Two of South Africa’s most iconic educational institutions, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Lovedale TVET College, have taken a bold step.
Together, the two institutions, located on the banks of the Tyhume River in eDikeni (Alice), have strengthened their legacy by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The partnership outlines nine strategic pillars designed to combine resources, expertise, and vision. This is in pursuit of excellence across academic focus areas as well as skills development, entrepreneurship, research, and community empowerment activities.
A 200-year-old Vision
Speaking at the formal MoU signing event held on the UFH Alice campus on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, UFH Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu and Mrs Tuletu Njengele (Lovedale College Acting Principal), emphasized that the partnership is more than a formal arrangement. It is the realization of a vision sown more than 100 years ago.
“Today is the realization of a dream that had been dreamed for months, to see these two historic institutions come together. This partnership is a vision that was conceived two hundred years ago with the establishment of Lovedale College, which later led to the establishment of Fort Hare. We are determined to see that vision through,” said Mrs Njengele.
Prof Buhlungu described the joint venture as a historical partnership that is imposed by history itself.
“We have two legacies in our hands. It is our responsibility to care, nurture, and appreciate these institutions. We must ensure that we pass these legacies on to the next generation in an even better state. At the core is to protect and preserve teaching and learning. We dare not drop the ball.”
Lovedale was founded in 1824. In the late 1800’s Dr James Stewart of Lovedale realized that “if the desire for education among the African people continued to grow it would be necessary to provide University education.” The institution played an instrumental role in the deliberations that led to the establishment of UFH, even donating the land on which the university now stands.
Achieving Excellence, Together
The areas of partnership, as outlined by UFH’s Manager for Partnerships, Prof Andrew Leitch, includes the alignment and sharing of resources. This aims to maximize academic, technical, and youth development activities. “This may include, for example, accreditation initiatives, workshops, field lots, and the development of policies. Also, the introduction of Quality Management Systems (QMS), the use of sports fields, lecture theatres and other venues. Additionally, the sharing of library facilities and resources, for academic and youth or sport development purposes,” explained Prof Leitch.
In addition, it entails exploratory initiatives to strengthen training and employability pathways. This includes the development of work-integrated learning (WIL) programmes to combine academic qualifications with practical industry experience.
Further, the partnership prioritizes skills development, capacity building for staff, research and innovation, infrastructure and funding support, partnerships with public and private entities, and sports development initiatives.
To ensure the continuous success of this joint venture, Prof Leitch announced that a steering committee has been established. They will monitor the partnership and develop an annual report, with its first committee meeting scheduled in two weeks.
This partnership forms part of a broader objective to have a density of collaborations with other colleges in and around the province, said Prof Buhlungu. “We cannot be an island. The aim is to work together to ensure we advance education and achieve excellence, together.”
