Human rights activist Shirley Gunn has received an honorary doctorate in social science from UCT.

Dr Gunn, 68, of Belthorn Estate, received the honour during the UCT graduation week last month. Others who received honorary doctorates included Dr Debbie Bradshaw, Lionel Davis, Professor Michael Hayden, Professor Brian Huntley and Professor Lehlohonolo Machobane.

“When doing my work, I don’t normally expect any form of award. It's important work that somebody has to do, and if I can do it, then I will,” said the former anti-apartheid activist and Umkhonto we Sizwe member.

“I worked tirelessly as a community organiser, trade unionist, and I worked with movements in the housing struggle and youth struggles as part of the United Democratic Front,” she said.

Dr Gunn described her experiences during the struggle as “exciting”, “hair raising” and “dangerous”, saying: “I survived though not many have survived, and I could share what I have learnt and went through.

“We hold the history that needed to be told, understood and appreciated because this democracy that we enjoy today did not come on a silver platter. We fought for every crumb. Now today in post democracy, we still continue to fight for every crumb.”

Dr Gunn continues her community work at the Human Rights Media Centre, a non-profit organisation she helped to found more than two decades ago to “create a focus on marginalised voices”.

The centre operates from Community House in Salt River, where Dr Gunn also runs the Umoja Wamama Crafters Cooperative, which creates work opportunities for refugees.

Dr Gunn still works part time with the South African Coalition for Transitional Justice, which she says deals with the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“It is very important that we reach some kind of finality when it comes to truth, justice and reparation, and never again should we witness the brutality of apartheid.”

UCT’s interim vice-chancellor, Professor Daya Reddy, said the honorary doctorates recognised the exceptional contributions made by the recipients in their respective fields and to society.

“Ms Gunn’s impactful endeavours exemplify UCT’s principles of selflessness and active citizenship,” he said.