The University of Pretoria (UP) will be celebrating International Students’ Day on Friday 30 August 2019 at the Hatfield Campus.

UP has 134 international academic staff and 4 008 international students.

The event aims to strengthen relations between local and international students and staff through their cultural diversity. The day will feature exhibitions and cultural activities including different traditional attire, music and performances.

Itumeleng Njoro, Senior International Postgraduate Consultant at the International Cooperation Division (ICD), said: “As the International Cooperation Division we feel that it is important to celebrate this day because there is a need to co-exist with each other, understand one another’s cultural backgrounds and live with each other.

 “For that reason the University felt that cohesion is important and this day will offer an opportunity for both staff and students to learn more about [each others’] culture because arts and culture forms a huge part of the University.”

Under the theme Internalisation, participants will be given a few minutes on the amphitheatre stage to showcase their cultures on the day of the event. “Every student, both national and international, has a chance to participate on this day, they just need to register online and we will get in touch with them. There will be different categories of activities, prizes to be won,” said Njoro. The festivities will also include the crowning of Mr and Ms International Student Day.  

Exhibitors are expected to set up their mobile stores in the morning near the amphitheatre. UP’s Vice-Principal: Student Affairs and Residences Professor Themba Mosia and ambassadors will visit the stalls. Judges will also make their rounds to judge the stalls.

Njoro says the day will be filled with excitement, educative and informative activities for students and university staff. He says this celebration has been specifically designed to create an atmosphere of love and understanding across all UP campuses.

UP’s IDC has extended its invitation to more than 100 ambassadors and High Commissioners around the precinct of Pretoria.

Staff and students are encouraged to support this event.