Stellenbosch University (SU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on Andries Calitz, a global leader in the oil and gas energy sector, at its April graduation this week.
He received his degree at an in-person graduation ceremony for students in Engineering held at the Coetzenburg Centre on Tuesday (5 April 2022).
Andries Calitz received the degree Doctor of Engineering (DEng), honoris causa, for his contribution to the development of the global energy supply sector, and his visionary leadership and remarkable achievements in the energy field.
Calitz thanked SU and specifically the Faculty of Engineering for bestowing on him this honour. He congratulated the new Engineering graduates and emphasised the value of their qualifications.
“I’ve seen the critical role that engineers of all the disciplines play in driving economies of the world, especially by creating production and service facilities. I’ve seen the important role that engineers play in creating infrastructure, in innovation, in transportation, in medical services, in financial services, and in every form of what society needs.”
“I can assure you today as you leave here and as you proudly graduate, that it was the right decision because the world needs engineers and people like you.”
Calitz added that the new graduates are ideally placed to play a key role in the transition to renewable energy and in sustainable development.
More about Calitz
From Asia and Canada to South Africa, Andries (Andy) Calitz has played a prominent role in shaping the global energy supply sector. Currently secretary-general of the International Gas Union and chief executive of FutureEnergy, Calitz used to head up LNG Canada and held various senior executive positions at energy corporations Shell and Eskom.
This Stellenbosch University Electrical Engineering alumnus from the class of 1981 started his career at Eskom, where he fulfilled various managerial and executive roles in electricity production planning, pricing, sector restructuring, and transmission. During his time at Eskom, he was responsible for the operation of South Africa’s high-voltage grid and led the integrated planning process for the country’s electricity industry.
After joining Shell in 1996, he became involved in ground-breaking international energy projects. He has an impeccable track record of managing international energy mega projects, especially in the context of joint ventures. He has been involved in energy investments to the tune of $100 billion and contributed to business development in countries across the globe.
Calitz also holds qualifications in commerce, management and business administration from Harvard Business School, the universities of the Witwatersrand and South Africa, as well as INSEAD.
Photo: (from left to right) Prof Wikus van Niekerk, Dean: Faculty of Engineering, Andries Calitz and Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor: Stellenbosch University, at the graduation.
Photographer: Stefan Els
