Held under the theme Celebrating Diversity: Showcasing Our Africanness, the two-day event featured dynamic performances, traditional displays, and thought-provoking discussions, all aimed at highlighting the continent’s rich diversity and collective aspirations.
UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, said the celebrations reflect the University’s commitment to African unity, inclusion, and education. The event commemorated the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and promoted the values of unity, peace, and inclusivity across the continent.
Professor Mayekiso also stressed the importance of embracing diversity, practising Ubuntu, and rejecting xenophobia – principles aligned with UMP’s vision of being an African university that advances sustainable development. She encouraged staff and students to deepen their understanding of Africa and contribute to its transformation through knowledge.
The two-day event featured dynamic performances, traditional displays, and thought-provoking discussions.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Professor Joseph Diescho, a renowned academic, author, and former speechwriter to Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. Drawing on his extensive experience, he provided a compelling historical and intellectual analysis of the continent’s present condition.
He described living in South Africa as a privilege, noting it is the only country on the continent where people of all races coexist in relative harmony – an achievement he attributed to the sacrifices of liberation icons like Nelson Mandela, who consistently advocated for peace and reconciliation.
Professor Diescho urged Africans to embrace their cultural heritage, take pride in their identities, and resist the pressures to conform to foreign cultural ideals.
“Africans are shaped, taught, and prepared by their circumstances,” he said, calling on the audience to reconnect with their roots. He further encouraged the UMP community to see education as a powerful driver of change: “Let us use this platform not only to celebrate but to learn. Advancing knowledge, skills, and democratic values is key to shaping a stronger, more resilient Africa.”
Students brought to life the vibrant diversity of the continent through music, traditional attire, cuisine, and dance.
Reflecting on the 1963 founding of the OAU, now the African Union (EU), he reminded the audience that the goal of African unity remains a vital yet unfinished mission. In a lighter moment, he promoted the use of indigenous languages, joking that “God can receive our WhatsApp messages directly” when spoken in mother tongues, without needing translation.
Another memorable moment was the cultural showcase featuring students representing Benin, Burundi, Eswatini, Somalia, Tunisia, and Zambia. Through music, traditional attire, cuisine, and dance, students brought to life the vibrant diversity of the continent.
The celebrations left the UMP community inspired to continue championing unity, embracing diversity, and driving transformation throughout Africa.
Story by Glen Sambo. Pictures supplied.