September 4, 2003
By Bontle Moeng
BOTH the Rand Afrikaans University and the Technikon Witwatersrand have suggested University of Johannesburg as their new name, when the two institutions merge at the beginning of 2005.
The name, suggested by the RAU and TWR councils, was submitted to the Minister of Education, Dr Kader Asmal at the end of August for his approval.
"There was an earlier request from the ministry for an indication from the councils on the preferred name, official address and date of establishment of the new institution, as well as nominees for the appointment to the interim council," the two institutions said in a joint statement.
The RAU and TWR councils believed the University of Johannesburg "not only reflects the new university's geographical locality, but also the vibrant spirit and economical, industrial and business acumen associated with it".
The new identity would provide the institution with the necessary national recognition, the statement said. "It will enjoy international recognition as a symbol of South Africa and be respected in the higher education environment. The name will serve as a binding factor for all stakeholders in the new institution."
An agreement was reached between RAU and TWR that the University of Johannesburg would, during the interim period, have two official addresses and two postal addresses, until a single postal address was decided on.
Both institutions nominated four representatives to the interim council and asked that the Minister of Education appoint an impartial chairperson. The interim council would then be asked "to appoint an observer from the present Vista constituency".
The two tertiary institutions are set to merge on 1 January 2005, once the East Rand and Soweto campuses of Vista University had been incorporated into RAU.
