During this branding ceremony the entrance signage was brought on par with the corporate signage and colours red, blue and white of all six NMMU campuses. Speaking from under an umbrella, Santie Botha, NMMU chancellor, said that the falling rain was very fitting for the occasion. She explained that the rain also fell during the memorial service of Dr Nelson Mandela – NMMU's namesake. "In the Xhosa culture, it is believed that the rain signifies a blessing, and today we are truly blessed."
NMMU - the biggest university in the Southern and Eastern Cape – will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in two months' time. The brand strengthening ceremony was held in preparation of this important milestone.
During the ceremony, George Deputy Mayor Daniel Maritz also announced that the George Municipality managed to get all the processes in place to enable Saasveld Drive to be renamed Madiba Drive.
He further thanked the university for its involvement within the community. "Thank you for showing our people that dreamers can become doers.
"A city is just as good as its university and a university as good as the city. We are grateful for the university's involvement in making our city as great as it is."
In closing, Botha reiterated that NMMU George is proud of its heritage. This includes the proud history of the former Saasveld Forestry College, as well as the Port Elizabeth Technikon and University of Port Elizabeth - all predecessors of the modern-day NMMU, which is linked to one of the most respected and best-recognised brands in the world. "NMMU is privileged to be the only university in the world to be associated with the late Dr Mandela."
NMMU dignitaries and NMMU George Student Council members celebrate the unveiling of the new corporate signage at the gates of the NMMU George Campus From left: Asafika Mzinjana, Siviwe Sawuti, Prof Quinton Johnson (NMMU George Campus principal), Dean Langeveldt, Nothando Dlozi, NMMU Chancellor Santie Botha, Awonke Kampie, Anathi Masebeni (chairman of the NMMU George Student Council), Amy-Caie April, Iviwe Konza, Prof Derrick Swartz (NMMU vice-chancellor) and Dr Bridget Johnson.
Photos: Fran Kirsten
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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