Advocate Adila Hassim SC, left, with Rector Robert Balfou. Advocate Hassim was recognised by the University of the Western Cape with an honorary doctorate.
Image: BHEKI RADEBE/ ANA Studio
Advocate Adila Hassim SC was among seven people recognised by the University of the Western Cape with honorary doctorates for their contributions to South Africa and the wider world.Hassim is a human rights lawyer and public-interest advocate.
Advocate Hassim, Dr Naledi Pandor and Mary Robinson said that they were deeply humbled by the accolade.
Despite their distinguished acclaim and reputation, their humility was tangible.
Along with the trio, the late Charlotte Maxexe and Mandisa Monakali received Honorary degrees posthumously.
Francesca Albanese, as well as Professor Emeritus Loyiso Nongxa, were also honoured.
Dr Naledi Pandor at the University of the Western Cape's honorary doctorate ceremony at the Old Mutual Conference Centre in Kirstenbosch on Friday.
Image: Bheki Radebe / ANA Studio
“The moment I received the call, the thought was about the historic character of the University of the Western Cape and its contribution to our struggle for freedom.
“But also the role it has played post-apartheid and the continuing interest in building our society. And I thought: ‘ Wow, what an honour to be associated with an institution that has all these characteristics’.
“I feel very, very privileged, and I was so thrilled to be nominated. Thank you,” said Dr Pandor, one of South Africa's most accomplished educators, parliamentarians and diplomats.
Dr Grace Naledi Pandor, Advocate Adila Hassim and Mary Therese Winifred Robinson after receiving their Honorary Doctorates from the University of the Western Cape on 28 August 2026.
Image: Shelley Christians/UWC
Advocate Hassim said she was “completely overwhelmed” and “taken by surprise” when she was contacted by the University.
She currently serves as an evidence leader for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference in South Africa's criminal justice system.
“I'm still as overwhelmed. It’s really very special coming from UWC. The values of UWC resonate with me, and so it's a very special honour indeed. I'm very thankful.”
Advocate Hassim is renowned for her distinguished legal career spanning almost three decades and for her unwavering commitment to advancing constitutional rights, access to healthcare and social justice in South Africa.
She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the former University of Natal, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1999. She subsequently earned a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) in 2006 from Notre Dame Law School in the United States.
Prior to working at the AIDS Law Project (2007), where she helped advance the rights of people living with HIV, she was admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates in 2003.
She also served on the National Executive Committee of the Treatment Action Campaign. In 2010, Adv Hassim co-founded SECTION27, where she served as Director of Litigation, leading landmark constitutional and public-interest cases.
In 2017, she was lead counsel representing SECTION27 and the families of victims during the Life Esidimeni Arbitration.
In 2024, she attracted international recognition as lead opening counsel for South Africa before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presenting the country's case alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by Israel and seeking provisional measures.
