President Jacob Zuma is expected to officiate over the centenary celebrations of the University of Fort Hare in May, said the Presidency.
In a statement on Saturday, the Presidency said the celebrations at the Eastern Cape university will take place on 20 May.
“The historic university, based in Alice in the Eastern Cape, has produced illustrious alumni in the country and Southern Africa. The actual centenary is on Monday, 8 February 2016, but the national and SADC celebration will take place in May and President Jacob Zuma will officiate,” it said.
The alumni of the institution include the continent’s greatest leaders such as Professor ZK Matthews, ANC President Oliver Tambo, President Nelson Mandela, the late President Sir Seretse Khama of Botswana, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and the late Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhetle of Lesotho.
Inkatha Freedom Party leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi also studied at the university.
In November, President Zuma established an Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee — headed by the Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe — tasked with ensuring a memorable and befitting centenary celebration.
The university is scheduled to host a ceremony on Monday, 8 February to mark the centenary ahead of the official national celebration in May. Government will be represented by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, at the ceremony on Monday.
SOURCE: SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT NEWS AGENCY