Students and staff at the University of Pretoria recently gathered to celebrate International Students’ Day under the theme ‘Internationalisation: A Rear-View Mirror for Global Citizenship’ – a further call on the UP community to reflect on its role in building a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive world.

At least 16 ambassadors and representatives of countries joined distinguished guests, officials and representatives from government institutions, members of the UP executive, staff and students at the Hatfield Campus to experience a wide range of global cultures and heritage exhibited by students from countries such as Argentina, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, Pakistan, Portugal and Switzerland.

Click on the images below for more pictures from the festivities

Students representing Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Eswatini won first and second place, respectively, in the exhibitions category.

“We take pride in the fact that over half of our international students come from African countries, reflecting our strong African identity and commitment to the continent's rich diversity in people, cultures, biodiversity and environments,” UP Acting Vice-Principal for Student Life Professor Flavia Senkubuge said. “To guide our strategic partnerships and global engagement, we've embraced the African Global University framework, which emphasises our South African, African and global interconnectedness.  

“We recognise that Africa's future significantly impacts the world, given its rapidly growing population, set to double by mid-century and potentially reach four billion people by 2100. This young continent holds great potential to provide high-quality human resources to regions with ageing populations, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration and progress.”

The event kicked off with a bang when UP’s Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble and one of South Africa’s most in-demand comedy talents, Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, delivered spectacular performances that left the audience in the Amphitheatre at the Hatfield Campus in awe.

Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Eswatini won first and second place, respectively, in the exhibitions category, while Raymond Lai from China and Ts’ooana Khasoane from Lesotho won first and second place for the MX UPI and Fashion Show. Emihle Dlamini from South Africa and Sharon-Rose Chisango from Zimbabwe won first and second place for in the poetry category, while Lesotho and Japan won first and second place for in the cultural song and dance category.

Around 133 nationalities that are represented in UP's student body.

“The University of Pretoria is proud to be the university of choice for more than 4 000 international students, representing over 100 nationalities and contributing to a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, experiences, perspectives and languages on our campuses,” UP Vice-Principal for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education Professor Sunil Maharaj said. “In this diversity lies our strength, united in our desire to do all we can, with what we have, to make the world a better place through education.

“Diversity is central to THE UP WAY – our ethos, our lifestyle and our university's core values. Your uniqueness matters to us, as it enriches our cultural tapestry and brings a wealth of perspectives from your distinct background. Embracing these differences expands our horizons and sharpens our critical thinking across a spectrum of topics.”

UP Head of International Cooperation Setsipane Mokoduwe said: “On campus, at the moment, we have about 133 nationalities that are represented. You truly are experiencing the world in one sitting here at the University of Pretoria if you are a student here.”