Government tells The University of Fort Hare Story

20 April 2016

Government calls on Fort Hare University Alumni and members of the public to share their Fort Hare stories for the Tell Your Story campaign using the hashtag #MyFortHare.  This forms part of the commemoration of the university’s centenary celebrations.

Government will be telling the Fort Hare story on the following platforms: Youtube on the channel GovZA, twitter on @GovernmentZA and on the webpage: www.gov.za from today 20 April 2016.
Alumni and members of the public can join the #MyFortHare Tell Your Story campaign by emailing pictures, videos and audio to: electronic@gcis.gov.za with the subject line: My Fort Hare.

On Friday, 20 May 2016 government will lead the national celebration of the centenary of the University of Fort Hare at the Alice campus in the Eastern Cape Province. The University hosted the local ceremonial centenary celebrations on 8 February 2016.

In preparations for the main celebration, President Jacob Zuma has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to plan and coordinate the historic centenary celebration. The IMC comprises 11 ministers and is chaired by Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe.

“University of Fort Hare is the oldest historically black university in the country, it was officially opened in February 1916. This centenary is a significant milestone that provides the country with an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made and the role played by the University”, said Acting Director General of GCIS Donald Liphoko.

University of Fort Hare prominent alumni include: Prof ZK Matthews, Former ANC President Oliver Tambo, Former President Nelson Mandela, the late President Seretse Khama of Botswana, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the late Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhetle of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

A number of activities will take place throughout the year to mark the centenary celebrations. To keep abreast with these activities follow at @GCISMedia @SAGovNews and on Facebook at South African Government.

Enquiries:
Donald Liphoko (Acting Director General of GCIS)
Cell: 082 901 0766

Issued by Government Communications and Information Systems