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The Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) has posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate to renowned Mozambican artist Malangatana Valente Ngwenya, recognising his contribution to the arts, literature and culture, as well as his role in promoting Mozambique internationally.
The distinction was conferred during a ceremony held in Maputo, more than 15 years after the artist's death in 2011.
According to UEM, the honour is intended to recognise Malangatana's legacy and highlight the role of the arts and literature as forms of knowledge production and preservation of collective memory.
“Honoris Causa literally means ‘for the sake of honour’, and UEM honours Malangatana for the extraordinary contribution he made to literature, the arts and culture,” said UEM Rector Manuel Guilherme.
The rector also highlighted Malangatana's ability to develop a distinctive artistic language and promote Mozambican culture through his work.
“It is the greatness of his work that gives meaning to the title we confer upon him,” he added.
Malangatana is regarded as one of the most important figures in Mozambican visual arts. Throughout his career, his work reflected different periods of Mozambique's history, while he actively contributed to the promotion and development of the country's cultural sector.
Following Mozambique's independence, he was also involved in the creation and strengthening of cultural institutions and in promoting Mozambican art both at home and abroad.
Representing the family, Malangatana's son, Mutxine Ngwenya, said the recognition should be accompanied by concrete measures to preserve the cultural heritage left by the artist.
“May this recognition mark the beginning of a more consistent policy for the identification, protection and preservation of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Mutxine Ngwenya added that preserving Malangatana's legacy should go beyond turning the artist into an official symbol, calling for greater responsibility in safeguarding his works, memories and places associated with his life and career.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including former Mozambican Presidents Joaquim Chissano and Armando Guebuza.
Malangatana had previously received an Honorary Doctorate from the Polytechnic University of Mozambique in 2007. The distinction now awarded by UEM adds to the numerous national and international honours bestowed on one of Mozambique's most prominent cultural figures during his lifetime and posthumously.
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