NMMU changes name to Nelson Mandela University

The university formerly known as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University relaunched itself today as the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth. This, two days after the country celebrated the late former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

It's official! We are now Nelson Mandela University. Halala! #NelsonMandelaUniversity #MandelaUniLaunch pic.twitter.com/qt3DEst146

— Mandela University (@MandelaUni) July 20, 2017

The relaunch took place at the Missionvale Campus in Port Elizabeth. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address, drawing parallels between the responsibility the university faces and Mandela’s life.

'You are shouldering a great responsibility of making higher education accessible to the poor' – DP Ramaphosa #NelsonMandelaUniversity

— Mandela University (@MandelaUni) July 20, 2017

“Plans to officially launch the new name in October last year were delayed by the #FeesMustFall student protests, which highlighted students’ struggles in financing their higher education and, among other things, the need to transform the curriculum.

The University’s press statement announcing the name change also reads: “The launch of Nelson Mandela University will not only be a celebration of the efforts to be named after this great leader, but of the university’s commitment to transformation and truly living out its values – which mirror those of Mandela – that include ubuntu, integrity, and respect for diversity.”

According to the university’s press room, the new Nelson Mandela University name was publicised in the Government Gazette on 23 June 2016 by Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande.