Education workers use traditional weapons at graduation, calling for more respectable cultural expression at the university stages.
Education activist Hendrik Makaneta has voiced his concerns on what has been described as “anarchy as a cultural celebration as” anarchy as anarchy in the university graduate stages.
Autumn graduate ceremonies for various South African universities in 2025 are scheduled between April and May. The Vitwatsrand University (VIT) graduate graduate graduates took place from 25 March to 3 April 2025, while Cape Town University held its autumn celebrations from 31 March to 4 April 2025.
While graduates continue in other institutions throughout the year, Makaneeta urged the institutions to curb the disintegrating traditional practices during the ceremonies.
Cultural celebration
Makaneta on Wednesday criticized the growing tendency of graduates bringing Nobakeri, Essegis and other traditional items at the stage of graduation.
He argued that practice gives rise to safety concerns and reduces the dignity of the event.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, it is necessary to reflect the operation of waving waving knobkerries and assegais in our graduate ceremonies,” said Makaneta.
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“Knobkerries and assegais can be considered as intimidation or threatening.”
Accepting the importance of cultural expression, he called for a more measured approach that balances the tradition with safety and decoration.
“We love African celebrations, but some things that we see in the stage of graduation, are now not anarchy,” he said.
Order must be strong
Makaneeta stressed that the good priority of professors, guests and fellow graduates should be the highest priority.
He warned that traditional dances and weapons performance during ceremonies could lead to unnecessary delays and inconvenience to other attendees.
“Our graduate ceremony is a celebration of educational achievement and cultural diversity.
“Let us ensure that these incidents remain a source of pride and joy for all attendees, while promoting the culture of respect and security,” he said.
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He encouraged the students to express their legacy in a safe, less disruptive manner.
“We urge our graduates to reflect their functions and consider alternative methods to celebrate their achievements. There are many ways to express cultural pride and bliss without compromising security or without interrupting the ceremony,” said Makneta.
Institutional responsibility
The worker urged the universities to honor the diverse cultural background of South Africa and set a clear guidelines to protect the integrity of graduation ceremonies.
“Graduation should be a sacred moment. Graduates must be encouraged to honor the stage and respect others who are waiting for their name,” he said.
“Traditional dancers should also respect families who have covered long distances to come and watch their child’s graduation ceremony.”
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