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25 September 2024 | Story Teboho Mositi | Photo Ian van Straaten
Qwaqwa Mokete 2024
The University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus celebrated diversity as the Academy of Multilingualism recently hosted the Kovsies Multilingual Mokete, themed: ‘Our Diversity is Our Strength.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus pulsed with vibrant energy on 13 September 2024 as the Academy of Multilingualism hosted its annual Kovsies Multilingual Mokete. This year's theme, ‘Our Diversity is Our Strength’, resonated throughout the day, celebrating the richness of languages and cultures within the UFS community.

The event served as a platform for students and staff to showcase their diverse heritages through traditional attire, poetry, storytelling, drama, music, and dance. A delectable spread of cultural cuisine further enriched the experience, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Promoting inclusivity and multilingualism

The Mokete aligns with the UFS' multilingual language policy, implemented in 2016. This policy emphasises the importance of fostering inclusivity and social cohesion through language. It aims to create a dynamic learning environment that celebrates the diverse languages spoken within the UFS community.

In her welcome address, the Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, said the University of the Free State took a significant step in 2016 towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse campus by adopting a multilingual language policy. This policy recognised the importance of embracing multilingualism as a social asset and aimed to promote social cohesion, diversity, and inclusivity. “The Mokete Multilingual Festival serves as a tangible manifestation of this commitment. It provides a platform for all members of our UFS community to celebrate and appreciate the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and traditions that we bring to our university. By showcasing our diverse languages, indigenous food, traditional outfits, and more, we not only honour our individual heritage but also strengthen our sense of belonging and unity,” explained Dr Ngubane.

The Mokete is more than just a cultural event; it is a purposeful act of embracing our diversity and educating one another about the value of multilingualism. Through this celebration, we strive to create a more inclusive and cohesive campus where everyone feels valued and respected.

"We want everyone to feel welcome on our campuses," stated Teboho Manchu, Campus Vice-Principal: Support Services, during his opening address. "The Mokete allows each culture and language group to learn from one another, preparing our students for a multilingual and multicultural world, while staying connected to their own heritage."

A celebration of talent and cultural expression

The day unfolded with heart-warming moments of appreciation. Manchu extended his gratitude to distinguished guests, colleagues, and students. The highlight of the event was Ntate Stunna, a captivating Sesotho musician who energised the audience with his music. Local artists Bomme ba Ipopeng and Tears of Joy also contributed to the electrifying atmosphere. Their performances, alongside the diverse cultural presentations, fostered a sense of pride and identity within the UFS community.

A commitment to a language-rich environment

The Kovsies Multilingual Mokete exemplifies the UFS' commitment to multilingualism. By celebrating diverse languages and cultures, the university fosters a sense of belonging and prepares its students for success in a globalised world.

News Archive

Kovsie student to participate in G8 2013 Summit
2013-06-06

A Kovsie student is heading to London to attend the June G8 2013 Youth Summit. Tumelo Moreri is part of a chosen few who will walk among world class leaders as a delegate of the African Union.

The summit provides a platform for young leaders where they are able to collectively voice their opinions. It also gives them the opportunity to gain valuable insights on international diplomacy in order to tackle 21st century challenges head on.

The African Union delegation, of which Tumelo is part, includes representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. It consists of a Head of Government, Sherpa, Press Secretary, Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Finance, Minister of Justice, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Energy and Climate Change, Minister of Development, and Minister of Defence. They are responsible for developing and negotiating position papers with regards to the various ministerial positions.

Tumelo Moreri is a co-founder of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today in her home country, Botswana. She is currently the International Affairs Officer of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Bloemfontein Campus. “The highlight for me is the fact that I am representing Africa. Africa’s voice will get to be heard through us,” says Moreri. “I see this as a huge opportunity to strive to make a contribution towards Africa and finding solutions unique to her problems. This will be a stepping stone to effecting change. This learning curve will shape and influence global discourse.”

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