As part of their second year assignment, a group of 5 Public Relations students came up with an idea of hosting an event called Cultural Diversity Challenge that would make students from different cultural groups work together; this took place at Curries Fountain on Friday 20 July 2012.

This idea came about after the students conducted a survey across the five DUT campuses in Durban and found out that as much as DUT students do not have a problem mixing with students from other cultures, most seem to keep amongst their own little groups.

This event which was hosted in conjunction with the Department of Student Counseling and Health, included a series of obstacle courses including an egg race, short put and a 100m relay which the participants enjoyed. DUT student Mpilo Zondo from team Lacoste said it was a great event that helped him take his mind off his studies and family problems. Zondo said he hopes that DUT will host something similar on a term basis which would allow students to have fun and interact with one another.

The Zebras, the champions of the day were quite pleased with themselves, saying the competition was challenging but as a team they worked well and won. The man of the match; Praise Dube, also from the Zebras, was also pleased with his achievement.

“We are all very pleased because our event was a success, it allowed people from diverse cultures to interact. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get all races but we are happy with the turnout”, said Yolisa Ndlovu, one of the organising students.

Zama Hlengwa, one of the organising students added that the event went well despite the late start.The day ended with an impromptu dance off and refreshments.

– Nongcebo Khumalo

Caption: The DUT Students behind the event, with champions of the day; the Zebras.