South African University confers Obama with honorary doctorate

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) conferred United States President Barack Hussein Obama with an honorary doctorate of laws degree on Thursday.

"President Obama has demonstrated distinguished social and intellectual achievement related to the university's vision, mission, values and strategic goals and is thus a worthy recipient of the degree Doctor Legum (Doctor of Laws), honoris causa," UJ Vice Chancellor Professor Ihron Rensburg said in a statement.

US ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard accepted the degree on behalf of Obama on Thursday.

The US President, who was made aware of the award in June during his state visit to the country, accepted it. He said he would not, however, be able to accept it in person.

Credit: SABC.co.za