It was glitz and glamour as the Durban University of Technology’s Walsingham and Stratford residences hosted an end of year dinner gala on Friday, September 20.

The event which took place at Walsingham residence ran with the theme of ‘Harvest with Thanksgiving’. The two first year student’s residences celebrated their end of year and flashed back on what they had to offer.

The Residence Advisor of Walsingham, Celiwe Chemane, said that this had been a tough year, but she acknowledged learning a lot from the students. She gave credit to her background saying that it is the one that groomed her to be who she is now. On the other hand, Musa Mthalane, RA of Stratford urged students to continue viewing them as their parents. He said that even after leaving Walsingham and Stratford, studentd must feel free to approach them with their problems.

The guest speaker was Mandla Mthembu who is the policy manager of Independent Schools of Association of Southern Africa (ISASA). He urged students to fly high like an eagle. He mentioned the difference between a chicken and an eagle when it comes to bravery.

“When an eagle reaches 40 years, it takes a tough and painful decision to renew itself. It goes to the top of a mountain and plucks off all its feathers and stay there for five months to grow new ones,” said Mthembu.

On the other hand, he said a chicken gets useless when it gets old. He urged students to discover the eagles in them and fly high in everything they do.

The evening was graced by the presence of the Director of Student Housing, Dr Theophilus Mhyassengo. He told students to make informed decisions in life. He told them that next year they will be choosing new residences and their choices will determine the kind of life they would live in that year. He also said that when the institution is selecting RAs, they look at the quality and dedication of candidates. It is not about being famous.

Walsingham and Stratford residence advisors Celiwe Chemane and Musa Mthalane pose for a photo during a dinner gala. Picture by: Winston Sibanda

Students appreciated their RAs saying that they have achieved in making residence life more homely. The room made a standing ovation in celebration of those who had excelled in their studies this year. The entertainment of the evening was presented by students who took turns to perform musical items and poetry.

The event ended on a high note, after dinner was served students hit the dance floor. Prices were up for grabs for those who were participating in a quiz show to end the gala.

View original article at http://journalismiziko.dut.ac.za/entertainment/dut-residences-harvest-with-thanks-giving/

– Winston Sibanda