Students celebrate their heritage
2011-05-17 10:30
THE Zimbabwe Students Association (Zimsa) celebrated their Heritage and Sports Day on the campus of the University of the Free State (UFS).
They also took this opportunity to celebrate Zimbabwe’s Independence Day which was on 18 April. This event was arranged to take place at the Albert Wessels Auditorium, but due to a double booking it was moved to House Armentum.
This led to the proceedings starting well after the scheduled time as guests had to be informed about the changes. The association expressed its disappointment, but the show went on.
The attendees were treated to various items such as basketball between different residences or teams, the singing of well-liked Zimbabwean songs, a poem delivered by Milo and a drama piece by a group known as Bafana, depicting the period in the country’s history when they had acquired their independence.
Zimsa also took this opportunity to honour its members on their individual achievements. Students were rewarded for academic achievements as well cultural and leadership accomplishments.
The day was filled with motivational speakers and one such speaker was the president of Zimsa, Collen Madhoyo. Madhoyo encouraged all students to interact and engage in meaningful discussions with one another.
Dr D. Chikobvu shared his insight and knowledge with the group by telling stories which ultimately had a moral lesson.
He reminded everyone that they had the privilege to study and get a degree and that they should make the most of that opportunity.
The celebrations were open to all and a lot of South African students were present to support and enjoy the day with their Zimbabwean peers. “Zimbabwe has been an independent, democratic state for longer than South Africa and I hope that what each South African has witnessed here today will be able to help them learn from us and do things better than we have done,” said Madhoyo.
Asked what he had benefited from the experience, Armentum resident Angelo Pienaar, replied: “I have learnt that the people from Zimbabwe, especially the students, don’t let the circumstances in their country keep them from a successful future. They are here to ensure that their country improves and this should mean a lot to us as South Africans who want our nation to improve.”
- Volksblad