On the 25th of May each year, the world observes Africa Day, a day intended to celebrate the richness and vibrancy of Africa. It is commemorated to mark the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, the OAU, which was formed on the 25th May 1963. It later became the African Union we know today, in July 2002.

The African Union has marked 2024 as the year of Education. The day’s theme follows this overarching theme and aims to see an Africa that is;

In keeping with this education-related theme, who better to celebrate than with our very own students! We caught up with three UJ students from various parts of the continent to get their thoughts on Africa.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?

My name is Moshate Stephen Letlela. I am from Butha-Buthe, Lesotho. What makes my city so unique is it is home to the country’s main electricity grid “Muela” which generates power for the entire country solely from hydropower. I’m a BCom Logistics and Transport Management and I am currently in my final year of study.

The main languages spoken in Lesotho are English and Sesotho and I am able to speak both native languages and Afrikaans (a neighbouring language)

What do you love most about the African continent?

If I had to pick one thing to love about my continent it would have to be its natural landscapes and their beauty from the Majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and Victoria Falls to the Afriski Resort back home.

What are your hopes for Africa?

My hopes for Africa are for it to regain its intended level of independence from other continents around it and consequently for its people to achieve peaceful relations with one another.

Of all the Universities in Africa, why did you pick UJ?

While still in high school I was captivated by a family trip to the vibrant city of Johannesburg. It was here where I was drawn in by the fancy lifestyle, cool people and never-ending activities to do in the area so in 2021 I applied and haven’t looked back since.

2. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?

My name is Lidya Demssie Babore. I was born in Hosana, Ethiopia, and I am currently studying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). I am also the Vice President and Secretary of the UJ International Student Society, where I continue to create inclusivity at UJ.  I am a BA humanities third-year student.

I come from Ethiopia, a country unique in many ways. One remarkable fact about Ethiopia is that it was never colonized, preserving its rich and vibrant history. The country’s pure historical narrative, from its origins to its present, is a beautiful aspect of Ethiopia that I am proud to be part of. Ethiopia’s diverse and captivating stories, unique calendar system, and rich cultural heritage offer endless tales that I am delighted to share with others.

Ethiopia is a multilingual country with over 80 ethnic groups, each with its own language. The primary languages include Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali. I speak Amharic fluently and understand Hadiya well, although I am not as proficient in speaking it. I can also read and write in Amharic.

What do you love most about the African continent?

Africa’s incredible diversity is what I love most about the continent. The various cultures, languages, landscapes, and wildlife create a vibrant tapestry that makes me proudly African. The resilience, strong sense of community, and unity among Africans, along with our rich heritage and contributions to global culture, economy, and history, are sources of immense pride for me.

What are your hopes for Africa?

I hope for a future where Africa is united in its diversity, with strong, sustainable economies, improved infrastructure, and access to quality education and healthcare for all its people. I dream of a continent that cherishes and protects its natural resources and rich cultural heritage. I envision an Africa where nations collaborate to achieve development and prosperity, benefiting all its inhabitants.

Of all the Universities in Africa, why did you pick UJ?

I chose UJ because of its strong emphasis on research and innovation, its diverse and inclusive community, and its commitment to addressing real-world challenges in Africa. UJ’s dynamic campus and its reputation for academic excellence and leadership in technology, business, and humanities played a significant role in my decision. As an international student, I have felt welcomed and included from day one, and this sense of belonging continues to enrich my academic journey at UJ.Thank you for reading about my journey and my aspirations for Africa. I am excited to contribute to a brighter future for our continent and to continue promoting inclusivity and diversity at UJ.

3. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?

My name is Divine Kibwe from the Bangala tribe. I was born in Kinshasa, the vibrant capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, renowned for its thriving music scene and the birthplace of Congolese rumba, a genre that has significantly influenced music across Africa and the world. As a native of the DRC, I speak Lingala, French, and Swahili, and I’m proud to be part of a nation with over 200 ethnic groups and four national languages. I am doing my 3rd year in a Diploma in Business Information Technology.

What do you love most about the African continent?

What I love most about Africa is its rich cultural diversity, with various languages to express love and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among its people. I admire the resilience and creativity of Africans in turning difficult situations into something beautiful. Our culture, traditions, and personalities bring colour and vibrancy to the world.

What are your hopes for Africa?

My hope for Africa is unity, love, and peace. I envision a continent where Africans can reach their full potential, utilize their resources to uplift one another, and break free from temporary pleasures to build a stronger nation. I hope Africans can embrace change and work together towards a brighter future.

Of all the Universities in Africa, why did you pick UJ?

I’m thrilled to be part of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) community, which offers a diverse range of courses, is affordable, and has a straightforward application process. As a student from the COVID-19 era, I appreciate the flexibility and diversity that UJ offers. Being part of a leading university with a strong African presence excites me, and I’m grateful to be close to home, allowing me to stay connected with my family and community.