Celebrating our African heritage

Celebrating our African heritage
Celebrating our African heritage

“The evolution of humanity says that Africa reaffirms that she is continuing her rise from the ashes. Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now! Whatever the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace!” – Thabo Mbeki former President of South Africa, “I Am an African” speech delivered on 8 May 1996.

On Friday, 24 May 2019, IIE MSA, a brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), celebrated Africa Day at its campus in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, with its students leading the activities, including inspiring African speakers, cooking traditional fare, food tasting and a best dressed competition, to name a few.

Africa Day, is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, now the AU) from its inception on May 25, 1963. On this important day, the continent celebrates African Unity.

IIE MSA students enjoyed an array of activities together with their lecturers and staff. The High Commissioner for Ghana, His Excellency Mr. George Ayisi-Boateng, was represented by Mrs. Hilda Hinidza-Elluh, Minister-Counsellor for Information, Public and Diaspora Affairs. She joined students and addressed the guests about the need for Africans to remain united, regardless of the challenges that they are facing. He also discussed practical steps that need to be taken by the youth toward building a great Africa. “The role of African youth toward peace-building, growth and the development of our great continent is of utmost importance,” he said. Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to and be inspired by innovative guest speaker, Daniel Thebe, an award-winning innovative thought leader focusing on African brand communication and reputation management.

An IIE MSA alumnus, Simone Rambarun was asked what Africa Day means to her, having attended such a multi-cultural campus, and she mentioned ‘wholeness’ being a word that immediately sprung to mind. “For me, Africa Day represents a celebration of how far we’ve come, but it’s also a reminder of how much more we can achieve together,” she said. One of IIE MSA’s academics, Bimo Nkhata: Director of the Water Research Node said: “Africa Day is a time for reflection. A time to reflect on the true nature and character of the people of Africa, who are a people with a rich history and amazing cultural heritage. We are a people endowed with abundant natural resources. The day allows us to reminiscence about our African liberation history, economic emancipation and continued struggles for the ever-evading prosperity. Amongst these challenges, there is still massive hope and abundant optimism. A hope for assured victory. As we celebrate this important day, I wish all my African brothers and sisters good health and Ubuntu spirit”

“IIE MSA is a proudly African campus, with over 50 nationalities on campus. We encourage all our students to celebrate their heritage and culture. The day was a great success and it is encouraging to see a campus that is so united in embracing each our cultures with fellow students from all over Africa and the world,” says Prof Alwyn Louw, President and Academic President of IIE MSA.

 

About The IIE MSA:

IIE MSA is a brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The IIE is South Africa’s largest private higher education institution which operates across 21 sites. The IIE is internationally accredited by The British Accreditation Council.

MSA was founded in 2001 by Monash University Australia and is formerly part of Laureate International Universities.  The IIE MSA is celebrating 18 years of providing quality education and customised articulation pathways across two faculties – the Faculty of Business, Engineering and Technology and the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, as well as a one-year pathway Foundation Programme that articulates into IIE undergraduate degrees. IIE MSA graduates are equipped with the knowledge, competencies and skills to lead change, shape the future, shape the industry and shape the world.

To learn more, visit www.iiemsa.co.za