The Tshwane University Embraces diversity

 

By:  Siphokuhle Mpanza 

Twitter: Siphokuhle Mpanza 

Email: 061spho@gmail.com

Picture by Kgalaletso Mudau: TCE Res as Tswana culture.

The Tshwane University of Technology South Campus celebrated Heritage as part of extracurricular activities. Students of various residences, cultures and ethnicities came in their numbers just one day before the Heritage day.

Students as per their accommodation were grouped according to any random culture. Their tasks included designing impressive exhibits for the cultures assigned. Singing and dancing which is a huge culture within African culture was done and various cuisines.

“The aim is to encourage students to celebrate the African cultures and to showcase understanding of culture and heritage,” highlighted Mrs Semenya, member of TUT council.It is commendable to see academic institutions engaging in such activities rather than just academia.

This event brought out the element students always long for fun hence it was an edutainment event. Mr. Paxton Sibande, Head of department for residence life and catering told the attendees at the Ruth first hall, to have fun while at it.

                                                               

He added that he regards everyone as a winner already because standing on that stage and representing various cultures needed research. According to Impactly, lack of awareness on a culture may lead to misjudging a certain culture.

This event in a way seemed to have mended and tighten knowledge about each other’s cultures. Mashudu Magadu (20), a student at TUT who was in attendance commended the event and referred to it as a great learning experience. Her main highlight was learning on the Nigerian culture she was not aware of.

Please find the Audio below to her insights.

https://soundcloud.com/sphokuhle-mthunzi/reflections-on-the-heritage?si=09f8356c63cc4f5c94ca794752b2d1f0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Residences that did well in performances were awarded trophies for their attires, dances and food cuisines. Mostly presentation was key in their criteria. The events objective was met as people were overjoyed singing and dancing, ever smiling.

One must commend, this event was much needed. There is a lot of existing segregation amongst students of different cultures which leads to verbal and physical abuse. Knowledge is power.

                        

 I believe if we knew a little about everyone’s cultures, we would be sensitive and precautions towards each other.  I would definitely suggest that the Tshwane University of Technology continues hosting these events with a lot of consistency so that students be with one accord.