INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed journalist, author and award-winning documentary film-maker John Pilger will be given an honorary doctorate at the Rhodes University graduation in Grahamstown tomorrow.

Pilger – who has published 10 books and made more than 50 hard-hitting documentaries since he took up journalism in 1958 – will be among five South Africans acknowledged for their “invaluable contributions” to the sciences, literature, arts, legal and business communities.

Although based in London, Pilger has worked all over the world, often in war-torn countries and emerging democracies, giving an alternative voice to the powerless and oppressed. He has been an accredited war correspondent in Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Biafra and the Middle East.

Pilger, who already has several doctorates from universities around the world, will be given the degree of Doctor of Literature honoris causa.

“Honouring a prolific and renowned journalist, author and film-maker, Rhodes acknowledges the importance of, and need for, critical voices on world affairs to be represented in the media,” a university statement said.

The 2008 graduation ceremonies at Rhodes University take place from today until Saturday.

South Africans receiving honorary doctorates on Friday include: Rhodes-based radio astronomer Dr Bernard L Fanaroff (scientific); multi media artist William Kentridge (fine art); Chief Justice Pius Langa (law); and cartoonist Jonathan “Zapiro” Shapiro (law). Businessman Dr Reuel J Khoza (law) will be given his honorary doctorate on Saturday.

Guest speaker at tonight’s graduation is John Michael Samuel, currently chief executive of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.