The centenary of the University of Fort Hare‚ whose alumni has included some of the African sub-continent’s most famous leaders‚ will be celebrated on May 20‚ the Presidency announced on Saturday.

“The actual centenary is on Monday‚ 8 February 2016‚ but the national and SADC celebration will take place in May and President Jacob Zuma will officiate‚” said Presidency spokesman Bongani Majola.

Based in Alice in the Eastern Cape‚ the historic university’s alumni included the likes of late President Nelson Mandela‚ late ANC President Oliver Tambo‚ the late President Sir Seretse Khama of Botswana‚ President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and the late Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhetle.

The leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party‚ Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi‚ also studied at the university.

“President Jacob Zuma has established an Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee headed by the Minister in the Presidency‚ Mr Jeff Radebe‚ tasked with ensuring a memorable and befitting centenary celebration.

“The University is scheduled to host a local ceremony on Monday‚ 8 February to mark the centenary‚ ahead of the official national celebration in May. Government will be represented by the Minister of Higher Education and Training‚ Dr Blade Nzimande at the 8 February ceremony‚” Majola said.