Have you ever wondered why South African universities have the names they do? From historical figures to geographic landmarks, the names of our universities are full of stories — some inspiring, others controversial, and all of them deeply rooted in the country’s rich and complex history.
In this post, we’ll take a journey through the past and explore how and why each of South Africa’s universities got its name. Whether you're a prospective student, an alumnus, or just someone curious about our nation’s educational institutions, get ready to uncover some fascinating facts.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Established: 1829 (as the South African College)
Renamed: University of Cape Town in 1918
UCT is South Africa’s oldest university. Located at the foot of Devil’s Peak in Cape Town, its name comes directly from its location. When it transitioned from a college to a fully-fledged university, it adopted the name of the city it serves. The institution has become synonymous with academic excellence and social transformation.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Established: 1896 (as the South African School of Mines)
Renamed: University of the Witwatersrand in 1922
“Witwatersrand” means “ridge of white waters” in Afrikaans and refers to the geological ridge where Johannesburg is located. This ridge was rich in gold, and the university originally trained mining engineers. Today, “Wits” is a leading research institution and a key part of Joburg’s educational and cultural scene.
3. Stellenbosch University
Established: 1866 (as Stellenbosch Gymnasium)
Renamed: University of Stellenbosch in 1918
Named after the town of Stellenbosch, which itself was named after Simon van der Stel, the Dutch colonial governor of the Cape in the 17th century. The university was historically associated with Afrikaner nationalism, but today it's a multilingual and multicultural institution with a global outlook.
4. University of Pretoria (UP/Tuks)
Established: 1908 (as the Transvaal University College)
Renamed: University of Pretoria in 1930
Its name comes from the city of Pretoria, named after Andries Pretorius, a Voortrekker leader. The nickname “Tuks” comes from the original Afrikaans name “Transvaalse Universiteitskollege (TUK).” The university has grown to become one of the largest in the country.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Established: 2004 (through the merger of University of Natal and University of Durban-Westville)
UKZN’s name is a geographical combination — KwaZulu refers to the Zulu people and their homeland, while Natal was the former colonial province. The name reflects both African heritage and colonial legacy. Today, UKZN plays a significant role in transformation and development.
6. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Established: 2005 (through a merger of Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and Vista University)
UJ is named after South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, which itself was named after two surveyors, Johann Rissik and Johannes Joubert. The university represents a unification of formerly racially segregated institutions and is proud of its diverse student body.
7. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Established: 1960
Originally established as a “bush college” for Coloured students under apartheid, UWC took on a new role in the 1980s as a hub for anti-apartheid activism. Its name reflects the geographic region of the Western Cape and stands today as a symbol of resistance and empowerment.
8. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Established: 1873 (as the University of the Cape of Good Hope)
Renamed: UNISA in 1916
UNISA is one of the world’s largest open distance learning institutions. Its name signifies its national role — “University of South Africa” — serving students across the country and the continent. It was renamed to reflect its expanding reach beyond the Cape.
9. Rhodes University
Established: 1904
Named after Cecil John Rhodes, a British imperialist and mining magnate, Rhodes University in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) has faced ongoing debates about its name. Many argue that the name glorifies colonialism, and although some internal discussions have taken place, the name remains unchanged — for now.
10. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Established: 2005 (merger of UPE, PE Technikon, and Vista PE Campus)
Renamed: 2017
Originally named Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the institution shortened its name to Nelson Mandela University in 2017. It is the only university in the world named after the global icon, Nelson Mandela, symbolizing transformation, leadership, and human rights.
11. North-West University (NWU)
Established: 2004 (merger of Potchefstroom University, University of North-West, and Vista University)
The name North-West University reflects the province in which the institution is based. The merger brought together historically white and black institutions, and today NWU is known for its multilingual policies and inclusive environment.
12. University of Limpopo (UL)
Established: 2005 (merger of the University of the North and Medical University of South Africa)
Its name is derived from the Limpopo Province and the Limpopo River. The university serves rural and underserved communities and is committed to improving access to higher education in the region.
13. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Established: 1982
Located in Thohoyandou, the university was originally intended for Venda-speaking people during apartheid. Its name honors the Venda homeland, and it remains an important institution for students in the northern parts of the country.
14. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Established: 1916
Fort Hare was a former British military fort, and the university was established on that site. The name reflects the colonial era, but Fort Hare became a powerhouse of black intellectual thought and liberation — with alumni including Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Robert Sobukwe.
15. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Established: 2005 (merger of Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon, and the University of Transkei)
Named in honor of Walter Sisulu, a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement and close ally of Nelson Mandela. The name reflects the institution’s commitment to upliftment, especially in the Eastern Cape.
16. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Established: 2005 (merger of Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon)
The name is straightforward — a merger of the two former technikons in Cape Town and the surrounding peninsula area. CPUT emphasizes innovation and vocational training.
17. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Established: 2002 (merger of ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal)
Named after the city of Durban, the university emerged from institutions that served different racial groups under apartheid. DUT now plays a leading role in applied sciences and entrepreneurship.
18. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
Established: 1979
Named after its founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a Zulu leader and politician. The institution was initially aimed at providing technical education to black South Africans and continues to focus on practical and technical education.
19. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Established: 2004 (merger of several technikons including Technikon Northern Gauteng)
Named after the City of Tshwane (Pretoria's metro municipality). The name reflects African heritage, as “Tshwane” is believed to be the name of a precolonial local chief or a river. TUT is known for its strong focus on technology and innovation.
20. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Established: 2004 (former Vaal Triangle Technikon)
Named after the Vaal Triangle area and the Vaal River. VUT serves communities in the southern parts of Gauteng and continues to specialize in science, engineering, and technology.
Final Thoughts
The names of South African universities are more than just labels. They tell stories of colonial legacies, struggles for liberation, geographic pride, and cultural transformation. As our society continues to evolve, the meaning behind these names serves as a reminder of where we've come from — and where we're headed.
