Education activist
Hendrick Makaneta
By Hendrick Makaneta
Education activist
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called on universities to address the practise of traditional celebration at graduation stages.
The use of knobkerries and assegais or traditional dance at a graduation stage can pose a danger to professors and guests.
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.
While we understand the importance of cultural expression and celebration, we cannot ignore the concerns raised by the presence of these objects on stage.
The safety and well-being of all attendees, including graduates, professors, and guests, must be our top priority. Waving knobkerries and assegais can be perceived as intimidating or threatening, and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected.
We acknowledge the significance of cultural heritage and traditional practices in our community.
However, we must also consider the potential impact of our actions on others.
In this case, the presence of knobkerries and assegais on stage can cause unnecessary disruptions and delays, affecting not only the ceremony’s flow but also the experience of other graduates and attendees.
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.
We encourage graduates to rather use their traditional weapons in the comfort of their homes where they will have plenty of time instead of delaying others at a graduation stage.
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.
We love African celebration but some of the things that we see on the graduation stage are no longer celebration but chaos.
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.
Traditional dancers must also respect the families who have travelled long distances to come and witness the graduation ceremony of their child. Let us not turn beautiful moments into disasters.