The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a vibrant and engaging cultural exchange workshop at the Hotel School on Ritson Campus on 17 September 2024. The event brought together both local and international students to celebrate the rich diversity within the university community. Students from various countries shared their cultural traditions, practices and personal experiences, while South African students offered insights into the nation’s dynamic cultural landscape, creating a meaningful platform for mutual understanding and respect.
Carol Newman, International Education Officer at DUT, warmly welcomed the attendees, highlighting the workshop’s primary goal of fostering connections and friendships that extend beyond the classroom. She also expressed her gratitude to Dr Benita Bobo, the workshop facilitator, for her exceptional contribution in creating an interactive and enriching environment, making the workshop a memorable and impactful experience for all participants.
According to Dr Bobo from the Centre for General Education, the workshop aimed to create opportunities for local students to engage and to build relationships with students from diverse international backgrounds.
Dr Bobo further emphasised that the workshop serves a vital purpose for DUT’s international student community, comprising exchange students as well as those pursuing full qualifications. She explained that this initiative enables students to build meaningful relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds, to develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives, and to enhance their intercultural competence, fostering global awareness and empathy.
“Students will enter a globalised workforce, where cultural adaptability is crucial. Whether working remotely or on-site, they will likely interact with colleagues, clients, or partners from diverse cultural backgrounds, both domestically and internationally,” said Dr Bobo.
Chantel Jembere, a third-year student from Zimbabwe pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communications Technology, shared her experience at the cultural exchange workshop. Jembere grew up in the Eastern Cape, where she was introduced to the Xhosa culture. “I had an amazing experience, local students did not know that international students do exist in the university. This is very beneficial because now I have learnt about cultures in South Africa that are very similar with the Zimbabwe culture,” Jembera narrated.
Kieron Dzwairo, a tutor at the DUT and native of Zimbabwe, shared that he initially believed international students were vastly different, but cultural interactions revealed surprising similarities like respecting elders. Dzwairo praised DUT for creating an inclusive environment, stating that interacting with international and local students had given him new perspectives, demonstrating the university’s ability to unite people.
Ntsakisi Malabie, a postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration student at the Business School, shared cultural similarities she had discovered with other countries, including coming-of-age rituals, respect, and rules. She mentioned that seeing international students in the same environment had given her the opportunity to interact with them for the first time.
Sharing an academic environment with international students from diverse countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Germany; this shared learning space fostered mutual understanding and respect among students from different backgrounds.
Pictured: Attendees at the cultural exchange workshop.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
