INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ORIENTATION DAY

New and returning international students gathered at the GSB Hall on the Westville campus on February 5 for International Orientation Day. Local students and regional partners such as the Durban University of Technology also attended. The purpose of the event was to officially welcome the students to the University and provide information on the services and support structures offered at UKZN.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies Professor John Mubangizi lent his support to the event, and representatives of various support structures shared valuable information with the international students.

A DVD on “Peace from Within” opened the event. This was courtesy of the Global Students Forum (GSF) which was launched at the event. The objective of the GSF is the bringing together of all cultures.

Guest speaker, the Head of Student Leadership and Development, Mr Mandla Ndaba reflected on what it means to be at student at UKZN. Ms Nonhlanhla Mapumulo from the Department of Home Affairs shared important information on visas and permits which have always been a major challenge for international visitors.

The Suria Langa Dance Company treated guests to a fusion of diverse cultures and “diski dancing”, a new South African dance welcoming the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Chinese students welcomed everyone with a song that spoke about being one family.

The Head of the International Student Office, Dr Prem Ramlachan urged students to take full advantage of the services the University offers and to feel free to learn, live and develop at UKZN.

Mr Themba Khumalo - Deputy Dean of Students and Ms Mochaki Masipa - Executive Dean of Students were unable to attend due to an emergency.