Reception with Rector Prof. Dr. Bernd Engler

We had a reception with the Rector, Prof Dr Bernd Engler on Thursday 22 January 2008. We dressed up in our most colourful traditional clothes to meet him and all the other important guests. Mr Wolfgang Mekle, the Director of the International Office, welcomed us after which the Rector extended the warm welcome. We thanked the Rector, Mr Mekle and the other guests with gifts that we brought from South Africa and chose especially for them. The Ministry from Baden-Württemberg, that sponsors the programme, was represented by Mr Gerhard Bauer and Mrs Melanie Gentner. We also had the special attendance of Frau Elizabeth Hintrager who sponsored one student on the programme. She has had special ties with South Africa and especially the University of Stellenbosch. Another surprise was the attendance of our Consulate General based in München, Ms Tselane Mokuena and her colleague Mr Riedwaan Ahmed.

The significance of the evening was further emphasised with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the programme. Barbara was thanked for her continued commitment to the programme and for organising it successfully over the last 10 years. We received a beautiful decadent Swartzwald Kirsche Torte sponsored by Mrs Anette King to celebrate the occasion.

After the formalities, we performed some songs in Xhosa, Zulu and English to the guests. We kicked our performance off with the National Anthem. The contagious singing quickly spread through the crowd and everyone joined us in the singing of Shozalosa at the end. The evening ended on a high note when one of our guests, Mr Hans-Joachim Weinand announced that he will sponsor 5 flights for the 2010 programme!

And with a great evening behind us we went home knowing that we will not be the last fortunate ones to experience this life-changing event.

Lidia Du Plessis