Although the project is already well underway in some quarters, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa will host an event to officially celebrate the opportunity that the Naming and Renaming process affords us.
Opportunities
The naming and renaming process – anticipated to run for at least 18 to 24 months and across all our campuses - offers us the opportunity to build and enhance the intellectual identity and brand of Nelson Mandela University, while simultaneously celebrating and marking Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s centenary year.
It follows the launch of our new name in July 2017 and the need to pro-actively build social cohesion in the wake of the Fees Must Fall call to decolonize the academy and academic spaces. It also forms part of the University’s commitment to actively contribute to the transformation of the institution and society.
Precinct, phased approach
Given the magnitude of the project, the University is following a precinct approach, using natural campus or faculty groupings to seek mutual agreement on appropriate names for places and spaces. It will also run in phases.
Right now the focus is on:
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Various buildings across multiple campuses, but particularly those that do not yet have a name, such as the “new new Engineering building” (in the photo) and
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George Campus
The roll-out plan and the thinking behind the project will be shared at the launch, where the new names for the Port Elizabeth student residences will also be officially announced.
Last year, the SRC led a series of consultations with students to identify suitable names for the residences in line with a new Naming policy. Family and friends of those after whom residences are being named have also been invited to the launch of the Naming process.
Single launch
The launch of the process, as opposed to specific buildings, on 27 May is intended to negate the need to host a series of individual celebratory launch events for each and every building that receives a new name, thereby reducing costs and extravagance.
However, exceptions may be likely with the possible renaming of a campus or faculty-specific buildings at which faculties can host their own internal celebration with stakeholders key to their work.
Open process
For more information, see the dedicated website or forward your inquiries and recommendations to naming@mandela.ac.za
Naming and Renaming Working Group