??Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) students celebrated the richness of diversity of its student body at a recent Cultural Evening, held on Friday, 6 September 2024, at The Stellenbosch Museum. Organised by the Student Representative Council's (SRC) International Students portfolio, under the leadership of Natasha Sibanda, the event showcased the unifying power of culture within the university community Themed "Africa, Our Home," the evening was more than just a display of talent; it was a celebration of identity and a powerful affirmation that culture lies at the heart of human connection. Students from various cultural backgrounds came together to showcase the uniqueness of their heritage through traditional dance, music, and fashion. As the rhythms of drums filled the air and vibrant garments lit up the stage, the event was a reminder that culture is not just an accessory—it is a way of life.
Solomzi Mphambo, a third year student in BA Humanities and a participant in the event, beautifully captured this sentiment, sharing, “Culture plays a vital role in our lives; therefore, I use culture to exhibit my own being and sense of feel." His words were a reminder that culture is not something external or performative. It is an extension of our very existence, a way of being in the world that shapes how we move, how we speak, how we love. Solomzi shared a drumming and spoken word piece at the event.
And it is this cultural connection that internationalisation seeks to honour. At its core, internationalisation is not just about expanding the number of countries represented on campus; it's about learning from one another, respecting the cultural richness that each
student brings. In doing so, we are creating a community where no one's identity is diminished, where no one's story is overlooked.
, Audience member Noxolo Njiji,a third year BA Humanities student shared her thoughts on the significance of the event stating, “Platforms like these are good for us to connect and learn different cultures." Her reflection underscored the evening's success in fostering mutual understanding and respect among students from diverse backgrounds.
For Sibanda, the event's success highlights the broader mission of internationalisation at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票. “Internationalisation goes beyond increasing the number of foreign students on campus; it is about fostering deeper cultural exchange, learning from one another, and ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging".
“The 'why' behind the event is simple: why not? I organised the cultural evening to celebrate and highlight the rich cultural diversity within our university community.It was an opportunity for students to reconnect with their cultural roots, express themselves, and showcase their unique backgrounds."
The evening also posed important questions about the future of internationalisation at SU. Sibanda and the SRC envision building on the event's momentum by expanding cultural exchange programmes, strengthening support networks for international students on campus, and advocating for greater inclusion of global perspectives in academic curricula. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the university's internationalisation strategy is not just a formal policy, but a lived experience for every student.
As SU continues its journey towards fostering an inclusive and interconnected student community, the success of the Cultural Evening serves as a reminder of the university's responsibility to honor the cultural richness within its walls.
The future of internationalisation, Sibanda suggests, lies not in the number of international students, but in how the university cultivates a sense of home and belonging for all.
With plans for more events like the Cultural Evening, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 is set to deepen its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and global understanding, creating a space where every culture is celebrated, and every student feels valued.
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