The University of Venda (UNIVEN) Directorate of International Relations through the Buddy programme in collaboration with, Struu Artzz Entertainment, Priscah’s Closet, Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP), UNIVEN Arts Society, and Woke Culture had people’s lips moving when they recently introduced the first ever Diversity, Inclusivity and Innovation Social Market at the University Cafeteria Lapa.
Malapi Morifi
The event commenced with welcome remarks from Mr Malapi Morifi who also gave the purpose of the day and emphasized on the importance of social cohesion as well as embracing the diverse cultures in society. It was an event aimed at celebrating women’s month while promoting entrepreneurship. The event featured various activities around the theme of diversity, inclusivity and innovation.
The Social Market featured exclusive pop up shop from Priscah’s Closet and stalls from young, pulsating, rising designers and entrepreneurs from the University of Venda as a way of promoting student entrepreneurship to aid in improving their entrepreneurial skills.
Miss South Africa Plus World 2019/20, Tondani Sikhwari
The event was also graced by the presence of the reigning Miss South Africa Plus World 2019/20 Tondani Sikhwari, who expressed words of inspiration to women. She emphasized that they should not undermine and body shame themselves. Believing in themselves should always be at the core of their character. “We are beautiful in every kind of way, we are exceptional, and we are strong and courageous. Be who you want to be, do what you want to do and let that aspiration come to life, because you’re worth it. No man should tell you what you can and can’t do,” said Sikhwari.
Lindokuhle Zwane
Believing in yourself was further emphasized by the poetic words of Ms Lindokuhle Zwane, who rendered a poem that highlighted that although we celebrate women’s month in jubilation, we should also reminisce on what the women from the previous generation had to go through for the women of today to be where they are now and what they are doing with the platform created for them.
The market also featured entertaining performances from the UNIVEN Arts Society which gave a vivid outline of the aims of the social market one of them being to initiate social cohesion amongst students within the vicinity. This was done as a way of educating the audiences with their artistic work.
Gumboots dance
UNIVEN Drama
Xitsonga dance
Tshifasi Dance.
UNIVEN Entrepreneurs
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 04 September 2019
