Namibia's career diplomat and social justice advocate, Bience Gawa!nas, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of Warwick, based in England.

The University of Warwick announced the appointment of Advocate Gawa!nas on its website on Monday, and she will start in January 2025.

''In her role, Bience will serve as the ceremonial head of the university, presiding over major events, including graduation ceremonies, and acting as an ambassador for Warwick's principles of academic excellence, diversity, and social impact. This, combined with her own personal story and career as a Warwick alumna, makes her the perfect candidate to be our next Chancellor. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Warwick community'', said Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick.

Advocate Gawa!nas, a refugee then, undertook legal studies at the University of Warwick as part of a scholarship scheme and graduated in 1986 and qualified as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in 1987, returning to Namibia in 1989.

The University of Warwick also revealed she was made an honorary graduate at Warwick in 2023, in recognition of her career across law and human rights for more than 40 years.

The new appointment adds to Advocate Gawa!nas' impressive career streak, having served most recently as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations as well as the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs.

Blanche Goreses