The celebration featured cultural exhibitions, country presentations, traditional performances and discussions centred on Pan-Africanism, African identity and the role of higher education in advancing the continent’s development.
The keynote address at the Mbombela campus was delivered by Ras Sipho Gideon Mantula, a South African human rights lawyer and Pan-Africanist scholar, and Professor Major General Solly Mollo shared his insights at the Siyabuswa campus.
Speaking under the theme: Showcasing our Africanness, the speakers emphasised the importance of cultural diversity and African-centred education in universities across the continent.
Staff and students celebrated Africa Day with vibrancy.
Students represented different regions of the African continent through cultural demonstrations and presentations. Participating countries included Algeria representing North Africa, Burkina Faso from West Africa, Comoros and Madagascar from East Africa, Angola from Central Africa and South Africa representing Southern Africa.
Addressing guests at the Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses, respectively, UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa highlighted the significance of Africa Day as a celebration of resilience, unity and shared responsibility across the continent.
She reflected on Africa’s historical journey, including the formation of the African Union in 1963 and the inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela, while calling on Africans to reject xenophobia, tribalism, corruption, inequality and violence.
Professor Meyiwa encouraged students and young people to embrace innovation, compassion and solidarity in shaping Africa’s future, emphasising the importance of African languages, indigenous knowledge systems and cultural identity within higher education institutions.
UMP Community showcased different African cultures.
The event also included friendly competition between the participating countries, with judges evaluating presentations, performances and displays across both campuses.
Siyabuswa Campus winners:
- First place: South Africa
- Second place: Burkina Faso
- Third place: Madagascar
Mbombela Campus winners:
- First place: South Africa
- Second place: Burkina Faso
- Third place: Comoros
The celebrations provided students and staff with an opportunity to engage with different African cultures and reflect on the role universities can play in preserving and promoting African identity and knowledge systems.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.