UCT hall renamed Sarah Baartman
ULULATING filled the air as UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng announced that the university’s Jameson Memorial Hall would be renamed after Sarah Baartman.
During her robing ceremony yesterday, Phakeng said: “Council made the historic decision to rename Memorial Hall after Khoi heroine Sarah Baartman. In this way we hope to honour her memory and restore to her name the dignity that was so brutally stolen from her in the 19th century.
“With Sarah Baartman Hall at the heart of our campus, we are taking a key step in the university’s commitment to transformation and inclusivity.
“While we cannot undo the wrongs she suffered, we can lift her up as a potent symbol of the new campus community we are building,” said Phakeng.
Phakeng was praised by chancellor Graça Machel for her efforts in promoting transformation on campus and for opting for a modest robing ceremony, to ensure additional funds allocated for the ceremony would go to assisting students who were unable to graduate.
The graduates who would’ve formed part of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 graduates, were unable to attain their credentials due to outstanding funds on their accounts.
“This is a ceremony with less than the usual ‘pomp’. It’s a modest robing ceremony at Professor Phakeng’s own request, to re-direct funds to pay for unsettled fees of over 100 students.
“This is the vice-chancellor we welcome and there is still more to come. She will donate 10% of her salary to supporting women students. We’re thankful that this powerhouse of a young black female comes to us,” said Graça Machel.
Phakeng said her success was measured by the achievements of graduates and staff and steps taken to transform the institution.
“The transformation of UCT is a long journey, with many steps already taken and many ahead of us. But this step is a joyful one.
“We look forward to the events we will celebrate with you in Sarah Baartman Hall in future.
“We will identify an appropriate moment in 2019 to commemorate this renaming,” said Phakeng.