A few weeks ago, Fatima Halday, Head of the Communication portfolio at the Language Centre, had the opportunity to visit Luanda and participated in the 2nd Edition of the Scientific Conference and Technology Fair of University of Luanda (UniLuanda), with the theme ‘Research, Extension and Innovation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development’.
Fatima describes her visit as follows:
Prof Gerhard Venter (SU), Fatima Halday (SU) and Prof Hanlie Dippenaar (CPUT).
The UniLuanda Conference took place from 22 to 24 May 2024 in Luanda, Angola. We were three in the South African delegation, consisting of me, representing the Stellenbosch University (SU) Language Centre, Professor Gerhard Venter of the SU Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, and Professor Hanlie Dippenaar of the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). The conference was attended by students and academics from the University of Luanda and other institutions in Angola.
Academics from various universities from Brazil also attended: Professora Rossana Valéria de Souza e Silva, Executive President of Grupo de Cooperação das Universidades Brasileiras (GCUB); Professora Joana Angélica Guimarães da Luz Rector, Vice chancellor of Universidade do Sul da Bahia; Professora Adriana Marmori Lima, Rector of Universidade Estadual da Bahia; Professor Edmar da Costa, Vice- Rector for International relations of Universidade Federal do Pará; and Professor Marcelo Figueiredo Massulo Aguiar of Universidade Federal do Pará.
Stellenbosch University and the University of Luanda share an institutional agreement. A few academics from UniLuanda, most of whom are Engineering academics, will be visiting SU later this year to enhance their English skills as well as to engage with academics from the Faculty of Engineering at SU. We had an opportunity to meet those academics and discuss their needs to gain more insight into the context overall in preparation for their arrival.
The language used for the conference was Portuguese and we had an interpreter who interpreted from Portuguese into English for the South African delegation presentations. On the second day, Professor Gerhard Venter did a presentation showcasing the activities and achievements of SU’s Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
My presentation, which was on the last day of the conference, focused on the role that the Language Centre can play in linguistic preparation and breaking down possible barriers that limit partnerships. In my talk I shared information about English improvement course offerings. Additionally, I described activities and services offered by some of the other centres such as the Centre for Collaboration in Africa and the Africa Centre for Scholarship which both form part of SU International.
On the topic of possible barriers that may limit partnerships, I highlighted the point of managing expectations, and taking into consideration language barriers, various communication styles, and time orientation differences. Elaborating on the time orientation difference, in low-context cultures, time is limited and considered a commodity. It is connected to productivity, efficiency and money. On the other hand, time is unlimited in high-context cultures. It is a resource to be enjoyed and decisions take time and expectations with regard to response time to emails, work ethic, and the pace of work may be different.
In closing my presentation, I emphasised the power of collaboration and South-South cooperation in driving positive change, whether through joint research projects, knowledge sharing initiatives, mobility or capacity-building programs. I also mentioned that we tend to look outward to the Global North for examples of advancements and best practice. In my view, by nurturing partnerships with neighbouring countries, we can lift each other up and become stronger as a unified Global South, accelerating our development efforts and achieving sustainable outcomes.
Faima presenting with Portuguese-English interpreter Carlos.
The evening culminated in a closing ceremony where academics and students were awarded certificates. As guests we had the honour of presenting the certificates to the academics. As presenters, we also received certificates of participation.
The Vice-Chancellor of UniLuanda, Professor Buza, spoke about the successes their university attained over the last year, fervently repeating the motto, ‘Act in the present to guarantee the future!’
Fatima Halday receiving a certificate of participation from UNILuanda Vice-Chancellor Prof Alfredo Buza.
The ceremony consisted of music rendered by a choir singing the UniLuanda anthem, followed by dancing. Thereafter students performed in a play raising awareness of poaching animals. Then students flaunted their vocal and musical talents by singing and performing instrumental pieces. The ceremony finalé was a fashion show showcasing traditional garments made from rich prints, concluding the evening on a colourful note.
Student performances
1st image: Fatima Halday (SU), Adao Francisco Pedro Lucas (Head of International Relations, Cooperation and Partnership, UniLuanda), Prof Hanlie Dippenaar (CPUT), Prof Edmar da Costa (Vice-Rector for International Relations of Universidade Federal do Pará).
2nd image: Hanlie and Fatima Halday with a UniLuanda academic.
Beyond my speaking engagement, the conference provided opportunities to engage in conversations with fellow attendees. I was struck by the shared commitment to finding innovative solutions to common challenges, whether in the fields of education, technology, or environmental sustainability, and the enthusiasm to exchange knowledge and resources, as well as to forge meaningful connections.
As I reflect on my experience, I am moved by the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the Angolan people. From the moment we arrived, UniLuanda went above and beyond to ensure that we were well taken care of for the entire duration of our stay. I would like to thank Dr Nico Elema and Norma Derby of the Centre for Collaboration in Africa for affording me this opportunity and experience. I am excited about the collaboration between our universities and the possibilities in driving positive change.
This post is also available in: English
