Graduation celebrations or cultural chaos? Expert weighs in
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has voiced his concerns over what he describes as 'chaos masquerading as cultural celebration' on university graduation stages.
Autumn graduation ceremonies for various South African universities in 2025 are scheduled between April and May. The University of Witwatersrand [Wits] undergraduate graduations took place from 25 March to 3 April 2025, while the University of Cape Town held its Autumn ceremony on 31 March to 4 April 2025.
While graduations continue at other institutions throughout the year, Makaneta urged institutions to rein in disruptive traditional practices during ceremonies.
Cultural celebration
Makaneta on Wednesday criticised the growing trend of graduates bringing knobkerries, assegais and other traditional items onto the graduation stage.
He argued that the practice poses safety concerns and undermines the dignity of the event.
'As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, it is essential to reflect on the conduct of waving knobkerries and assegais at our graduation ceremonies,' Makaneta stated.
ALSO READ: Frustration mounts as higher education websites remain offline for days
'Waving knobkerries and assegais can be perceived as intimidating or threatening.'
While acknowledging the importance of cultural expression, he called for a more measured approach that balances tradition with safety and decorum.
'We love African celebration, but some of the things that we see on the graduation stage are no longer celebration but chaos,' he said.
Order must prevail
Makaneta emphasised that the well-being of professors, guests and fellow graduates must be the top priority.
He warned that traditional dances and displays of weaponry during ceremonies can cause unnecessary delays and create discomfort for other attendees.
'Our graduation ceremonies are a celebration of academic achievement and cultural diversity.
'Let us ensure that these events remain a source of pride and joy for all attendees, while also promoting a culture of respect and safety,' he said.
ALSO READ: Soweto schools disrupted after student's tragic death
He encouraged students to express their heritage in safer, less disruptive ways.
'We urge our graduates to reflect on their actions and consider alternative ways to celebrate their achievements. There are many ways to express cultural pride and joy without compromising safety or disrupting the ceremony,' Makaneta added.
Institutional responsibility
The activist also urged universities to set clear guidelines protecting the integrity of graduation ceremonies while honouring South Africa's diverse cultural backgrounds.
'Graduation should be a sacred moment. Graduates should be encouraged to respect the stage and to respect others who are waiting for their names to be called,' he said.
'Traditional dancers must also respect the families who have travelled long distances to come and witness the graduation ceremony of their child.'
NOW READ: DUT denies claims of Nsfas registration portal closure
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Rising elephant numbers spur celebration and concern in South Africa
Home to 44 000 African savanna elephants and a population that continues to grow, South Africa's conservation efforts have demonstrated success, unlike in some other countries where elephant numbers are on the decline. 'Our elephants are a national treasure, a keystone species, an integral part of our heritage, and play a significant role in maintaining a balance where the creation of value exceeds consumption, crucial for sustaining and increasing South Africa's social and natural capital, which are fundamental for inclusive socio-economic development,' the deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said on Tuesday. As South Africa joined the global community in celebrating World Elephant Day, the deputy minister noted that elephants in South Africa have also expanded their range over the past 40 years. Most elephants in the country live in government-protected areas like Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and Tembe Elephant Park. These parks are part of larger transfrontier conservation areas, where elephants often move freely across national borders and are shared with neighbouring countries. 'In addition to these large parks, there are 89 smaller, fenced reserves that also support elephant populations. About 6 000 elephants are owned privately or by communities, and in recent years, more and more communities have started to manage elephants themselves,' Singh said. While South Africa's success in recovering elephant populations offers hope for the species, the deputy minister warned that it also brings a difficult trade-off in the context of the country's developmental agenda and needs. 'As elephant numbers and ranges expand, encounters between people and elephants have increased, particularly in rural communities living near protected areas. 'Human-elephant conflict can result in crop losses, damage to infrastructure, and in some cases, injury or loss of human life. For many affected families, these incidents can threaten food security and livelihoods. 'Managing these interactions is essential to ensuring that conservation gains do not come at the expense of community well-being. It requires innovative solutions that promote co-existence, such as improved land-use planning, early-warning systems, community-based monitoring, and benefit-sharing initiatives that recognise the costs of living alongside elephants,' Singh said. While re-imagining conservation in the country, South Africa's aspiration is to ensure that thriving elephants contribute to improving the well-being of people and ecosystems simultaneously. The country's conservation efforts are guided by the four goals of the White Paper policy on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity, which are aimed at balancing conservation with sustainable use, transformation, access and benefit sharing. The deputy minister was addressing the Elephant Indaba at Bonamanzi in KZN, a province that is home to the second-largest elephant population in the country. The Elephant Indaba coincided with World Elephant Day, which was celebrated under the theme: 'Matriarchs' and Memories'. World Elephant Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the urgent need to protect and manage the world's elephants. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
WIFE of Durban plane crash pilot pays emotional tribute
The wife of veteran South African pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray who was killed in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Durban on Thursday, has paid an emotional tribute. Blackwood-Murray, 61, was performing a display in his ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft as part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport, when the plane crashed into the ocean just before 14:00. Emergency services and eyewitnesses quickly responded, with reports of the plane plunging into the sea near Suncoast Beach. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), eThekwini lifeguards, Police Search and Rescue, and other agencies launched a joint operation, which remains ongoing as at the time of publishing. 'The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and provide a platform for Police and Metro divers conducting scuba operations,' said NSRI duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan. Battery Beach and surrounding areas have been closed to the public as wreckage continues to wash ashore and search teams expand their efforts. Blackwood-Murray, well-known within aviation circles, was regarded as a world-class pilot and true gentleman. He was celebrated not just for his elite flying skills, but also for his warmth and mentorship within the aviation community. Kyla Blackwood-Murray took to Facebook on Saturday to pay tribute to her husband, writing: 'Yesterday I said goodbye to my most favourite boy in the whole wide world. 'It was the call I have been dreading my whole life. But I always said I would rather he go doing the things he loves the most. I just didn't realise he would have left so soon. 'He was my world. We did everything together and we had so many plans. We were going to grow old and be the most awesome geriatrics together. 'He has taken away the biggest piece of my soul and I don't know how I am going to live without my wingman. 'He brought me more joy than I ever imagined possible. He was always there for me helping me become the best version of myself. 'I am beyond heartbroken. Just to have one more day with him. If only. 'My baby may you soar the skies and visit all the amazing places you had on your bucket list. 'You rocked my world. You gave me meaning and purpose and I don't know how I am going to do life without you. 'Thank you for loving me completely. I am devastated. You will always be my person. Forever and always Andrew Blackwood-Murray.' 'Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved,' shared respected media personality and close friend, John Walland, who remembered him as 'a warm and passionate man whose skills touched so many lives.' Others reflected on his humility and approachability, regardless of how busy he was. 'Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot… He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar,' wrote Venessa Richardson. 'My heart bleeds, Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I'm glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you,' added Ryan Douwie. As the search continues, tributes to Andrew Blackwood-Murray serve as a reminder of the deep personal and professional impact he made throughout his life. His passion for flight, dedication to airshows, and mentorship of the next generation of pilots leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. Authorities have asked the public to remain sensitive to the situation and to allow recovery teams the space and support needed as the operation progresses. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Rendani Munyai reminds TUT women of their value
Rendani Munyai reminds TUT women of their value The Economic Freedom Fighters Students Command at Tshwane University of Technology in eMalahleni hosted a women's empowerment event in commemoration of Women's Day. The event, held on August 8, featured Commissar Rendani Munyai, a central command team member, who reminded the young women of the value they carry. 'I am a woman, not because I am a woman, but because all of us are a product of a woman,' she said. Rendani also cited a quote by an African revolutionary that states that a woman should continue to play the role of a mother and a guide, remembering all that they are capable of. SEE THE PHOTOS HERE: She emphasised the need for every woman to remember that she lives in the world and for the world. 'At a moment of death, each man calls out the name of a woman, either his mother, sister, or companion, with his last breath,' Rendani said. The commissar went on to encourage the students to continue chasing their dreams and not fear occupying male-dominated spaces. 'Female leaders, it is possible,' she concluded. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
