On 20 September 2025, the Nelson Mandela University community gathered on campus in Gqeberha for the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Cultural Evening, themed “Echoes & Imprints.” The showcase brought together students, staff, and guests to celebrate heritage and the university’s creative spirit. Headlined by Nomfundo Xaluva and conducted by Kutlwano Masote, it came to life through a fusion of symphonic and jazz performances, choral music, visual art, and spoken word.
The annual Vice-Chancellor’s Cultural Evening has become a show on the university calendar, offering students, staff, and invited guests a platform to experience the power of artistic expression. This year’s programme reflected the institution’s dedication to preserving heritage while inspiring new voices in the creative arts.
The Event/Occasion
Headlined by acclaimed jazz vocalist Nomfundo Xaluva, the event featured performances by the Nelson Mandela University Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Ensemble, university choirs, and spoken word artists. Under the baton of renowned conductor Kutlwano Masote, the evening wove together diverse art forms that captivated audiences.
The event’s theme, Echoes & Imprints, symbolised the ways culture connects past, present, and future, leaving lasting impressions on individuals and communities. Visual artists added a striking dimension, turning the venue into a living gallery that resonated with creativity.
Community Reactions
Guests described the evening as “uplifting” and “a true reflection of Mandela University’s soul.” Many praised the seamless fusion of classical music, jazz, and poetry, saying it reflected the diversity of South African identity.
For students, the night was more than entertainment, it was a reminder of the power of art to shape memory and inspire unity. “We saw ourselves in the performances, and we left with hope,” said one student attendee.
