UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH HOST AFRICAN UNIVERSITY DAY 2001

"An environment should be created through which all willing and able citizens, irrespective of race, colour or creed can feel accommodated in the activities of higher education institutions," said the South African Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, when addressing delegates at the 7^th celebrations of African University Day, which was hosted for the second time this year by the University of Stellenbosch. In delivering his keynote address under the theme Globalisation and Higher Education in Africa (see speech attached), the Deputy Minister expressed his challenge to academic institutions in Africa to examine their response to globalisation, with the dichotomy in South Africa illustrated by the "well endowed institutions on the one hand, and very poorly resourced others on the other". Reflecting on the perception that universities in the developed world (especially Europe and America) are generally better, he warned that globalisation could pose a potential threat to the development of higher education in Africa, in the event that African students prefer to be associated with these "advanced institutions". In closing, the Deputy Minster urged "all higher education institutions should strive to become truly African, both in word and deed", and not merely pay lip service to the concept.

The celebrations were organized by the International Office of the University of Stellenbosch, and were held in Fismer Hall at the Konservatorium Building, Main Campus of the University of Stellenbosch. The celebrations enjoyed media coverage of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) through its radio and television on Monday at 16h00 and Thursday at 22h30 news bulletins. Robert Kotze, Head of Stellenbosch University's International Office, welcomed representatives from more than 20 African countries, a delegation from the Ministry of Education (national and provincial), and a representative from the Office of the Premier: Western Cape, as well as students and members of International Offices from University of Cape Town, University of Western Cape, Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon, On his background note, Khaukanani Mavhungu - the International Student Advisor - gave a presentation of the AAU, its objectives and activities. He also reminded delegates of the importance of the celebration, and voiced his confident hope "that this celebration will remind us of the role of universities in peacemaking, the development of human resources, manpower training, research, evaluation, information and technology, and developments - all these factors being absolutely critical to our Continent's social progress and economic growth". He pointed out the increasing enrollment of students from the African continent as a "demonstration of our university's commitment to alleviate shortages that the continent has in skilled and competitive labor. With Eritrea just recovering from its recent war, our university has taken a responsible step of helping in the process of rebuilding the human resource that was delayed by years of war. The Head of the International Office visited Asmara this August to see some of the developmental needs faced by this beautiful nation in northeast Africa. I am glad to disclose here that we have to date 64 Eritrean students. Early this year, the rector together with Head of International Office and academics from our university went to Gabon to establish some collaboration with tertiary institutions in the country. As a result of this agreement we have 30 Gabonese students in our campus. I should mention here with pride that we have 28 African countries represented in our university". Prof Bernard Lategan, the Director of the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, commended the durability and adaptability of academic institutions, but said that where the power of knowledge and science had always been prioritised, there was a daunting challenge implied by the impact of globalisation and the demands of the new generation. In his Vote of Thanks address, the Vice-Rector: Teaching, Professor Rolf Stumpf reiterated his university's commitment to redress some of the educational imbalances that are a result of the colonial past. He pointed out that the diversity of students and staff members one finds at Stellenbosch today was an indication of the commitment that his university has in rebuilding the continent. The delegation then broke for tea, during which there were some interviews held with members of the media. This was followed by a presentation of twelve papers by students from various disciplines. This was a great number of papers from students considering the fact that the celebrations are held at the time when students are busy writing examinations. The celebrations concluded with lunch that was graced with the presence of the Vice-Rector: Operations, Dr Julian Smith.