Fort Hare reclaims Madiba - Fort Hare Web Article

THE University of Fort Hare today staked its claim on its most prominent alumnus, former State President Dr Nelson Mandela, when it presented him with an alumni ring and the institution's famous alumni jacket.  

The ring is a lifelong symbolic link between the University and its alumni. As part of its 90th anniversary programme the university seeks to reconnect itself with its students in mapping and assisting in its future role. 

In a high profile ceremony marked as the Inaugural University Honorarium Presentation held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg , Madiba and eight other luminaries were presented with hand crafted solid gold signet rings with discreet diamonds. The ceremony was part of the institution's 90th Anniversary and Madiba's 88th Birthday celebration. 

The other recipients of the ring are Emeritus Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Chief Mongosuthu Buthelezi, Professor Ephraim Mokgokong and Reverend Khoza Mgojo. Oliver Tambo, Govan Mbeki and Robert Sobukwe were honoured posthumously. 

The University of Fort Hare is the first African university to introduce an alumni ring programme, which is similar to the class ring programme in the United States of America .  

Partnering with Fort Hare in the project is a black owned grassroots empowerment company, Serica, which has benefited in the beneficiation of precious metals and in skills development.  

Receiving the ring on behalf of Tutu and speaking on behalf of all the recipients, Reverend Malusi Mpumlwana, suggested that Fort Hare institutionalise this initiative to help address the country's challenges, which include among others help leaders with transition “the hustle and bustle of our activism” into a higher level where differences no longer matter. 

“In short, let Fort Hare be the fort, not of its colonial origins, but of the protection and preservation of our national pride and the cultivation and nurture of our future; guided by the prophetic courage of these alumni,” he said.  

Fort Hare chancellor, Dr Danisa Baloyi, said the event was meant to celebrate triumph and resilience of a great University that has for 90 years produced a cadre of alumni who “are appropriately represented by the recipients of the Alumni Ring” that the institution was honouring.

“On behalf of the university community, its alumni and rest of South Africa we congratulate you for representing what it means to be a Fort Harian ,” she said. 

“Tat'u Madiba, [other recipients], we congratulate and thank you for being who you have been to our society. We thank for today representing what a Fort Harian should be. We are humbled by your preparedness to be part of this first honorary ring award occasion.”

By Mncedi Mgwigwi