Decision: Extraordinary NWU Council Meeting

Decision of the North-West University Council on the naming of a campus residence and the planned unveiling of a bust of Kgosi L M Mangope on the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University

Institutional Office – During an extraordinary meeting of the Council of the North-West University (NWU) consisting of alumni, donors, government and communities, as well as management, academics, support staff and students, held on 7 October 2010, the contentious issue involving Kgosi Mangope as one aspect of the 30th birthday celebrations of the Mafikeng Campus, was discussed at length.

It was decided that the renaming of the residence currently known as Lost City, as well as the unveiling of the bust, will be suspended until Council has approved policy, processes and procedures with regard to the naming of parts of the University. The matter will also be discussed extensively at Council level, as well as with all stakeholder groupings. The intended renaming of other residences on the Campus, has also been suspended.

However, the planned prestige lecture by Kgosi Mangope during the anniversary celebrations of the Mafikeng Campus, will go ahead as planned, as it forms part of a series of four public lectures in the course of 2010. Council resolved that in the interest of academic freedom and freedom of speech this may continue as scheduled.

The highest governing body of the NWU concluded that the decision of the Mafikeng Campus Management to honour Kgosi Mangope was taken in the absence of a clear and approved policy ensuring that sound governance processes and procedures are followed and consultative structures established to inform the naming of University assets after individuals.

In addition, the Council noted that the consultative process followed by the Mafikeng Campus since 2008 regarding the renaming of residences did not include all the relevant stakeholders, including the Council.

Issued by the North-West University Council

Enquiries: Mr Peet van der Walt, Chairperson, North-West University Council
                    082 465 2381 
                    Dr Theuns Eloff, Vice-Chancellor, North-West University
                    082 806 4956

Date: 7 October 2010