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WSU's varying heritages, cultures, and backgrounds were recently brought to the fore as the university sought to sow unity among its staff and students through the official launch of an inaugural cultural festival that took place at the Buffalo City Campus.
A festive spirit brought about by celebratory songs and chants gripped the Potsdam Site as the university’s Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD) launched the ‘Xhamela Cultural Festival' to give students a platform to pridefully showcase and express their artistic talents in honour of their different cultures.
From the alluring chants of ‘Amakhosazana’, a women’s cultural group made up strictly of maidens, the recital of piercing spoken words that invoked the spirit of Tat’uWalter Sisulu, to the unmistakably fast-paced sounds of a xiTshonga cultural dance group, the festival proved a massive hit with the student body as they packed the Potsdam Site Great Hall to bear witness the celebration of South Africa’s various cultures.
"WSU has a vibrant cultural heritage rooted in the intellectual traditions of the Eastern Cape with a strong focus on African culture and identity, social justice and equality, community engagement and development. Our university is situated in a province with significant cultural and historical importance. We have four campuses that reflect the university’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and diversity through vibrant student programs,” said Student Affairs Executive Director, Dr Irene Mohasoa.
In acknowledging the diversity in the different cultures, Mohasoa stressed, however, the importance of balancing cultural heritage with modernity, addressing historical imbalances of the past, promoting cultural exchange and understanding, and creating an inclusive environment for all cultures to find equal and fantastic expression.
Known for his eloquence and passion for all things cultural, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Public Participation, Petitions and Education in the Eastern Cape Legislature, Mlibo Qhoboshiyane, sounded a clarion call to the youth to stay rooted in the teachings of their cultures and traditions.
“This festival must be a festival of raising the African heritage and do not be scared of that responsibility. This must not be just a festival for one's entertainment, but a gathering that can inspire a change in society to create a legacy that future generations can be proud of. Thank you to all involved for the reconscientization of our society,” said Qhoboshiyane.
Upon reflection and noting that no other university had a similar programme, the chairperson felt it necessary to praise the university for its efforts to promote unity through the diversity of cultures through the launch of the festival.
In his departing words, Qhoboshiyane dug in his heels and squared up to the youth to launch some inconvenient home truths, imploring them to honour and respect where they come from, never shaming the name they hold.
"As the youth, I also ask you to show love, respect, compassion, support, and unity amongst one another as these traits will see you succeed, not just as individuals, but as a generation," he concluded.
The festival ran for two days and saw traditional dance groups, poets, choirs, actors, and praise singers display their talents.
By Thando Cezula
