On World Aids Day (01 December 2017), revered anti-apartheid and HIV/AIDS activist Simon Nkoli's name and legacy became part of Stellenbosch University (SU). The university officially unveiled Huis Simon Nkoli House, after it was decided earlier in the year to rename its buildings at 39 Victoria Street after the late equality activist.
As part of SU's strategic positioning in building and sustaining an environment of inclusivity, transformation, innovation and diversity, the renaming of the buildings at 39 Victoria Street aims to celebrate Simon Nkoli's legacy and embracing the principles he stood for.
At the historic unveiling Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel, Vice Rector: Learning and Teaching at SU, reiterated the university's strategic positioning and added that it/institution is looking forward to carrying on the inspiration that Simon Nkoli brought. “The university has fully committed itself to promoting all fundamental rights and freedoms for every person on campus, including those who are marginalised in society and even at this university," said Prof Schoonwinkel.
The Soweto-born Nkoli was one of the first black male anti-apartheid activists to reveal tha he was gay and HIV positive. He was at the forefront in the fight for gay and lesbian rights during Apartheid. As one of the founding members of the first multiracial gay-rights organisation in South Africa, the Gay and Lesbian Organisation of the Witwatersrand (GLOW), Nkoli was also given several human rights awards in Europe and North America. After being infected with HIV and living with the disease for 12 years, he died of AIDS on 30 November 1998.
In an emotional speech, Jaco Greeff, the Head of the Equality Unit at SU, said that they are very excited about the name change and the milestones the university has achieved in the fight against the oppression of the LGBT community and of those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“This has been a long road. Through working with HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, when I reflect upon the friends I lost, colleagues I have lost in the community and the university and health care workers, things are looking better. Our treatment options, options to care is better, in the Department of Health, and at the university," said Greeff.
The unveiling of Huis Simon Nkoli House also coincides with the birthday celebrations of the Equality Unit and the Disability Unit at SU, who together proposed for the name change and will continue to share office space in the newly renamed building.
Photo: Dr Birgit Schreiber and Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel at the unveiling of the Simon Nkoli house.
Photographer: Rozanne Engel
