Port Elizabeth – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 20 July 2017, deliver a keynote address at the Official Launch of the Nelson Mandela University Name, formerly known as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, at the Missionvale Campus in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa attends the launch at the invitation of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Derrick Swartz and University Council, and the event coincides with the celebration and commemoration of the International Nelson Mandela Day.
 
The launch of Nelson Mandela University represents an important milestone in the journey the university set itself when it adopted the institutional Vision 2020. This vision enjoined the institution’s leaders to work relentlessly towards building a new generation, dynamic African university, recognised for its leadership in producing cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future.
 
In this regard, government has granted the university permission to establish the country’s 10th medical school and, furthermore, will provide strategic assistance in helping it establish the country’s only dedicated Ocean Sciences campus. These initiatives will go a long way in enabling the youth, particularly, from township and rural schools and communities to study and gain specialist qualifications in areas that were previously inaccessible.
 
These institutional developments will, among other things, place the university in a substantially better position to serve the country’s development and create a path for economic growth. The Nelson Mandela University is the only higher education institution in the world to bear the name of one of the world’s iconic leaders synonymous to the profound values of Ubuntu, integrity and respect for diversity.
 
Accordingly, the new Nelson Mandela University name was then promulgated in the Government Gazette on 23 June 2016 by the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande. During this launch, the new university logos and colours will be revealed to reflect the new era and renewed vigour.
 
The event will be attended by various university stakeholders, representatives of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, business and industry, traditional leaders, community leaders, and principals from educational bodies including donors.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by members of the Eastern Cape Executive Council and other senior Government officials.
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:
 
Date: Thursday, 20 July 2017
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Venue: Indoor Sports Arena, Missionvale Campus
 
For more information and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on 0823185251 and Zandile Mbabela on 078 164 0449

 
For enquiries please contact Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria