MAHIKENG – A career that began behind a microphone in Mahikeng more than four decades ago came full circle on Thursday 22 October when North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate in Communication Science on veteran broadcaster Tim Modise.

The university honoured Modise at its Mahikeng Campus Great Hall for his contribution to journalism, public communication and democratic dialogue. His career helped shape how South Africans engaged with political leaders during the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy.

For Modise, the recognition carried personal meaning. He began his broadcasting career at Radio Bop in Mahikeng in 1982.

“This honorary doctorate holds a special place in my heart because it comes from an institution in Mahikeng, where my broadcasting journey began. Returning to this city to receive such recognition brings back memories of where it all started,” he said.

Modise said the honour recognised the role broadcasting played in building democracy and creating opportunities for public debate.

“I have always believed that broadcasting should educate, inform and bring people together. I receive this honour with gratitude and hope it inspires young journalists to use their voices to make a difference in society.”

His career took him from music broadcasting to political journalism during one of South Africa’s most defining periods.

In 1994, he served as a panellist during the televised debate between Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk ahead of the country’s first democratic elections.

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“Broadcasting gave me the opportunity to engage political leaders, ask difficult questions and help ordinary South Africans understand the changes taking place in their country,” Modise said.

He described his contribution to the country’s democratic transition as one of his proudest achievements.

Dr Joe Molete, NWU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture, said the honorary doctorate recognised Modise’s contribution to communication and nation-building.

“Tim Modise’s career demonstrates the power of communication in shaping society. Through his work, he created platforms for dialogue, encouraged accountability and helped South Africans engage with issues affecting their future. His contribution reflects the values of responsible communication that we seek to instil in our students,” said Molete.

Modise’s career includes work at the SABC, Radio 702, SAfm, Metro FM, eNCA and Carte Blanche. He also helped establish Power FM and served as chief communications officer for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee.

His achievements include being named SABC Broadcaster of the Year in 1991 and induction into the South African Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.

Yet, for Modise, the lasting measure of his career is not the awards he has received but the conversations he helped create.

“Journalism is about more than reporting events. It is about holding those in power accountable, giving people a voice and encouraging informed conversations that can move society forward.”

From the airwaves in Mahikeng, Modise’s career became a platform through which millions of South Africans could hear their leaders, question authority and take part in the country’s democratic journey which continues as the country heads for the polls in the November local government elections.