Johannesburg - Hopes for the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus to become an internationally recognised South African university might soon be realised, if the revamped campus is anything to go by.
Revealed on Friday by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, the ambitious R450 million refurbishment was undertaken to further cement the university's commitment to achieve academic distinction.
The campus boasts high-tech IT equipment, utility upgrades, new student residences, lecture halls, student centre, law and health clinic, computer laboratories and sport amenities.
Various buildings at the revamped campus have been named after the struggle stalwarts such as Antony Mzwakhe, Enoch Sontonga, Robert Sobukwe, Bram Fischer, Ellen Khuzwayo, Nthato Motlana, Tsietsi Mashinini, Hector Pieterson and TW Kambule.
Opening the campus, Motlanthe said building a university or expanding an existing one was a clear indication of government's intentions, tertiary institutions and all other stakeholders to invest in the future.
He said the campus will have a positive impact on the Soweto community and Gauteng province, as well as attract students and academics from all over South Africa and the world.
"The expansion of this campus will play a key role in addressing developmental needs of the broader Soweto community," Motlanthe said.
He also noted that the campus will not only be an educational landmark and academic centre in much broader sense, but will also stand out because of its offerings of diploma programmes.
"It will constitute an important part of serving the higher education needs of the area, both for Soweto and commercial and industrial heartland that is Gauteng.
"I appreciate the very important area of historical context, which the university has taken the trouble to consider in this admirable project," he said.
University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor, Porfessor Ihron Rensburg, said university education, intellectual and world class educational facilities are not only the preserve of the rich, but of all citizens, including the poor and marginalised.
"Barely a few decades ago, education inclusion and academic freedom was a distant dream of our forefathers. We also take note that Soweto has global significance for all people who value liberty and the human spirit's quest for freedom," Rensburg said.
He added that the campus's vision is that it will become the campus of choice for most students and will be an engaging facility that will cultivate the rich intellectual and artistic talent that continues to emerge from the place.
Winnie Madikizela Mandela and Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor were among the guests who attended the ceremony.
