Rhodes, Fort Hare agree to merger

2002-06-11 20:01

Grahamstown - The establishment of a strong, urban-based university in East London became a reality on Tuesday when Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare agreed to a gradual handover of Rhodes' East London campus to Fort Hare.

Rhodes University will manage its East London campus on an "agency" basis next year to allow a planned, "gradual, phased-in" handover to Fort Hare.

This will allow existing Rhodes students to emerge with a Rhodes qualification, while also giving Fort Hare a chance to gear up to assume management of the city campus.

As from next year, new students will be able to enrol in joint Rhodes-Fort Hare programmes and receive a joint qualification.

Students registering from 2004 will receive a Fort Hare qualification.

Education Minister Kader Asmal announced earlier this month that Rhodes' East London campus and the University of Transkei's medical school would be incorporated into Fort Hare.

It has taken the two universities less than three weeks to reach agreement on how the handover will take place.

Rhodes and Fort Hate chancellors Doctor David Woods and Professor Derrick Swartz on Tuesday emphasised the need to ensure the future viability of the East London campus.

They said they were "committed to a spirit of co-operation in the interests of higher education".

"Beyond (2003), Rhodes will continue to co-manage programmes with students currently enrolled under the Rhodes brand name until completion of their studies.

"We have agreed that all currently registered students will be able to complete their studies under the Rhodes brand name."

The two vice-chancellors promised their full support for the East London campus in meeting their transitional commitments.

"We also wish to assure current and future students of our commitment to high-quality education in Buffalo City and the region."

Meanwhile, Rhodes' East London staff committed themselves to contributing to the establishment of a "strong urban-based university" in the city that would continue to maintain high academic standards, while at the same time addressing the challenges facing tertiary education in the country.

"We wish to express our willingness to engage in the process of constructive dialogue with Fort Hare resulting in an institution that combines the respective strengths of Rhodes EL and Fort Hare."

- SAPA