Responsibility comes with Nelson Mandela name

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University has officially relaunched itself as the Nelson Mandela University (NMU).

The university says the new name affords them an opportunity to rethink the kind of university it can - and should - become as it contributes to the resolution of the many educational and developmental challenges, in line with late former president Nelson Mandela's legacy.

Speaking at the relaunch ceremony in Port Elizabeth on Thursday 20 July, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said the university must strive to uphold all the values the struggle icon stood for.

These include non-racialism‚ non-sexism‚ honesty‚ truth and integrity.

“NMU must be at the forefront of efforts to ensure that higher education is accessible to the poor and marginalised and an instrument for the achievement of social equality - that it does not simply perpetuate privilege.

“When students walk onto the grounds of this university they should feel the humanism of Nelson Mandela.

“They should feel part of a people-centred university where all are recognised and valued for their individuality.”

When students walk onto the grounds of this university they should feel the humanism of Nelson Mandela.

Photo: Kelvin Saunders Excited staff, lecturers and students give the thumbs-up to the new name at the renaming ceremony held at the George campus of the Nelson Mandela University.