The University of Cape Town has officially renamed one of its most iconic buildings, marking a powerful moment in its transformation journey.
What was once known to generations of students as “Jammies” Hall will now carry the name Sarah Baartman Hall, honouring a woman whose story continues to echo through South African history.
The renaming ceremony, held on Wednesday, drew students, staff, alumni, and special guests together in celebration of this milestone.
It wasn’t just about a new name—it was about recognition, remembrance, and respect.
A Journey Years in the Making
UCT’s Council first began discussions about renaming Jameson Hall back in 2018.
The goal was to ensure that the university’s buildings reflected South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage. But the road to this moment wasn’t a quick one.
The process faced delays—some due to logistics, others because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, the commitment to change remained firm.
Now, the timing feels especially symbolic, with the renaming coinciding both with UCT’s spring 2025 graduation ceremonies and with South Africa’s Heritage Month.
Remembering Sarah Baartman
Sarah Baartman, born in the Eastern Cape in the late 1700s, endured unimaginable exploitation.
Taken to Europe, she was paraded as a spectacle—her body objectified and dehumanised for the entertainment of others.
Her remains remained in European museums for nearly two centuries before finally being returned to South Africa in 2002.
Today, her name on UCT’s most prominent hall serves as a permanent reminder of both her suffering and her strength.
A Symbol of Justice and Healing
Speaking at the event, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela described Baartman’s life as a powerful reflection of both colonial brutality and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Her name on this building calls us to confront injustice with honesty and courage,” he said.
“It reminds us of the violence of colonialism, the silencing of indigenous voices, and the denial of women’s humanity.
But it also calls us to healing—creating spaces where remembrance is tied to justice, and where history is faced openly and responsibly.”
The Influence of #RhodesMustFall
The decision to rename Jameson Hall didn’t happen in isolation.
It was partly driven by the urgency sparked by the #RhodesMustFall movement, which called on South African universities to address the colonial legacies embedded in their spaces.
The name change also came after extensive consultations with Khoi and San communities, academics, students, and social justice advocates.
It was a collaborative decision, built on the idea that healing begins with acknowledgement.
A Moment for Reflection
This renaming is more than just an administrative change—it’s a chance to reshape memory and identity within one of South Africa’s most respected institutions.
It asks difficult questions: How do we remember the past? How do we make sure history is told honestly? And how do we honour those whose voices were silenced for so long?
As South Africa continues to grapple with its history, the renaming of Sarah Baartman Hall is both a symbolic and practical step toward inclusivity, justice, and truth.