What does it mean when graduates come on graduation stages wearing animal skins, feathers and tufts of cow tails, holding sticks and shields?
Hendrick Makaneta, deputy chairperson of the Education for Social Justice Foundation, has sparked a conversation about the conduct of students on stage, saying that the dances, attire and singing are causing a commotion on stage and detract from the decorum of graduations.
“It comes from the fact that the decorum is no longer respectful. It has moved from being a celebration to chaos. We are not against people expressing their identity and culture, but we are worried that these stunts are done to attract 'likes' on social media and trends,” he said.
Makaneta added that a grave concern is about the safety of those in attendance.
“Not everyone wants to be a part of the dances; some parents just want to hear the names of their children being called, and they don’t care about your dances.
“Poor professors are sitting there and could be at risk. One student went as far as to touch the head of the dean, and they could not speak against that because they wanted to avoid drama, so they just tolerated it. People should show their happiness in a way that doesn’t infringe on others' right to enjoy the celebrations,” he said.
Asked whether he believes higher education institutions are still colonial in their approach to matters of academia, he said, “There is no doubt that universities are still Western in their character, even with their approach towards graduation ceremonies. But if students want it to be decolonised, they should have a conversation and advocate for it, but not try to hijack the ceremonies,”
Makaneta added that students who were most guilty of this conduct were from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology.
Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko, a senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the School of Arts (African Languages), said the conversation reflects how far the country is in fully realising the decolonisation of the academic space.
“We cannot have the conversation of decolonisation but not extend it to the ceremonies. There is no danger in bringing a shield on stage; it puts no-one at risk, as those who wear them as part of their cultural attire understand how they must conduct themselves when wearing those outfits. It’s not a war shield like in the olden days, but a different one meant as part of the attire.
“Imvunulo (traditional wear) is not a threat, but pride. The dance, too, is not something people take offence at, it’s simply meant to showcase culture and identity,” Mazibuko said.
She said universities are environments of diversity and they should be able to accommodate people’s differences.
“Different cultures in the country express themselves in their unique way.
Of course, the celebrations should not infringe on the rights of fellow attendees or disrupt the proceedings, taking into account the need for a smooth flow to accommodate the hundreds of students who need to cross the stage.”
— Dr Ronel Retief, Registrar of the University of Stellenbosch
“This trend should be something that is accommodated in the rules of the graduation ceremony. In the beginning, they should alert students that they must keep their celebration within the two-minute frame they are afforded,” Mazibuko added.
Nombulelo Mkabayi Chiya, president of the Student Representative Council at Wits, said for many students, graduations are not just ceremonies but an affirmation after the struggles they have been through while studying.
“It’s not only attached to attire, time frames, even though some parents would allude that it takes time, but it’s a reflection of a much deeper problem. There was a conversation that we should wear specific attire because it’s an academic space, and wearing a suit is a Western cultural practice. It comes across as though only Western culture is appropriate for academia,” Chiya said.
She lambasted the allegation that students might endanger the lives of professors, deans and chancellors on stage.
“No one will go to graduation to hurt a dean, it’s about a person honouring their culture. It’s not only crossing the stage but a breaking of generational bondages as they are the first to graduate in their family. Its representation.
“It’s also an inspirational act. It’s difficult to understand because not everyone has that experience. People must be allowed to wear their traditional attire. Some communities were not allowed into academia; we must encourage it. It’s a stage of transformation; no-one goes onto this stage to hurt professors. It’s about taking pride in the achievement,” Chiya.
Dr Ronel Retief, Registrar of the University of Stellenbosch, said the institution welcomes and acknowledges that “our diverse student community will celebrate their achievements and express their feelings during the graduation ceremony after years of hard work.
“Of course, the celebrations should not infringe on the rights of fellow attendees or disrupt the proceedings, taking into account the need for a smooth flow to accommodate the hundreds of students who need to cross the stage.”
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