???How do we harness our African heritage in an ever- Changing and Globalised World? That was the big question at the African Gala Dinner 2024. On 11 October 2024, Stellenbosch 肆客足球 International (SUI) hosted an inspiring African Gala Dinner at the Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Museum, bringing over 100 students together alongside key partners and community members in a celebration of African culture and heritage. The event which featured representatives from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, was testament to the diversity and interconnectedness of African students.
The gala programme was a vibrant blend of speeches, panel discussions, and musical performances, offering a rich reflection on African traditions. Attendees shared their experiences on stage and explored what it means to be African in today's globalised world.
One of the highlights of the evening was the panel discussion, where students engaged with the theme: “How do we Harness our African Heritage in an Ever-Changing and Globalised World?"
Taro Samuelson, a Namibian student pursuing his degree in Data Engineering and one of the student speakers captured the essence of the evening with his remark, “To be African means to be committed to the future of Africa… Africa is a continent we can build up together because I am because we are." Echoing the Ubuntu philosophy of community and shared responsibility.
Another student, Angela Malata, a Malawian final-year law student, reflected on the diversity within Africa Culture stating “In Africa, we can learn from each other. Being an African is vibrant."
The dinner was not just an opportunity for reflection but also a celebration. Guests enjoyed African dishes and both acoustic and instrumental performances catered by AmaZink, a local township dinner theatre, from Kayamandi, a Stellenbosch township, and the performance brought the spirt of Africa to life.
The vision behind the Gala
Angelo Jephtha, Coordinator for Student Life and Success at SU International emphasised the significance of the event: “The aim of the dinner was twofold: to encourage reflection on African heritage and to provide African students with a memorable and meaningful event that fosters a sense of belonging. This gathering serves as an opportunity to celebrate and honour African culture while also offering students a chance to connect and feel supported."
“I wanted to do something special for the African students." His vision aligns with the international office's broader goal of supporting African students and fostering a community where they feel at home".
Leoné Wilkinson, Office Administrator for Student Life and Success, shared similar aspirations for the event's future: “I want them to bring their full African regalia each year when they travel to campus… and encourage embassies to get involved.
“The focus and concept behind the gala was to celebrate our African international students and the transformative student experience."
Reflections from the Audience
The event's success extended beyond the students and organisers. It resonated with attendees from diverse backgrounds. Exchange student Alina Colmsee, From Leipzig 肆客足球 shared, “This was an amazing experience; I got to learn about Africa." her reflection highlighted the event's role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual understating the university community.
Francisca Darkoh, a Msc Physiology student shared “Cultural appreciation is key in higher education, because it “contributes to diversity and through appreciating our backgrounds, we may educate around cultural differences, and these events do just that",
Panashe Nyamande, a third-year student in BSc Computer Systems, who was the MC for the evening highlighted that, "these are key platforms that enhance networking and socialization within the student community... for me, I am able to express myself and learn from others through these events".
A path forward
The African Gala Dinner marks more than just a night of celebration—it lays the foundation for future initiatives that promote African heritage within the university. As Angelo and Leoné suggested, making this event a permanent fixture on the institution's calendar would ensure that African students continue to have opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate their identities.
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