Call to Rename Rhodes University over Cecil Rhodes' Legacy

In a recent address at Rhodes University, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), called for the institution to be renamed in honor of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, rather than its current namesake, Cecil Rhodes. Malema, whose party emerged as the fourth-largest in the recent general elections, emphasized the need to reject the legacy of Rhodes, whom he described as “the country’s most brutal coloniser.” Malema's remarks resonated with a supportive audience of students, as he criticized Rhodes for his racist views and imperialist actions. He argued that Rhodes would not have welcomed black students at the university, stating, “He hated everything else that looked like us and treated us like slaves and animals.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment among some South African leaders and activists who seek to confront the lingering impacts of colonialism and racism in the country. The call for a name change comes 30 years after the end of apartheid, highlighting ongoing debates about historical figures and their legacies in contemporary South Africa. Malema's speech underscores a growing movement among students and political leaders to reassess the symbols and names that represent the nation’s educational institutions. As discussions about the university's name continue, the proposal to honor Biko, a prominent figure in the struggle against apartheid, may gain traction among those advocating for a more inclusive and representative narrative in South Africa's history.