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2025


As part of this year’s International Cultural Diversity Festival, we are proud to introduce a collection of written expressions that celebrate the richness of our diverse identities, stories, and heritage.

While the festival features vibrant performances and cultural showcases, we believe that words hold a unique power. Through written reflections, we deepen our collective understanding and appreciation of one another’s lived experiences.

We invited staff and students to contribute short pieces exploring themes of culture, identity, belonging, and diversity. These submissions take various forms, including:

  • Personal reflections and stories
  • Poems and spoken word pieces
  • Essays and opinion pieces
  • Cultural anecdotes and traditions
  • Letters to one’s heritage or future self

We hope these voices inspire meaningful dialogue and foster a deeper sense of connection across our community.

Personal reflections and stories: For the love of being coloured
Poems and spoken word pieces: The mirror
Essays and opinion pieces: Driving Organisational Effectiveness Through Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

2024


The Office for International Affairs, in collaboration with Arts and Culture, hosted the International Cultural Diversity Festival (ICDF) on 4 October 2024 at the Centenary Complex on campus. For more information, click here.

2023


ICDF 2023

The International Cultural Diversity Festival was more than just a day of cultural exhibitions and performances; it was a testament to the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every Culture, every voice, and every perspective had a place. The festival continued throughout the day, offering a delightful array of international cuisines, captivating cultural performances from students and residencies curated by the Student Affairs arts and culture office, and fascinating exhibitions that allowed the university community to immerse themselves in the beauty of global diversity.

As the day turned into night, the campus was alive with laughter, music, and the spirit of unity. The 2023 International Cultural Diversity Festival celebrated Heritage Month in a festivity spirit with the student community. It was a day of connection, understanding, and celebration, reminding everyone that the world is a rich tapestry of cultures, and the university proudly embraced it all.

To watch the dialogue, click here.

2022


ICDF 2022

Dr Cornelius Hagenmeier, Former Director of the International Office, said it was crucial for staff and students to work towards creating opportunities for intercultural competency and exposure. 

“We have opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom, but it is our choice whether we take that up. We need to be intentional about creating opportunities and building rich spaces for intercultural exchanges on campuses, but it is for every student and colleague to decide to take this initiative and participate.”

To catch the festivals, follow this link for the Qwaqwa Campus.

For the Bloemfontein Campus click here.

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