Becoming with The People of the Sky: Nia Assata’s Journey in South Africa
By Nia Assata Muhammad, Undergraduate Student, Junior Sociology Major, Afro American Studies Minor
Howard University Zulu In South Africa Program (HUZISA) - Summer 2024
Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship Recipient
I embarked on an unforgettable study abroad experience in South Africa during the transformative summer of 2024, becoming a part of "The People of the Sky," the beautiful Zulu people. This six-week voyage presented me with numerous opportunities to immerse myself in the Zulu language and culture. This experience expanded my academic horizons and affected my personal development and perspective. I participated as a Summer 2024 Howard University FLAS Fellow, studying abroad via the Howard University Zulu in South Africa (HUZISA) program with Howard, Harvard, and Jackson State University students.
The program showcased the diversity of South Africa, including a three-week stay in Durban and an additional three weeks in Johannesburg. In Durban, South Africa, I conversed with young girls regarding the question, “What does it mean to be a young Black woman in South Africa?”. I shared my experiences as a young Black woman in the United States. I loved interacting with local schools, as I could observe the students' infectious enthusiasm and boundless potential firsthand. Each interaction served as a testament to the capacity of education to inspire and empower families, individuals, and entire communities. It was an honor to introduce my experiences as a student at Howard University to students and to share on the global media platforms Ukhozi FM radio, Radio 2000, and the talk show Daily Theta.
The warmth and resilience of the people in the Umlazi township and Kwa Mai Mai market deeply moved me, where I learned traditional songs, dances, and cultural practices of the annual Reed Dance, performed by the young maidens. Through the performing arts, the Kwa-Mashu Community Advancement Projects (K-CAP of Positive Arts) exposed me to the innovation and unity of South African culture. I studied traditional South African dances and songs and saw folklore transform into stage shows. One of the most memorable moments from my trip was representing Howard University in promoting inclusive global educational opportunities at the Zulu Royal Palace before King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini. I had the opportunity to discuss curating scholarship opportunities for Zulu students with numerous honorary members of the Zulu Royal Family and the Prime Minister. I am both honored and appreciative to have been a part of this historic moment and to have exemplified the significance of global leadership, education inclusivity, and HBCUs.
