the rugby field as he is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility, and his devotion to the Sport Transformation Charter has been particularly influential.

5. Who attended the ceremony to celebrate Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s accomplishment?

Many personalities attended the ceremony to celebrate Johan “Rassie” Erasmus’s accomplishment, including the captain of the Springboks, Siya Kolisi, and the Minister for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.

6. Should those awarded honorary doctorates insist on being referred to as “Dr”?

No, those awarded honorary doctorates should not insist on being referred to as “Dr” as honorary doctorates are not obtained through academic study and research like traditional PhDs.