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2025


The Intercultural Diversity Festival (ICDF), held on 4 October 2025 at the Centenary Complex, brought together students and staff from across the University of the Free State (UFS) to celebrate cultural diversity, unity, and inclusion through music and performance. Organised by the Internationalisation @ Home portfolio in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, Institutional Change and Social Justice, and Student Affairs, the festival provided a vibrant platform for students to share and experience African and international cultures. The programme featured dance, singing, and cultural performances by various student associations, alongside memorable performances by national artists Sharika Peach and Makhanj, whose acts reflected the diversity of South African cultural expression.

Prof Lynette Jacobs, Acting Director of the Office for International Affairs, emphasised the importance of collaboration and the spirit of ubuntu in promoting dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect. The event also included a competition component, with the TSL Choir, Gumboot Dancers, and the Batswana Student Association recognised as winners in their respective categories. The ICDF 2025 was a resounding success, strengthening intercultural engagement, promoting unity through music, and providing students with a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their heritage within a globally connected university community.

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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