Photo: From left: Dr Maboreng Maharaswa, Zizipho Boitshoko Seselo and Zizipho Nyulu, from the St Francis Productions, at the CUT Africa Week celebration.

The month of May is recognised as Africa month, a time when the African continent celebrates their identity and common purpose to unite regardless of ideology and affiliation. The celebration acknowledges the progress that Africans have made while reflecting upon the common challenges they face in a global, regional and local context. As part of celebrating Africa Month, CUT hosted Africa Week from 23 to 26 May 2023, to share cross-cultural activities such as music, dance, information sharing, indigenous games, and cultural food. The significance of Africa Month is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success, as well as to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the African continent.

CUT celebrates Africa Day and commemorates the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity

Photo: From left: Mr Leolyn Jackson, Director: CUT Centre for Global Engagement, Mr Sandew Hira, Co-editor of the book: Decolonization of The Mind, Ms Refilwe Moleyane, Deputy Director: International Academic Partnerships, Centre for Global Engagement, Dr. Xolani Khohliso, CILT: Curriculum and Academic Staff Developer and Dr Brian Sibanda, Researcher and Lecturer: Centre for Teaching and Learning (UFS).

On 25 May 2023, CUT celebrated Africa Day and commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU), under the theme “A Prosperous Africa Based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.”

In his address, Mr Leolyn Jackson, Director: Centre for Global Engagement, mentions that the notion of CUT as a leading African university should be seen against the background of aspirations that aims to be socially relevant and to have a positive impact on the social economic conditions that the institution serve.

“It is for this reason that at the CUT, Africa Day is an annual event based on the long history of providing a home for African and International students from all diverse backgrounds and cultures. On this special day, we at CUT do not only reflect on the diverse cultural heritage, but we also look at the future that we aspire to see,” said Mr Jackson.

Keynote speaker, Mr Sandew Hira, Secretary of the Decolonial International Network Foundation, activist, author and co-editor of the book series “Decolonizing TheMind” donated his “Decolonizing The Mind” book to the CUT Library, as a source that is informative and speaks to the aims of decolonisation.

Photo: Ms Zukiswa Maya, CUT Librarian receiving a book “Decolonizing The Mind” book by the author and co-editor Mr Sandew Hira, also Secretary of the Decolonial International Network Foundation.

Through the annual celebration of Africa Day, CUT remains focused and reflective on the future where everyone’s voice matters and their perspectives are valued.