Dr Rita Marley, widow of Reggae legend Bob Marley was recently awarded an honorary doctorate degree in social sciences and humanities from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in South Africa.
The ceremony which recognised Marley’s exceptional works through philanthropy, took place on September 15 its Alice Campus. UFH is the alma mater of Nelson Mandela, Olivia Tambo, Govan Mbeki and Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.
Rita Marley was unable to attend the ceremony so Rosemary Duncan, manager of the Rita Marley Foundation, accepted it on her behalf, but she did make a statement. “How good God is. I am that I am, a ghetto girl with great ambition, so I give thanks,” she said. “It was unexpected, but such a great honor to be recognized by the University of Fort Hare, Dr. Nelson Mandela’s alma mater.”
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Marley added that her hard work and contributions to the global community through her foundation are among the reasons why she was selected for the honorary doctorate. During the ceremony, the choir sings Bob Marley classic single “One Love” in honor of Rita Marley. Rita is a former member of the reggae band I Three and once used to provide backing vocals to her late husband Bob Marley.
In 2015, the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica, awarded Marley an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree for notable works in preserving and advancing Jamaica’s music and culture. The Jamaican government awarded her with the Order of Distinction in 1996 for her contribution to music.
