Congratulations to Lesotho, the 2026 UJ International Festival winners! Celebrating culture, unity and the beauty of diversity. You brought your A game!

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) brought cultures together at its annual International Festival on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the Student Centre Lawns on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus. Held under the theme “Building Cultures, Building Futures,” the festival celebrated the diversity of the UJ community and created an opportunity for students to share their cultures, traditions and experiences.

The festival brought together local and international students through cultural expression, music, dance, fashion, food and interactive activities. It provided a platform for students to learn about different countries and traditions while strengthening connections across cultures.

Adding to the excitement were the event’s masters of ceremonies, Nicole Frisley and Tony Dangler, who kept the programme lively and engaged the audience throughout the event. Their presence contributed to the festival atmosphere, encouraging students to participate and enjoy the celebrations.

Beyond the entertainment, the festival highlighted the value of cultural exchange in a university community that brings together students from diverse backgrounds. By creating space for different cultures to be represented and appreciated, the event reinforced the importance of inclusion, mutual respect and belonging.

The festival’s theme, “Building Cultures, Building Futures,” reflected the role that cultural understanding plays in shaping a connected and inclusive future. Through shared experiences and conversations, students had an opportunity to celebrate their differences while recognising the common ground that brings them together.

The UJ International Festival was a reminder that diversity is more than the presence of different cultures; it is about creating opportunities for people to connect, learn from one another and build a stronger community.

As the UJ community continues to celebrate its cultural richness, the festival remains an important platform for fostering intercultural understanding and strengthening the university experience for local and international students alike.