More than 200 North-West University (NWU) students representing approximately 30 countries from around the world recently attended the International Welcome and Multicultural Day that was hosted by the NWU’s Office of Global Engagement.

The purpose of this event was to show appreciation for the university’s multicultural and diverse student community.

Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, the deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, invited the NWU’s international students to the Potchefstroom Botanical Gardens for a day filled with fun, food and celebration. She gave a heart-warming welcome speech and an interesting overview of internationalisation at the university.

John Shamba, an international undergraduate student from Zimbabwe, and Dr Ambrose Okem, an international postdoctoral fellow from Nigeria, spoke about their experiences at the NWU.

Prof Robert Balfour, the deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, Pieter-Hendrik White, the Student Representative Council’s international officer, and other Student Campus Council members provided great support on the day. The event was also attended by a number of diplomats from various countries.

Students experienced an amazing ‘Around the World Food Safari’ with traditional food from many different countries. A number of students attended the event in their traditional attire as a tribute to their heritage.

The International Welcome and Multicultural Day will from now on be an annual event.

 North-West University students celebrated their multicultural and diverse backgrounds during the recent International Welcome and Multicultural Day event.