Rhodes University said it would confer honorary doctorates to five people the institution said were game-changers in different fields of study and philanthropy.
Among them is US artist, musician and black poet, Lindon Kwezi Johnson.
Rhodes said that "his career in reggae and slam poetry spans over four decades in which he shared strong views in politics and social conscience with a potent challenge to those in power."
"His artistry and revolutionary life has made him a world icon, especially in the world of literature," Rhodes said in a statement.
Others on the honorary list are Dr Sheila Sisulu, Dr Penny Siopis, Professor Barney Pityana and Burundian born, Dr Marguerite Barankitse, who is now the president of the biggest homes, Maison Shalom (the House of Peace) in Burundi and Rwanda for orphans of war, AIDS and poverty.
The degrees will be conferred during the 2017 Graduation taking place in Grahamstown next week.
Rhodes University said it would also cap a total of 2 443 degrees and diplomas over 6 ceremonies and three days.
"Of these, 1 327 (54%) are undergraduate Bachelor's degrees and 1 116 (46%) are postgraduate degrees and diplomas. Just under 300 Masters degrees and 78 PhD will be awarded."
