Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to plan and coordinate the historic centenary celebrations of the University of Fort Hare.
The Presidency, in a statement on Friday, said the centenary celebrations will take place on 8 February next year.
The historic institution is also the alma mater of liberation struggle stalwarts such as Oliver Tambo, the late former President Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Professor Zachariah Keodirelang "ZK" Matthews and Robert Sobukwe.
“The University of Fort Hare has also produced five Heads of State and Government, namely, Presidents Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Yusuf Lule of Uganda, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Sir Seretse Khama of Botswana and Ntsu Mokhehle of Lesotho,” said the Presidency.
President Zuma said working with the university and the Department of Arts and Culture as the lead department, the IMC will ensure urgent and precise planning and the success of this momentous occasion.
“There will be other activities in line with the centenary celebrations that will also take place during the year,” said the President.
The IMC is chaired by Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe and comprises Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Pravin Gordhan, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko, Public Works Minister Thulasizwe Nxesi, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, and State Security Minister David Mahlobo.
“The President is certain that the IMC would do its best in ensuring a historical occasion for the University of Fort Hare,” said the Presidency. - SAnews.gov.za
