In 1959, the university was subsumed by the apartheid system, but it is now part of South Africa's post-apartheid public higher education system. It is known for its notable alumni, which include several prominent leaders and heads of state, Nobel prize winners, business and freedom activists such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Robert Sobukwe, Oliver Tambo, Govan Mbeki, Z.K. Matthews, Robert Mugabe, Chris Hani, Dali Mpofu, Sizwe Ntsaluba, Kenneth Kaunda and many others.