Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is expected to extend her criticism of government ethics before hundreds of Rhodes University graduands today when she receives an honorary doctor of laws degree this afternoon.

It will be the third honorary doctorate conferred on her by an SA university — Fort Hare University was first two years ago‚ followed by Stellenbosch two weeks ago.

Yesterday‚ Rhodes vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela got the graduation sessions going with his critical speech‚ which to be repeated at each of the graduations ceremonies this weekend.

Mabizela delivered a resounding denouncement of South Africa’s political elite‚ whom he depicted as “people of questionable moral and ethical character”.

In a statement‚ Madonsela’s office said she would speak at the graduation ceremony today‚ and again tomorrow at a public university-organised luncheon in Joza’s Noluthando hall to discuss transformation and ethical leadership.

Her speech tomorrow‚ and likely today‚ will focus on “the role of ethical leadership in the transformation of South African institutions and society and how such leadership can be cultivated and promoted in institutions of education and in the broader South African society”‚ said her spokesman Oupa Segalwe.