Life@NMMU: VC’s Cultural Evening

NMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz is joined by Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Prof Denise Zinn (left) and Lorraine Lawrence

“If it is true that a nation’s character is defined by the stories it tells about itself to the world, then ours surely could not have found more eloquent and amazingly talented voices than in the stunning performances of Gcina Mhlope, Steve Newton, Mahesh Narotam, and our awesome students. Such a rare feast of all the senses!”

That’s as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University boss man Prof Derrick Swartz captured the essence of the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Cultural Evening – and we couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

An evening that traditionally celebrates the arts in its many forms, this year told a wonderful story of ourselves – as a hurt, confused, diverse, enthusiastic, talented, vibrant and ever-hopeful people.

That hope, “that hope in our eyes”, was captured in the opening poem by Gcina Hlope, who was every bit the dynamic storyteller as I’d hoped she’d be.

The audience immediately warmed to her, with her easy interaction and ability to pin-point home truths.

And there were more home truths and opportunities to reflect on all that makes us who we are, with the poetry, acting, singing, music and performances that followed.

I particularly like the “potato vendor” student and her humourous monologue on living the values (it’s just her pursuit of excellence in dusting her potatoes that attracts customers not the witch doctor’s muti), along with the sultry sounds of our jazz musicians.

At one stage, the entire well-heeled audience was on its feet dancing to Miriam Makeba’s click song … yes, it’s the kind of event that makes you want to celebrate. And yes, the VC’s Cultural Evening is a highlight for the 150 people in attendance.

This year the event was hosted at the Boardwalk Conference Centre and as plush as it is, there are many who prefer the artistic haunts of the city’s historic heart – the gallery or the athenaeum. Hopefully, with the refurbishment of Eendrag on the university’s Bird Street Campus, we can match the artistic performances with a more suitable backdrop and take this special evening back to Central. But that’s just me …

While this blog is unable to share the auditory benefits of the 5 November event (we are working on this and other additions), here are a few visuals of those who were fortunate to attend.