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SPU celebrates student diversity with day of Africa-focussed events

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) celebrated Africa Day on 25 May 2022 through an interactive programme offering hosted by the Student Development Office, a unit within the Division of Student Affairs. The day’s events and proceedings provided a platform for students to participate in the promotion of unity and diversity through a mix of dialogues, lecture discussions, and cultural and fashion-inspired showcases.

This year’s celebrations marked the 59th anniversary of the founding of the African Union (formerly the Organisation for African Unity) on 25 May 1963. Since its inception, the day has been commemorated annually to raise the consciousness of the African people in relation to the continent’s state of affairs – especially with regard to economic woes faced on the continent – and to promote liberation from all bondages.

The day was commemorated in line with the founding principles of the African Union, which includes the determination to “promote the unity and solidarity of African states; to eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa; and accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent”.

The day’s proceedings included a range of cultural performances, a creative writing competition, a best-dressed competition, and an Africa Day Lecture in the evening. The celebrations were held on the Central Campus Square, in various residence dining halls, and the Africa Day Lecture in Auditorium C113.

The theme for SPU Africa Day was “Arts as a liberation tool to articulate our freedom towards our diversity and environmental sustainability”.

The creative writing competition, adjudicated by decorated contracted lecturer Dr Lance Nawa, was won by Amanda Mokhachane, who was awarded a trophy and six books. The second prize winner, Omphemetse Tuelo, was awarded a trophy and three books whilst the third prize winner, Onkgopotse Leepile, was awarded a trophy and two books.

After cultural performances by the SPU Choristers and the SPU Drama Club, students took part in a “SPU’s Got Talent” competition, with Emihle Sopete winning first place, Bonolo Mekgwe claiming second place, and Masie Otshepang Duo claiming the third place.

During the Green Campus Initiative (GCI) Eco-Fashion Show, students showcased garments made from recyclable materials to promote environmental sustainability and environmental awareness. Dimpho Maboee, Lebo Whitney Mokgele and Naledi Kelly Matina won first, second and third places respectively.

The day concluded with an evening Africa Day Lecture in collaboration with SPU’s School of Humanities, addressed by Dr Lebogang Lance Nawa. The lecture was titled “Celebrating Teemaneng’s living spirits: Valuable lessons from home-grown legends”. Dr Nawa paid tribute to several African luminaries associated with Kimberley and the broader Northern Cape, including Credo Mutwa, Sol Plaatje, Robert Sobukwe, Francis Baard, and Yvonne Mokgoro.

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