The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) staged a colourful and symbolic “Campus Wedding” on Friday, 26 September, bringing together staff, students and alumni in a celebration of cultural diversity and unity.
The event formed part of the annual Culture Integration Day at the NWU, observed across all three campuses, but this year took on a unique theme: a cross-cultural wedding symbolising the union of South African and international traditions.
With speakers from isiZulu to German, Sepedi to Rwandan and Tsonga to Ghanaian, more than 30 teams representing faculties, departments and residences showcased their creativity through fashion, food, music and performance.
“This year, we turned Heritage Day into a celebration of connection,” said event organiser Lethiwe Kubheka. “The Campus Wedding is our way of saying that, different as we may be, we belong to one family. And what better way to honour that than with a wedding?”
The celebration began with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at 08:30, signifying growth and new beginnings. What followed was a kaleidoscope of activity – traditional dances, poetry slams, live music and the much-anticipated cultural fashion parade.
Residences and departments went all out for the occasion. Residence and Catering made a dramatic entrance on horseback, Corporate Relations and Marketing dazzled the crowd with a motorcade of cars, and Student Life’s “bride” turned heads in a white wedding gown. Longfellow residence carried blankets emblazoned with the phrase “Becoming Mrs Longfellow,” while Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, community engagement, postgraduate studies with the assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus, surprised guests with a second glamorous outfit change.
The highlight of the day was the symbolic marriage of cultures, with teams presenting their cultural pairings through food, attire and performances. More than R40 000 in prizes were awarded in categories that included Best Food Presentation, Best Poetry and the glamorous Indoni and Mohale (cultural king and queen).
The day concluded with the winners of Indoni and Mohale cutting the official cake, which was shared among the entire community.
The event drew not only current students and staff, but also former colleagues and alumni, who returned after seeing the buzz on the event on social media.
“As I stood on stage and heard the audience respond ‘Yes, this was our perfect wedding’, I knew history had been made at the Vanderbijlpark Campus,” says Lethiwe.
With dancing, laughter and a shared sense of pride, the symbolic wedding achieved its goal: celebrating cultural diversity while strengthening the bonds of the NWU community.
