Xhosa Students Association stands for unity, ubuntu, cultural preservation, and promoting indigenous languages in professional spaces, particularly isiXhosa. It seeks to address stereotyping and myths about this nation through its events. However, the event on the 20th, the launch was to introduce the association, the home for Xhosa students, to the UFS community and sister associations.
Xhosa Students Association closed the campus with Xhosa traditional songs from the Thakaneng Bridge to the Mabaleng Auditorium, where the launch was held. It was a day that no one on campus expected, but the Xhosa nation left whatever they were doing on that day to showcase their Xhosaness. Wits Xhosa Society was among the distinguished guests who spoke about these societies' significant role in Universities, particularly in students' lives.
A guest from the Department of Arts and Culture Sports and Recreation, MS Nqabakazi Quwe, encouraged students to show up for their nation and love it more because they are born to be great and they are royalty. She also encourages the students to hold their identity with pride and never listen to anyone say embracing an indigenous language will not take you anywhere, referring to her as a Xhosa lecturer. She shared how happy she was that Xhosa people are now starting to embrace their identity in foreign lands where they are a minority.
Ms Quwe was delighted to see young students (Ama2k) creating a community for themselves and educating each other about their roots. She encouraged them to break the stereotype that youngsters are unruly and hate traditions and who they are. Ms Nikiwe Matebula added that they are happy as PanSALB to see young people fighting for their language to be retained and encouraged students to use the Xhosa language when speaking and in their documents.
Xhosa Students Association also invited other student associations like Ubumbano Luka Zulu, Pedi students, and the UFS Acting Society to witness this big day. The association aimed to forge relations and collaborate in events where their values align. These associations showed gratitude for being part of this historic event. Other fellow Xhosas and UFS alumni were amazed by the event and the performances by Xhosa nations. One of many followers said ‘’You are really making us proud’’ and students from other universities wished they had an association to feel at home in the land of greener pastures.
The XSA chairperson took an oath on the day, and members showed up to accept her as the new leader; the committee and traditional council were introduced to the members; indeed, Xhosa students built a home for their ancestors.
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