“We’re Such a Colourful Nation”: Mzansi Moved by the University of the Free State’s Cultural Contest
- Students at the University of the Free State Qwaqwa campus took the stage in striking traditional attire representing Xhosa, Zulu, Basotho and Ndebele cultures
- The Mx and Mxss UFS cultural pageant drew an enthusiastic crowd as participants performed traditional dances and pose routines
- South Africans watching the video online praised the university for celebrating the country's multicultural heritage
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Source: Instagram
Students at the University of the Free State lit up their Qwaqwa campus on 16 August 2026. The occasion was the Mx and Mxss UFS cultural pageant, and it left South Africans online beaming with pride. Participants walked the stage dressed in vibrant traditional attire drawn from several of South Africa's richest cultural traditions, including Xhosa, Zulu, Basotho and Ndebele heritage.
A showcase of South Africa's rich heritage
As each contestant stepped forward, they paired their outfits with expressive traditional dances and confident pose routines, drawing thunderous cheers from a packed audience. The clip was shared by Instagram user @sweet.reina_n and quickly caught fire, with viewers moved by the vivid celebration of what makes South Africa unique.
What struck many viewers was not just the beauty of the attire but the message behind the pageant. In a country where cultural identity runs deep, seeing young university students honour their roots on a public stage resonated widely. The event brought together students from different ethnic backgrounds, each representing their communities with visible pride. The crowd's energy matched the performers', turning the campus stage into something closer to a national celebration.
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Watch the pageant that has Mzansi talking in the Instagram reel below:
Mzansi reacts to the UFS pageant
South Africans flooded the comments with warm responses:
User @the_make_machine wrote:
"This Is Absolutely beautiful! More videos, please."
User @bathandwasame said:
"We are such a colourful nation ❤️."
User @its_judina shared:
"This looks like my former campus ❤️🥰."
User @dashofcool_ added:
"Tswana girl representing 🌶️."
User @bongiwe_mdadane wrote:
"Ahh man 🔥! Only a Khoisie knows the feeling. Love our diverse community."
User @nomzi51 said:
"Xhosas are on fire."
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Source: Briefly News
