TSAP GROUP
The Eclectic participants of the SA Program 2018
by Curtley Solomons, Stellenbosch University

This year there were 17 participants from five South African universities and two participants from the University of Botswana. This was the first time that the program extended across the border of South Africa. The group was also comprised of one Namibian, one Nigerian, one Zimbabwean, two Batswana and 15 South Africans. This pool of students from different backgrounds was complimented by their different fields of study which contributed to the group dynamic and presented a good about opportunity for rigorous discussions and knowledge exchange.

During the introductory phase of the program the participants were more hesitant with each other, observing how they’d fit into the group dynamic but this process was accelerated by the openness of the participants to want to get to know one another and transcend their comfort zones. Through this the differences were embraced and not used to divide which also constructed a consensus of the program being about the group as a whole and not about the individuals in that capacity. During one of the group meetings the participants shared their expectations as well as their perception of the group and this brought greater consolidation on the group and camaraderie.

Although as expected there were disagreements in the group, these were dealt with in a respectful manner and didn’t take away from the objective of group performance and enjoyment. I believe that much growth was fostered through these experiences whereby individuals would provoke and stretch one another above and beyond their comfort zones and through doing so would learn more about themselves and analyze their interactions and contributions within a group setting. Having a participant would has a challenge pertaining to their vision, displayed the compassion of the group to assist and interchangeably provide support for this individual. This was a beautiful thing to witness as it further showed the cognizance of the participants and their view of the group and what the groups seeks to experience and achieve instead of their own interests. The selflessness, consideration and mutual respect are some of the values personified by this group and are some of the things which makes me extremely proud to be about of this group but also excites me to see what is to come of the friendships from this program and what these extraordinary individuals.

The significance of the eclectic nature of this group is that it made provision for great team synergy and balance. Drawing from the energy and knowledge of each other made us as a group eliminate areas of awkward hesitation and move towards challenging one another on a daily basis and fostering more intriguement into attaining new knowledge and expanding on that which we already know.

The Tübingen South Africa program of 2018 was a success and an amazing experience due to the individuals which brought parts of themselves and allowed for the transcendence towards the ideal of Ubuntu. This is invaluable and gives me hope for the progression of South Africa and the rest of the African continent.