From 29 September to 3 October, Stellenbosch University (SU) will once again be celebrating diversity and inclusivity, and – like last year – a week packed with exciting activities awaits students and staff members.
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 is in line with the theme of Diversity Week this year, "Glocal is lekker". The event's logo has been adapted to depict the continent of Africa, and the celebration of 20 years of democracy in South Africa provides further context.
"The meaning of the theme has deliberately been left open to interpretation, but we have tried to reflect the University's view that a variety of people and ideas is an asset for a 21st-century higher-education institution," says Monica du Toit of the Centre for Inclusivity, the structure organising this year's event.
Inclusivity is one of the cornerstones of SU's Vision 2030, which was adopted by Council last year. This is being pursued by broadening access to Maties and promote a welcoming institutional culture.
"Last year, Diversity Week was welcomed as a step in the right direction. It showed how important inclusive social experiences are in the development of competent thought leaders, innovators and graduates," Du Toit says.
"We will be building on the successes of 2013, but have also included many fresh, creative ideas which flowed from intensive consultation with a wide range of student leaders and structures."
