The University of South Africa (Unisa) said on Monday it was keen and honoured to celebrate the life and times of one of the illustrious alumni of the university the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

The former leader, whose birthday is on July 18, would have turned 100 years old this year. The centenary celebrations coincide with the university’s celebration of 145 years of existence, a milestone that will be marked with a range of celebratory activities.

Unisa Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Mandla Makhanya said the University has resolved to join the nation and the international community in their support of and participation in the celebration of the Centenary of Mandela, led by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The university said it will align itself with the national theme, which has seen 2018 declared the year of Mandela and struggle heroin, the late Albertina Sisulu, who share the same birth year.

“All celebratory occasions will be used to celebrate these national heroes; as well as pay homage to another recently-departed stalwart and Mother of the Nation, Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela-Mandela,” said Makhanya.

Makhanya will visit the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre for females as part of the Unisa Community Engagement Project “Education for people behind bars”.

Makhanya said Madiba bestowed on the university the privilege of having received all his degrees from Unisa, from undergraduate to postgraduate.

Mandela holds BA Law and LLB degrees and a degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) which was bestowed on him in 1995.

Unisa also had the honour of bestowing on him the Robben Island Alumnus Award as a Robben Island alumnus who sacrificed immensely towards the liberation of South Africa.

Albertina Sisulu was also bestowed with the Degree of Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (honoris causa) on December 7, 2007.

Unisa also stated that it will dedicate the annual Women’s Day to the celebration of the lives and times of Albertina Sisulu, Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Mirriam Makeba.

The university will also dedicate the annual Thabo Mbeki Africa Day and annual Steve Biko Memorial Lectures to their memories.