The University of Johannesburg (UJ) named a building that housed apartheid-era newspapers, after two journalists, Percy Qoboza and Aggrey Klaaste on Thursday, 2 March 2017.
Said Prof Ihron Rensburg, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University: “UJ is honoured to celebrate the lives of two men with contrasting characteristics and ideologies who shared a vision of unity. These brave men in a time of oppression adopted a spirit of peace and transition through dialogue and negotiation that changed the status quo. This building is aptly named, which commemorates their legacy which is depicted in this transformed media space into a democratic-era empowerment space, now known as the Qoboza/ Klaaste (QK) Building.”
Both Qoboza and Klaaste worked as journalists during the apartheid regime and led newspapers, such as The Post and The World, from the building.
The families of the media stalwarts are honoured because this building will produce great minds for the future.
In 2012, the University acquired the Perskor Building as part of an extensive facelift of its Doornfontein Campus with the aim to establish the campus as the academic and technology hub of the City of Johannesburg. The University refurbished the building linking the building via a sky bridge to the Doornfontein Campus. Mining house, Sibanya Gold invested R12 5m for the redevelopment of this iconic building.
This newly refurbished Johannesburg landmark now offers a Technical Training Workshop for engineering students, and includes interactive hubs sponsored by Microsoft and Samsung which provides an informal venue where networks are built between industry and students. It also provides opportunities for industry leaders and students to explore their future entrepreneurial stealth.
UJ is the only entity to produce Mining Engineering technologist. Students now benefit from experiential learning through the Nondestructive testing (NDT) lab, and amongst others a rural foundry, soil and water testing lab, a design studio for sustainable urban planning.
Qoboza/ Klaaste (QK) Building unveiled:
Vusi Qoboza (family member) Thoko Qoboza (family member); Ayanda Sepamla (Family member) Prof Ihron Rensburg (Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UJ); Pinky Qoboza – Sepamla and Lunga Klaaste.
