Was apartheid truly defeated? Here at UWC A-Block, a building at the University of the Western Cape, you are standing on grounds that challenged and overcame the limitations placed upon it by the apartheid state.
The University of the Western Cape is well-known for its struggle against apartheid. It continues to fight against oppression, discrimination and disadvantage in modern day South Africa. UWC has been at the forefront of South Africa’s historic transformation among academic institutions. It played a leading academic role in helping to build an equitable and dynamic nation.
In 1959, legislation established the University College of the Western Cape. It was a constituent college of the University of South Africa for people classified as Coloured. The first group of 166 students enrolled in 1960. They received training for lower to middle-level positions in schools, the civil service, and other institutions. These institutions were designed to serve a separated Coloured community.
But here is a little-known fact. The apartheid government inadvertently laid the seeds of its own demise by creating institutions like UWC. Students questioned the silence of their parents who were cowed by draconian laws. They could speak to each other without the racial inferior-superior opposition fostered by apartheid. The Bush colleges transformed themselves against the vision of apartheid.
In 1970, the institution gained university status. It could then award its own degrees and diplomas. The University of the Western Cape started expanding its academic project. Protest action by students and black academic staff led to the appointment of the first black Rector in 1975. Professor Richard E van der Ross created a new, freer climate. It was amenable to intellectual debate and internationally respected scholarship.
In 1982, UWC formally rejected the apartheid ideology. It adopted a declaration of nonracialism. The university committed to the development of Third World communities in South Africa. The University of the Western Cape Act of 1983 finally granted UWC its autonomy. It was on the same terms as the established white institutions.
Professor Jakes Gerwel took office as Rector in 1987. He aligned the university with the mass democratic movement. He created space for curriculum renewal, innovative research and outreach projects. Important social and policy issues received attention.
The university also formalized its open admissions policy. This provided access to a growing number of African students. Despite severe constraints, students from disadvantaged communities graduated in increasing numbers. They were equipped to make a professional contribution to the new South Africa. President Nelson Mandela lauded UWC. He said it had transformed itself from an apartheid ethnic institution to a proud national asset.
UWC played an important role in the emergence of the new democratic order in the 1990s. It provided opportunities for many people to prepare for higher-level careers. It contributed significantly to policy research and formulation. Many senior academics and alumni found themselves in public office.
UWC is committed to being a place of quality and a place to grow.
COVID-19 served as a catalyst for expanded innovative thinking at the University. UWC scientists helped to decode the genome of COVID-19. They facilitated curbing its spread and contributed to finding a vaccine.
The University pioneered a virtual graduation ceremony during lockdown. Graduates could celebrate their hard work and achievements.
Today, UWC strives to remain a vibrant institution of high repute. It pursues excellence in teaching, learning and research. UWC believes its strength will come from its ability to provide a nurturing space. Staff and students can grow in hope and create and share knowledge to inform agency.
As you stand here at UWC A-Block, remember the legacy of hope, knowledge, and action. It is a legacy that continues to shape South Africa and the world.