National celebration of the centenary of the University of Fort Hare
The national celebration of the centenary of the University of Fort Hare will take place on the 20th of May 2016.
The historic University, based in Alice in the Eastern Cape, has produced illustrious alumni in the country and Southern Africa.
The actual centenary is on Monday, 8 February 2016, but the national and SADC celebration will take place in May and President Jacob Zuma will officiate.
The alumni of the institution include the continent’s greatest leaders, such as Prof ZK Matthews, ANC President Mr Oliver Tambo, President Nelson Mandela, the late President Sir Seretse Khama of Botswana, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and the late Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhetle of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, also studied at the University.
President Jacob Zuma has established an Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee headed by the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jeff Radebe, tasked with ensuring a memorable and befitting centenary celebration.
The University is scheduled to host a local ceremony on Monday, 8 February to mark the centenary, ahead of the official national celebration in May. Government will be represented by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande at the 8 February ceremony.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
E-mail: bonganim@presidency.gov.za
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