The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has conferred a honorary Doctorate of Law degree on President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. President Mbeki was accompanied by Ghana's President John Agyekum Kufuor to receive the award. The presentation was preceded by an impressive citation extolling the qualities of Mr Mbeki as a distinguished statesman and role model, both in his country and on the continent. The citation, which was read by the UCC's Dean of Science, Professor Mansa Prah, among others, recounted Mr Mbeki's contributions to the development of the African National Congress (ANC) from the time he was a student, and of his contributions to the development of his country and of the continent and of global peace, since he assumed the Presidency of his country. It said: "Before and since particularly assuming the prestigious office of the presidency, you have through prudent management and implementation of bold policies, championed the rapid social and economic transformation of the Republic of South Africa." "In the light of your pragmatic and dynamic leadership, your incontrovertibly selfless statesmanship, your unalloyed quest for socio-economic emancipation and empowerment of humanity; your unquenchable zeal for African unity and your creditable contribution towards global peace. The citation described him, among others as, a freedom fighter, Pan-Africanist, patriot, and role model and that the UCC "salutes you for your distinguished service to humanity to Africa and the world at large". The Chancellor of the UCC Dr (Sir) Sam Jonah said the University has a tradition of honouring personalities who have been of exemplary service to Africa. He described President Mbeki's speeches as inspiring for the continent, and cited in particular his now very famous speech "I am an African", which he said bore similarities with the speech given by Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah on the day Ghana became independent, and which mainly, dwelt on the importance of African unity. President Mbeki has also been given honorary doctorate degrees from the Rand Afrikaans University and the Glasgow Caledonian University. Source: GNA