Van der Vyver was awarded the Potchefstroom Alumni Address from the Executive of the Fellowship of Potchefstroom Alumni of Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in May. The address recognizes "alumni who in a special way and over a long period of time rendered outstanding and excellent service to the university and/or the community in general."
In a letter notifying van der Vyver of the address, Andries van de Venter, secretary of the Fellowship of Potchefstroom Alumni, wrote, "Your excellent academic career, your special contribution to South Africa in the field of your discipline, and your persistant critical-creative loyalty to your alma mater are aspects that appealed to the Executive."
According to Law School Dean Howard Hunter, "The award is significant in its own right, but it is even more important than usual because Johan was dismissed from the Potchefstroom faculty years ago for his opposition to apartheid policies."