By Sandile Mahlangu

The North-West University (NWU) annually celebrates Facing Race Week during the third week of July.

Facing Race Week is usually celebrated to help create a learning opportunity and promote awareness about the diversity of the university and how all individuals can co-exist with one another. The Potchefstroom Campus students participated by hosting a three-day campaign from 17 to 19 July during which they informed, educated, and engaged with one another.

The three-day campaign included activities such as the student spectrum, where a group of students got together and asked critical questions that sparked conversations. Some of the questions that were asked included:

Can racism be unlearned?

Is there such a thing as racial equality and inclusivity?

Does your race make it hard for you to live in South Africa?

As part of the campaign, students watched a movie called You People. According to one of the student organisers and the chairperson of the NWU Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) Society, Kamogelo Ntsoeng, it was perfect, as it allowed students to take a break from hard racial conversations but still left room for discussion.

“We wanted something relaxing and yet allow heart-warming engagements and help get our message across. The movie showed that even while we are from different backgrounds and different races, we can still get along, although it may take time to get there,” said Kamogelo.

On the last day, they hosted a panel discussion that featured a couple of students such as Keletso Gaborone, the deputy chairperson of the HSPS Society, MK Robinson of NWU Pride, Ronelle Ngema, and Laurize van der Merwe.

The panel discussion also included critical racial engagements that, according to one of the students who attended, Lyle Brown*, helped them to learn and unlearn certain factors about race and the different stereotypes.

“It is important to learn and unlearn what we were taught about the different races we have in our university. Race is not only about black and white – we also have coloured and Indian people. It is important for us as students to get to a point where racial discussions are not seen as taboo conversations but as an opportunity where we learn from each other. There is no need for someone to take offence when they are being educated,” said the student.

Another student, Shimi Mthombeni*, said that a safe space had been created for everyone to speak about their experiences, which allowed conversation to take place.

“Uncomfortable conversations are never easy, but we learn as we grow, and with the environment that was created throughout the campaign we were able to have these,” said Shimi.

With both Shimi and Lyle having learnt a lot from the campaign, they said that they wished that the university could host such events more often for a longer period, as racial matters are complex.

*Not their real names

Students participating in one of the sessions encouraging conversations about critical questions.