Ululations, drums and music echoed through the DUT Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus, as students celebrated the DUT Student Traditional Festival recently.

The event which is aimed at promoting unity as well as cultural diversity was mostly participated by students living in the University’s residents and other students who wished to partake.

The event was hosted by the DUT International Education and Partnerships Office, Student Housing Department as well as the Language and Practice Department.

Themed My culture, your culture, our culture, one nation, the festival was also held in celebration n of Heritage Month. The festival however also featured and represented other cultural groups from around Africa.

“I am happy; I feel like I am in Congo right now,” said Jean-Mark Kakudji, President of the International Students Association as he watched students incorporate the Congolese culture on stage.

The event started as a parade from campus-to-campus and ended up at the Sports Centre. Each residence was given a theme to which they were to research and incorporate at the festival.

“I am very excited as it is our first time doing such a thing. It’s an honour because I’m not a Swati but I am representing Swaziland. I’ve learnt a lot from this experience,” said Zandile Magini, a DUT student from Swaziland.

The event is the second of its kind at the University, with the first one being hosted in 2014.

– Phumeza Msongelwa and Siphephelo Sibiya

Pictured: One of the cultural groups that performed at the festival.