The New Science Lecture Theatre is to be renamed the Chris Hani Lecture Theatre in honour of Hani’s contribution to South Africa’s democracy.
Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of Hani’s assassination.
The official renaming ceremony will be held on April 25, which is expected to be attended by the Hani family.
Deputy Minister of Public Works Jeremy Cronin is to give the keynote address.
Outgoing UCT vice-chancellor Dr Max Price, UCT chairperson of the naming of buildings committee, advocate Norman Arendse and other dignitaries are also expected to attend.
UCT spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the institution regarded the naming of the building as a historic moment.
“The renaming of buildings is just one part of a multifaceted transformation project committed to overcoming the legacy of apartheid and colonialism in the university system – and to make UCT a home to all.”
Shabalala said it was a change that would not just linger in the name boards on the side of buildings, but that it should also be a definitive break with South Africa’s painful past.
“It is symbolic of a transformation not only on the UCT campus, but more importantly of our attitudes and values.”
Meanwhile, his 25th anniversary will be commemorated on Tuesday in different parts of the country, reports Sydney Morweng-news editor.
He was shot and killed on April 10, 1993 by Polish immigrant Janusz Walus with the help of former Conservative Party member Clive Derby-Lewis.
Hani was a member of the African National Congress NEC and had led the SACP and ANC armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe as its Chief of Staff and served MK in different capacities since the 1960s.
SACP General Secretary Blade Nzimande and other alliance partners from the ANC, Congress of South African Trade Unions and Sanco will address the main commemoration events at Hani’s grave-site in Boksburg on Gauteng’s East Rand on Tuesday morning.
