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DUT STUDENT HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE HOSTED ITS SECOND ANNUAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL

DUT STUDENT HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE HOSTED ITS SECOND ANNUAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Student Housing and Residence Life recently hosted its second annual Heritage Festival at the Indumiso Sport Centre. This event was facilitated by DUT Bachelor of Education students Nsikelelo Mthiyane and Bongani Ndwandwe.

“We are gathered here for the purpose of acknowledging history pertaining to different aspects of diverse living heritage. This event is aimed at promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, and peace within the DUT residences,” elaborated Ms Mthiyane.

DUT Midlands Student Housing Manager, Mrs Celiwe Chemane-Nyathi opened and welcomed everyone who attended the event.

“We are assembled here to celebrate the second, annual Student Housing and Residence Life Heritage Festival through expressing our different cultures and embracing who we are as South Africans through exhibiting what the residence advisors and students have been doing in their residences during September to celebrate Heritage Day. It is my honour to humbly recognise our Midlands Campus Director: Dr Joe Molete, DUT Registrar: Dr Maditsane Nkonoane and the Dean of Students: Dr Clement Moreku. I will also like to thank the Durban and Midlands staff and learners who managed to attend this event,” she said.

Mrs Chemane-Nyathi further explained the different categories for judging which is presentation, energy, music, attires, and food. She introduced the different clusters and the cultures they represent which was as follows: York Cluster-Zulus, Riverton-Xhosa’s, Wensleydale Cluster-Indians, Jesmond-Swazis, Alexandra-Sepedi, King Edward-Mpondo’s, Indumiso residence 2 and 4-Sotho’s, Indumiso residence 3 and 5-Venda’s, Maud Cluster-Tswana, 117 Alexandra-Shangaan, 240 and 250 King Edward -Tsonga, Jabu Ndlovu –English, Roseburger-Nigerian, Prince Alfred-Koena, Pebs as Nguni and Aloes-Shona.

Central Housing Executive (CHE) Deputy President Ms Yolanda Mabaso introduced the team from Durban and Midlands Student Housing and Residence Life.

DUT Midlands Campus Director: Dr Joe Molete was called on stage to share his welcoming remarks and was greeted by a Sotho gospel song limatsatsi.

“It is a great honour to be invited by the Student Housing and Residence Life to celebrate its second, annual cultural festival. I am delighted that we are meeting again this year to celebrate and recognise the diverse cultures found in our country that make us a rainbow nation. It is imperative that we educate each other about our traditions, language, experiences, food and celebrate who we are in our absolute diversity,” stated Dr Molete.

He went on to say that he believes that the youth with knowledge can protect and preserve their heritage all around the world and by doing so, they can pass it on to the next generation. He added that this heritage festival will educate and enthuse young people to actively learn and appreciate their cultural backgrounds.

The winners with staff members, including the Midlands Campus Director, Dr Joe Molete, at the event.

“Can you imagine life without history, old buildings, and beautiful landscapes? I urge everyone present to learn something new about the different cultures that will be showcased. I would like to acknowledge and thank all the organisers and participants of this beautiful event that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. Nevertheless, I would like to welcome everyone and wish all the participants the best for. Thank you,” said Dr Molete.

Before the announcement of winners, there was entertainment which included different cultural music, dancing and poetry. Jesmond residence which represented Swazi won third place, second place was Indumiso residence 2 and 4, the overall winner was Pebs representing the Nguni culture.

Pebs residence advisor: Mr Cedric Ngubane, shared his words of gratitude and mentioned that he is very excited that all the hard work for planning has paid off.

“It is a very challenging task to look after students and make sure they obey all residence rules and ensuring that they participate in formal programmes like this one. I am very happy that students within Pebs residence have been actively participative in all our programmes and have been respectful. I would like to thank Student Housing and Residence Life for this opportunity and the students for their performances,” he added.

In closing Mrs Chemane-Nyathi thanked everyone for coming and for the participation which made the event a great success.

Pictured; The proud winners at the event.

Photography: Vusi Dlamini

Zanele Mashaba and Nondumiso Maphumulo

 

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