Context
The project follows the launch of our new Nelson Mandela University name last year, and the need to pro-actively build social cohesion, and actively contribute to the transformation and decolonisation project. It will also offer us the opportunity to build and enhance the Mandela University identity and intellectual brand, and simultaneously commemorate and celebrate Madiba’s 100 years since his birth.
Just as the Centenary Celebration programme has been embedded in our academic project, so the Naming and Renaming project will follow rich and robust discussions in what is anticipated to be a catalytic year-long process.
Students, under the leadership of the SRC, have already engaged in such meetings in anticipation of the recently approved new Naming and Renaming Policy that undergirds and will guide the project.
Naming Policy
The new Naming and Renaming Policy (see attachment), is reflective of the need to build cohesion in the wake of issues raised during the Fees Must Fall protests by creating an environment that is welcoming for all. Since our campuses are where teaching, learning and research is undertaken and where our institutional culture gets its legitimacy, the University is taking a pro-active stance by relooking at the names of our places and spaces, especially those associated with the University’s oppressive and discriminatory past.
The amended policy will also guide the way forward for the naming of unnamed places and of future buildings.
#Guiding principles
The principles guiding the naming and renaming process will take the University’s vision, mission and values into consideration, along with compatibility with the constitution of South Africa and the ethos of our namesake.
As highlighted, the policy will assist in refining and re-imagining the identity and positioning of our campuses, particularly within the context of the University’s transformation agenda and as a change agent towards creating a new inclusive institutional culture.
The roll-out of a strategy that will offer all stakeholders a say in the names of buildings, rooms, roads and other components of the University that are of specific relevance to them.
#Name change criteria
As the University embarks upon this consultative process, the following policy criteria guidelines are in place:
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The names should redress imbalances of the past and seek to inform the indigenous peoples and history of the area
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The use of names of those who have contributed significantly to advance the cause of all South Africa’s people
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The use of places of significance and meaning; significant moments or events in our history; geographical features, indigenous flora and fauna – all of which should resonate with the vision, values and strategies of Nelson Mandela University.
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Names should serve to build social cohesion and inspire present and future generations
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The primary users of the building or space should be given the opportunity to make inputs on its name.
Phased approach
Given the magnitude of this project, which is being overseen by the Department of Arts, Culture and Heritage, a phased approach will be used, in which buildings are grouped according to their location or usage, such as lecture facilities on each campus, student residences or sporting infrastructure.
Implementation plans around the various areas will be shared to ensure that all relevant parties are involved. This work has already begun with South Campus residences and on George Campus.
In a parallel process, the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee (ACHC) - a MANCO oversight committee for the name and identity building and enhancing work - will also undertake background research to understand the legal implications of renaming buildings in terms of compliance and legitimacy.
Once the necessary consultation has been completed, and the recommended names accepted by the ACHC, they will be forwarded to MANCO for ratification.
Stakeholder engagement
In line with Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa’s commitment towards engaged dialogue in building a more cohesive University, stakeholder engagement will be key in ensuring that the names selected are mutually acceptable decisions.
Communication and Stakeholder Liaison