By Dineo Letjong
The EZIKA-MAGEBA Cultural Awareness event transforms campus into a stage of rhythm, colour, and tradition as students gather to celebrate the richness of Zulu heritage. Organised by the EZIKA-MAGEBA Cultural Society, the event blends music, dance, and storytelling into an experience that not only honours Zulu identity but also fosters respect for all South African cultures.
Bukhosini Nhlapho, Program director of the event. Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Master’s student in Social Work, Remember Johnnie, explains that EZIKA-MAGEBA, an SRC-recognised structure founded in 2020, was created to give Zulu students a sense of belonging while studying away from home. “It is very important for us to recognise our culture. We must not come to varsity and forget where we come from,” he said.
Deputy Chairperson Mwapho Bukhosini, a second-year Bachelor of Accountancy student, shared that the theme focused on celebrating Zulu diversity, including a staged traditional wedding. She added that while Zulu speakers embrace other languages, they prefer respect for their own.
“We understand most other languages, including Sepedi. I want to be recognised when I speak,” she said. Although the date coincided with Women’s Day, she noted the connection was unplanned but symbolic, as Zulu traditions value gender equality.
The Deputy Chairperson of EZIKA-MAGEBA cultural society Mwapho Bukhosini
Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Second-year accountancy student Nothando Msibi used the platform to challenge stereotypes. “Change your mentality that Zulus are troublesome and like violence,” she urged, hoping students would leave with a better understanding that Zulu culture is rooted in calmness and respect.
A member from EZIKA-MAGEBA cultural society, Nothando Msibi, “change your mentality on that Zulus are troublesome and like violence”
Photo by: Unarine Mudau
The event also embraced inclusivity by inviting other cultural societies. The Xhosa Ubuntu Cultural Group, led by Masiza Ayakha, reminded students, “Culture is us, we are the culture, we mustn’t change the way we live just because we want to be modernised.” The Tsonga Tinyungubyiseni Cultural Society, represented by Chairperson Vongani Chavalala, echoed the call: “We should not be ashamed to embrace our cultures and diversity because that’s where we come from.”
Xhosa Ubuntu Cultural Group Chairperson, Masiza Ayakha. Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Guest speaker and SRC Deputy President, Portia Dube, tied the message together, “If you don’t know who you are, you don’t know where you are going.”
Students praised the spirit of unity. Third-year Bsc Water and sanitation, Rantlhakwe Mahlodi admired “the harmony on display,” while, Ndenge Simamkele Bsc in Agricultire, urged youth to “strengthen South African identity without over-reliance on Western culture.”
The celebration concluded with a vibrant Zulu wedding re-enactment, complete with singing, dancing, ululation, and money-showers. As the music faded, EZIKA-MAGEBA invited students to join their weekly Friday gatherings at T-side. The final message lingered: culture, when shared, has the power to unite.
Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Photo by: Unarine Mudau
