By Dr. Prem
The UKZN’s International Relations team together with Corporate Relations hosted post graduates students on a Project of Youth Ambassadors from the National Defence University of Taiwan during the week of July 30 – August 3. The purpose of the visit was to share and encourage inter-cultural exchange between Taiwan and UKZN. The success of the visit now opens opportunities for potential collaborations and academic partnerships, research, staff and student exchanges and imminent visitations to Taiwan and UKZN.
The Taiwanese team led by Professor Terry Hsieh YiH Shiwn which included, Altus Du, Chang-Ching; Lawrence Lin, Chih-Lung; Edison An,Yung-Tang; David Lee, Hao-Wei; Geoff Cheng, Ting-Mou and Lynn Yeh, Li-Hsuan.. They visited all UKZN campuses throughout the week teaching staff and students about different events in their culture. A theme was set aside for each day on each campus.
Starting in the Pietermaritzburg campus, the visitors were welcomed by Dr Nicola Jones – Academic Leader of Media and Cultural Studies. The two themes for the day were “Taking a stroll in Taiwan” and “I Can Speak Chinese” which gave the audience an introduction to speaking Chinese. They also took them through the tour of their country in pictures and song. UKZN’s Marie-Anna Marais, Head: International Relations - PMB said, the “I can speak Chinese” session was amusing and thoroughly enjoyed by the students. The highlight was the “Taking a stroll in Taiwan” where the geographic diversity of their country was astoundingly beautiful. The terrain ranged from lakes and mountains that looked like Switzerland and eastern rugged coast reminiscent of the wild Irish coast, golden beaches, as well as colourful flora and fauna. Their architecture and suburbs are a mixture of traditional and modern Chinese.’
The visitors were welcomed by Prof Gregory Kamwendo – Dean of Education. The excited crowd at Edgewood Campus enjoyed learning about “Chinese Calligraphy” and the Chinese “Happy New Year”. The audience were told about the culture, showed how to do paper cutting and learnt to write in Chinese. For most of the staff it was like going back to school as it was so different from the day to day activities. They thoroughly enjoyed their day and hoped that there were more cultural initiatives similar to this. One said it was a great time to bond with staff at all levels.
At the Westville campus they were welcomed by Dr Sibusiso Chalufu – Executive Director of Student Services and Professor Kantilal Bhowan - Associate Professor of Marketing. The audience were given a taste of the themes which included Happy Autumn Festival and Kung Fu. There was great participation by students and staff as they were put through their paces by the Taiwanese on the different styles of kung fu. The theme “The Evolution of Chinese Music” had everybody dancing on the floor and the theme “Night Market” very popular place where local Taiwanese get together for supper and drinks with “Chinese Cuisine” comprising a variety of healthy foods. The visitors were introduced to UKZN SIFE – Student in Free Enterprise This is a student initiative in partnership with UKZN promoting community engagement, outreach and entrepreneurship led by Mandla Ndaba of Student Governance Leadership and Development. The SIFE President – Thembalethu Mkhize eloquently introduced SIFE and played a video on their winning the South African Championships and presently seeking funding in going abroad to represent South Africa in Washington DC in the United States of America.
At Howard College campus they were welcome By Professor Sihawu Ngubane – Deputy Dean of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences. The themes included “Chinese Valentines Day” and the “Evil Go away, Dragon Boat Festival Viva”. This intrigued staff and students alike as it showed how the Taiwanese were attracted to the opposite sex by playing games and checking how compatible potential lovers suited each other. The Taiwanese were truly enlightened by the Zulu Dancers and their beadwork.
The Taiwanese on each day visited many tourists attractions and went on campus tours. In PMB they visited the City Of PMB, they also visited City of Durban via the Ricksha Bus, Visit to the Phezulu Farm, Tour of the Moses Mabhida Stadium and particularly the Skywalk, and then to UKZN Community Outreach Site visiting the Gandhi Settlement and Bambhayi in Inanda.
Professor Terry Hsieh YiH Shiwn thanked the UKZN staff and students for their participation during their visit. He also thanked UKZN staff for their hospitality in arranging events on all campuses.
According to Dr Prem Ramlachan, the intercultural exchange between Taiwan and UKZN has exposed UKZN to the Eastern world more particularly in this case Taiwan. As Professor Bhowan said it opens opportunities for various academic collaborations and linkages, research, staff and student exchanges and possible visitations to Taiwan and UKZN. International Relations would be connecting with the university community in exploring some of these initiatives.
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