Reception (22-01-04)

Tübingen SA is a cultural and language program for South African students initiated by the eastern Seaboard Association of Tertiary Institutions and the University of Tübingen, aiming to expose students to German culture and to bring about closer ties and understanding between the two countries.

Tübingen – SA 2004 participants were formally welcomed at the Rectors office on Thursday, January 22. Among the guests were Prof. Dr.Eberhard Schaich, Rector of Tübingen University, Karl-Heinz Kammerlohr, Axel Markert, Director of International relations, Prof. W. Mekle, Dr. Paul Mog, Brigitte Pfeiffer, of SAFRI, Daimler Chrysler and many other guests.

“Proudly South African” (PSA) (a slogan established in South Africa to promote use of South African products), a theme that we used in almost every social gathering - in malls, clubs and at school, had to be put in practice. Traditional wear got the host talking, as proud South Africans wearing in different traditional clothing demonstrated their rich and diverse multicultural society in Xhosa, Zulu, Indian, Afrikaans, English Tswana and other traditional designs.

“We are very pleased to have yet another group of students from South Africa with us in Tübingen. I am sure that you will enjoy and profit from “Tübingen 2004”. For the success of the program I hope and wish that the participants will formulate and maintain a healthy and long-term relationship with one another”, said the Director of International Relations, Axel Market.

According to Kammerlohr the aim of such initiatives as Tübingen SA program is to develop and maintain a healthy working relationship with the African continent with particular interest mainly in the development and empowerment of an ‘attractive’ region of South Africa.

“When we started the programme we were uncertain as to whether it would work or not but now I am proud to say I am celebrating its 5th birthday with such an enthusiastic group. However, the success of this program relies on the way we as South African participants conduct our lives and relations after the program”, said Holger Wagner, group leader for the first group.

I would advise that participants keep contact with one another and never forget the people who took care of you since you arrived in Germany, Barbara, Marion, Stephan and others.

According to Brigitte SAFRI and Daimler Chrysler’s objective is to assist in the development of the Southern African region through organising workshops for empowering mainly Small and Medium businesses (SMMEs) and contributing to a variety of initiatives like Tübingen SA program.

After the speeches it was time for singing, dancing, eating, taking pictures and ‘rubbing’ shoulders with German dignitaries. We started singing our National Anthem “Nkosi sikeleli Africa” and then Thula Mama, Shosholoza followed by ‘Isoja’ (traditional gumboots dance). Then it was a Praise Moment. May be I got carried away or rather inspired by the speeches highlighting the generosity of the German Government and the stakeholders involve in putting together the Tübingen SA 2004 program.

My Praise was more focused on encouraging ubumbano (working together) for unity is strength. I wanted to encourage unity amongst the South African participants, the organisers, sponsors, German government and any other contributors: On behalf of the SA participants I wanted to:

· Acknowledge the generosity and contributions received from sponsors such as Daimler Chrysler, Hewlett Packard, CHT R. Beitlich, University of Tübingen and other stakeholders who made this program a success;
· Appreciate the services of the people who looked after us since we arrived in Germany, Barbara, Marion, Stephan and Eduard.
· Organise and encourage participants to work together for I believe that you cannot influence a young person culturally if they are not organised and focused. Amen!!!!!!

Report by Bonga Dlali (P.E. Technikon)

photos above by Oliver Häußler / info@textboarder.de