From 29 September to 3 October, Stellenbosch University (SU) will celebrate its diversity and inclusivity and the Glocal Food Evening on 1 October offers an excellent opportunity for staff members to enjoy a fun evening in the company of their colleagues.

"It would be great if divisions or departments decide to attend the evening together," says Monica du Toit of the Centre for Inclusivity, the structure organising this year's event.

The evening is hosted by the Postgraduate and International Office (PGIO) at Stellenbosch University and will combine good food from around the world with the opportunity to strike up friendships with local and international students. 

The countries represented are Botswana, China 1&2, Ethiopia, Germany 1,2,3, France, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Malawi, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea & Zimbabwe.​

At the local International Food Evening hosted recently, the dishes from Kenya were especially popular. ​For those who prefer a taste of the familiar, there will also be a South African food table.

Tickets: R10 per dish, for sale at the venue

Time: Starts at 18:00 on Wednesday 1 October

Place: Rooiplein

More info: Contact Werner de Wit, Coordinator: International Student Life and Success at the PGIO: wdw@sun.ac.za

More about Diversity Week

Big names in the entertainment industry who have been lined up include musicians and bands Vicky Sampson, Desmond and the Tutus, Dans Dans Lisa and Crazy White Boy, as well as social commentators and comedians Chester Missing, Anne Hirsch and Deep Fried Man. They will be joined on stage by a variety of local performers.

Most activities will again be taking place on the Rooiplein, where a "village" of specially erected tents and stalls will create a sense of community.

This year sees a repeat of daily activities that worked well last year, including multi-coloured beaded bracelets that Maties can use to depict their multifaceted identity, and graffiti tables where they can freely express their thoughts on diversity.

New elements include:

• Substantive discussions on such topics as inclusivity, gender and staff and student culture, facilitated by the Centre for Mentor, Tutor and Leadership Development.
  
• A "lost sock" project to draw attention to aspects of the diversity debate that sometimes disappear, presented by the Listen, Live and Learn initiative.
  
• A flag walk and a world foods evening, presented by the Postgraduate and International Office.
  
• A penalty shootout between blindfolded soccer teams representing the African country of their choice.
  
• And the Student Representative Council's selfie booth for heaps of photo fun.
  

In the run-up to Diversity Week, students can showcase their creativity – and win prizes – by taking part in an online blog competition on Bonfiire and in a competition to design the best T-shirt for Diversity Week. VOTE HERE.

HASHTAG FOR TWITTER AND FACEBOOK: #MATIESDIVERSITY.
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO OVERVIEW OF DIVERSITY WEEK 2013.