Africa Day Celebrations at SMU

Dr Carlien Jooste, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

The month of May is traditionally called Africa Month across most African countries. In this month, higher education institutions and other civic entities commemorate Africa Day in one way or another. Most of the time, Africa Day is commemorated through song and dance, as well as the honouring and sharing of language, culture, and traditions.

However, the celebrations are always commemorative at heart as we remember the visionary leaders who, 61 years ago, came together with a dream of a united Africa, an Africa free from the chains of colonialism and full of hope for a brighter future. The formation of the Organization of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on May 25, 1963, marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s history, a moment when Africa’s nations stood together to forge a path towards independence, prosperity, and reconciliation.

Africa Day is thus not only a cultural celebration, but it is also a celebration of the progress the continent has made. The Africa Day theme for 2024, published by the African Union was “educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.” As an educational institution, this theme spoke to the heart of our beloved SMU, who celebrates her 10th Anniversary this year.

SMU thus celebrated Africa Day on the 31st of May 2024 with a joyous cultural celebration. Hosted by the Internationalisation Directorate and Advocacy and Diversity Unit of the Student Affairs Directorate, students and staff came together to commemorate and celebrate not only as proud Africans, but also as a SMU family. The day commenced at the newly updated Amphitheatre with a rousing performance by the SMU Choir and words of support from the SMU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Peter Mbati, as well as representatives from the interim Student Representative Council and the President of the SMU International Student Organisation. SMU also welcomed representatives from various High Commissions and Embassies, including the Japanese Embassy, the Kenyan High Commission and the Cameroon High Commission. After the formal part of the programme, the SMU residences hosted cultural tables as well as entertained the crowd with cultural performances.

SMU’s Africa Day celebration is a unique Internationalisation at Home activity. Each year, African countries are selected based on our international student representation on campus. Our residences then engage in a raffle to draw the country they will represent at the celebrations. International students then assist South African students in learning about their respective country and cultures, while students also visit the various High Commissions or Embassies for further knowledge sharing. The sum of their cultural knowledge sharing is then put on display at their cultural tables (where one can taste food and refreshments) and during their cultural performances.