December 22, 2005
By Tammy O'Reilly
SOUTH Africa's most celebrated scientist, Professor Phillip Vallentine Tobias, is in the running for yet another award - but this time it's not an academic one.
The City of Johannesburg has proposed that in 2006 the world famous palaeontologist be the recipient of the Walter Sisulu Special Contribution Award, one of the City's highest honours acknowledging an individual's contribution to the promotion of Johannesburg.
Palaeontology is the study of fossils.
Given Tobias's academic record, the City is keen to recognise not only his 60-year association with Wits University, but also his criticism of the apartheid regime.
Tobias played a leading role in initiating anti-apartheid campaigns at universities and played a prominent part in keeping universities open to students and academic staff of colour.
In celebration of the professor's lengthy and distinguished scientific career, the African Genesis Organisation is planning an academic conference at the university from 8 to 14 January 2006.
More than 50 scientists of international standing will attend and the City, which is contributing financially to the conference, will take the visitors on a tour of Newtown to showcase the urban regeneration happening in that area.
Delegates will also visit the Cradle of Humankind, where a bust of Tobias will be unveiled. The presentation of the City award is expected to take place after the conference.
The 80-year-old palaeontologist is honorary professor of palaeoanthropology, the branch of science dealing with primitve man and fossil remains, at Wits University, honorary professorial research associate and director of the Sterkfontein Research Unit.
He has received countless awards and honours for his contribution to science and has published more than 1 000 works, including about 40 books.
Although he officially retired in 1993, Tobias continues to be actively involved in academic matters, supervising higher degree (PhD) students and post-doctoral fellows.
Johannesburg also has other awards that it bestows on individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the city.
The Freedom of the City has been awarded to Nelson Mandela and Beyers Naude, and the Freedom of Entry to the City has been awarded to several military regiments and units.
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