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Oxford University Press Southern Africa
Oxford University Press Southern Africa
UK-owned Oxford University Press SA sells 25.1% to Mandela Rhodes Foundation

On Tuesday 2 September, Oxford University Press and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation celebrated the formation of an innovative partnership with a ceremonial signing at Mandela House, pledging to promote leadership and scholarship in Africa that will benefit present and future generations.

The partnership entails a 25.1% share transfer from Oxford University Press to The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. This partnership will see at least 18 scholars benefit from financial and educational support within the first five years. In the longer term, the partnership will build a permanent endowment to ensure that The Mandela Rhodes Scholarships continue into perpetuity.

Oxford University Press, a department of Oxford University, is deeply committed to further education, research and scholarship around the world. The close association with Oxford University, the Rhodes Trust, and OUP’s continued investment in the Clarendon Scholarships, made The Mandela Rhodes Foundation the ideal BBBEE partner.

Dr Henry Reece, Chief Executive of OUP’s worldwide operation explained, “For many years we’ve been serious about transformation and empowerment in South Africa and we truly believe this partnership goes right to the heart of what BBBEE stands for – it’s not just about black ownership, but about investing in people who will be our future leaders in order to create an even better South Africa. We are proud to be able to play a role in such a fundamental way.”

“This relationship is a perfect fit for us” said Lieze Kotze, Managing Director of OUP SA. “Having representatives from the MRF on our Board as shareholder will further motivate OUP SA management and staff to excel and succeed to help build a stronger South Africa”.

According to Shaun Johnson, CEO of the MRF, “The MRF aims to help Scholars get the tools to be leaders in South Africa and across the African continent, mirroring the example of ethical, excellent and inclusive leadership that Mr. Mandela has set for the nation.”

The MRF does not only administer the Scholarships but also helps students develop their leadership potential by adding the following components to their chosen studies at a South African university:

  • Assigning a mentor to each Mandela Rhodes Scholar
  • Providing structured leadership development retreats for Scholars as a group
  • Focusing on reconciliation and entrepreneurship to assist students to become agents of change in their communities
The ceremony to mark the signing of the agreement was attended by the Patron of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Mr. Mandela, Dr. John Hood, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Sir Peter North of Oxford University, Dr. Henry Reece, Chief Executive of OUP worldwide, Professor Jakes Gerwel, Chairperson of the MRF, Shaun Johnson, CEO of The MRF, and Trustee Mr. Julian Ogilvie Thompson among other dignitaries.

Media release issued by MRF and OUPSA.

Please contact:
Hanli van Schalkwyk
Sales & Marketing Director
Oxford University Press SA
Hanli.vs@oup.com

Rob McLeod
Media Liaison Officer
Mandela Rhodes Foundation
robert@mandelarhodes.org.za

Oxford University Press (OUP), a department of the University of Oxford, is the world’s largest and most successful university press by some margin. Founded in 1478, it now has 5000 employees in more than 50 countries and publishes more than 7000 new books a year. It has become familiar to millions through a diverse publishing programme that includes scholarly works in all academic disciplines, bibles, music, school and college textbooks, children’s books, materials for teaching English as a foreign language, business books, dictionaries and reference works, and journals.

www.oup.com

Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUP SA) started operating in South Africa in 1915 and published its first local book in 1947 with the publication of South African Short Stories. OUP SA is an incorporated South African company and is known for its excellence in developing local dictionaries, school and university textbooks and local literature. Flagship publications include: South African Concise Oxford Dictionary, South African Oxford School dictionary and the award winning Oxford Afrikaans/English bilingual dictionary as well as Cry the Beloved Country, the play, three Zakes Mda novels and three IsiXhosa novels chosen as African Classics by the Department of Arts and Culture. OUP SA prides itself in quality educational textbooks developed specifically for the South African curriculum by South African authors dealing with the realities in South African schools.

UK-owned Oxford University Press SA sells 25.1% to Mandela Rhodes Foundationwww.oxford.co.za

Oxford University’s Clarendon Scholarships were launched in 2001 as a scheme to attract the best international postgraduate level students to Oxford University. Since its launch 500 overseas (non-UK and EU) scholars have been given financial support, from 43 countries and pursuing studies across the academic spectrum. While the scheme is run by the University, it is funded solely from annual transfers OUP make into the fund, from its surplus from trading.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (The MRF), launched in 2003 has as its central purpose to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa through its programmes. They aim to develop individual human skill across African society, to help the continent achieve success and prosperity and full and equal participation in the global world. The Mandela Rhodes Programmes are unique, measurable, sustainable, and economically efficient. They aim to complement and support rather than duplicate the work already being done or being contemplated by others in pursuit of similar goals.

www.mandelarhodes.org

Other Links

Vice-Chancellor’s Speech for OUP/MRF Partnership, Johannesburg, 2nd September 2008

Mandela Rhodes Foundation photos