The falling rain could not dampen the eager anticipation of the student leaders who assisted the Chancellor with the unveiling of the two name plaques. Chancellor Botha explained that in the Xhosa culture it is believed that rain signifies a blessing. “This is a momentous occasion and today we are truly blessed”, she said. In an interview with Eden FM during the live broadcast from the campus, Chancellor Botha reiterated that NMMU takes pride in its association with Nelson Mandela – “the most powerful brand in the world”. The strengthening of the NMMU brand is a “recipe for global positioning” she said.
The brand strengthening ceremony, which brings the NMMU George Campus entrance signage on par with the corporate signage and colours – red, white and blue – of all six NMMU campuses, is also an important step in preparing for the imminent tenth anniversary of NMMU in 2015.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Derrick Swartz, pointed out that he had mandated the Campus Principal to ensure the vibrancy and sustainable growth of the NMMU George Campus through a “town and gown” engagement with the city to strengthen the university’s relationship with our community.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Mayor of George, Cllr Daniel Maritz, also indicated that the municipality managed to set processes in place to enable Saasveld Rd to be renamed to Madiba Drive. The Executive Mayor of George, Ald Charles Standers, confirmed that the institution had applied for the name-change to honour Dr Nelson Mandela by strengthening the university connection to the community of George. “A positive outcome to the application is expected”, he said.
A celebratory song about Nelson Mandela rendered by the NMMU George Campus Choir concluded the ceremony.
Further background
Brand development, as a business case, is an ongoing process across all 6 campuses of the university. Yet, the university treasures its proud heritage. This includes the founding history of the former Saasveld Forestry College, as well as the Port Elizabeth Technikon, the UPE (University of Port Elizabeth), and the former Hurteria Campus of NMMU (previously accommodating the BCom and other business-related programmes of the university in George) – all of which have been integrated into the inclusive, modern-day Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University George Campus.
A living, fully functional Heritage and Conference Centre is envisaged as a means of acknowledging the rich history of NMMU in George, says the Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson. This initiative, which forms part of the brand development strategy for the NMMU George Campus, will include the recognition and display of memorabilia of Saasveld, the PET, UPE and Hurteria. Alumni who would like to become involved in this process, or who would like to donate historic memorabilia to the NMMU George Campus are encouraged to contact the NMMU George Marketing and Corporate Relations unit at 044 801 5111.
PROUD MADIBAZ... NMMU George Campus Student Council members joined the university’s executive management in unveiling the new corporate look of the George Campus entrance gates. Blessed by rain on this occasion, were (f.l.t.r.) Asafika Mzinjana, Siviwe Sawuti, Prof Quinton Johnson (NMMU George Campus Principal), Dean Langeveldt, Nothando Dlozi, NMMU Chancellor, Ms Santie Botha; Awonke Kampie, Anathi Masebeni (Chairperson of the NMMU George Student Council), Amy-Caie April, Iviwe Konza; Prof Derrick Swartz, NMMU Vice-Chancellor and Dr Bridget Johnson.
Prof Derrick Swartz, NMMU Vice-Chancellor, Councillor Daniel Maritz - the Deputy Mayor of George and Prof Quinton Johnson (far right - NMMU George Campus Principal) accompanied the NMMU Chancellor, Ms Santie Botha, in cutting the ribbon during the brand strengthening ceremony at NMMU George Campus.
NMMU staff, students and guests braved the rainy weather to support the NMMU George Campus brand strengthening ceremony held at the campus on 16 October.
A celebratory song about Nelson Mandela rendered by the NMMU George Campus Choir concluded the brand strengthening ceremony.