South Africa Program 2017

RECEPTION

19.01.2017

The 19th of January 2017, marked our much awaited reception. This evening presented the opportunity for us as South African students, from 5 different universities, to bring a little taste of South African culture to Germany. In our group, we are 16 students, ranging in ages, cultures, mother tongues and bringing a glimpse of the diversity of South Africa to this winter wonderland.

The evening commenced with a few speeches from the likes of Wolfgang Mekle, Vice Provost International Affairs and Prof. Dr. Monique Scheer, Vice President for International Affairs. As well as our very own Consul General, Mr. Monyemangene, all the way from Munich. We also had the pleasure of hearing from Martina Diesing, a representative from the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, Baden-Wurttemberg. Also amongst our honoured guests were Nici Sauer, Bastian Salmen and Donato Tangredi, all representatives from the University of Tübingen. As well, amongst the guests were our host families, as well as individuals who have some relation or interest to South Africa. So the evening was most certainly one filled with interesting conversations, laughter and unforgettable memories.

The evening further commenced with our group opening up the stage with our beautiful national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, which translates to God Bless Africa. A poem, which was extracted from a speech, ´´I am an African´´, by one of our former Presidents, Thabo Mbeki, was then performed by one of our members. Shosholoza was then performed by the group with great enthusiasm and heart. A beautiful rendition of the Click Song by Miriam Makeba was then performed by the group, which closed off the singing part of the evenings performances. The dance floor was then opened with a traditional, but fun-filled Afrikaans dance, known as the ´´Sokkie´´ followed by a lively performance of a self-choreographed Bollywood dance. This unfortunately signalled the end of the evening’s performances. But it did however signal the beginning of socialising.

The evening truly held such a special place in my heart from this whole experience, not only because of the beautiful traditional outfits, but because of how we all came together as one to represent the land we call home. And that is something that truly makes this group so special for me, we are each our own individuals, but together we are also one. As well, the evening offered an opportunity for both locals and internationals alike to interact and communicate on all forms of topics, to perhaps enjoy a glass of wine together and to most certainly celebrate each individual for who they are.

It was a beautifully unique and special night, and one that I will forever treasure of my experience here in the Winter Wonderland called Tübingen.

STEPHANIE SÜLLWALD