A week of events, films and dialogues aimed at seeking alternative ways to understand identity at Stellenbosch University (SU), is held this week (8-12 August 2016).

Themed "Reimagining Matie Identity", the first ever Matie Identity Week provides staff and students with the opportunity to engage with the multifaceted and intersectional aspects of human identity such as race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and gender.

During the programme launch on 8 August, activist and journalist Zubeida Jaffer told staff and students how her concept of identity has undergone numerous shifts through her work and life experiences. Her talk formed part of the 'legacy stories' aspect of the programme, initiated by the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development (FVZS Institute).

"The president of Columbia University recently said, 'the only way you learn is to be confronted by people who are very different from you'. Wherever I go, I try to understand the language and people," she said. "But we hold onto our labels too tightly – we're all just human beings."

This series of talks aims to provide the space for individuals to explore their own, personal identity. Some of the other facilitators and storytellers who will deliver talks, include Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers and Slabbert's daugther, Tania Slabbert. 

"I think it's really necessary," Jaffer commented on the programme. "At university, that's the time you tussle with who you are. It should be openly and constantly discussed, so that people can see there are many ways of looking at identity. It's fabulous – if you free yourself, you can belong to everybody, you can fit in anywhere."

More talks will be taking place throughout the week to spark dialogue on issues such as African queer identity.

"I think Stellenbosch University has been changing, the University community identify with this place in different ways. We want to challenge old ideas of what it means to be a Matie," says Faith Pienaar, Programme Coordinator in the SU Transformation Office. "The profile of people who come here is significantly different from 20 years ago and this project wants to reflect that, and to inspire conversations on different aspects of your identity. I look forward to the impact the programme can have. We want to get the campus thinking about what it means to live here in Stellenbosch."

The week will include a number of screenings of South African films to stimulate dialogue on language, democracy and change.  The films will be shown in Pulp Cinema.

"We want to change the way people engage beyond just panel discussions. We challenge people to engage creatively with art, music and films - using artistic tools to spark conversations," Pienaar adds. "The aim is also to have an impact on how we welcome new students and staff to the University."

On Wednesday, students can enjoy a Matie lunch with entertainment including music and art. Meals will take place in residences and in open dining halls in clusters for private students. Dining halls include that of Harmonie, Metanoia, Simonsberg, Huis Marais, Tinie Louw, Irene and Huis ten Bosch. A limited number of vouchers will be handed out on Wednesday at 12:00, for private students to enjoy a meal in the Neelsie, at the "Identity Café". The "Identity Café" - as the Vroueverenigingsaal (VV-saal/ Hall) in the Neelsie Student Centre will be known for the duration of the week - is the venue for all of the programme's events, aside from the films. 

In light of Women's month, the Student Representative Council (SRC) Women Empowerment portfolio have curated a photography exhibition titled Hidden Womxn of Matieland. It will be displayed throughout the week at the "Identity Café", and will explore the untold stories of women who work in and around SU. Author and storyteller Panashe Chigumadzi will deliver a talk on Friday 12^h August to commemorate Women's Day. Panashe is the author of Sweet Medicine and the recipient of 2015 Ruth First Fellowship.

Matie Identity Week is presented in collaboration with the Transformation Office, the SRC, the Equality Unit, the Visual Arts Department, the FVZS Institute and the Listen, Live and Learn Initiative.

"Collaboration is the best way to get a lot of perspectives in the room," Pienaar concludes. "It makes our work more meaningful and rich. Hopefully next year, we can get even more faculties and staff involved."

* Liaise with Faith Pienaar at 021 808 9545 or email  [email protected] for more information about the programme. Follow this link to watch a video about Matie Identity Week: https://youtu.be/vkG4zTu9VSQ