IT WAS a day Sibusiso “ATM” Mxhakaza had dreamt about and worked for in many years.
But it became a day of disappointment when he was told to leave his regalia outside the graduation hall.
"I walked inside the hall without my shield and sagila. I felt naked!" he said.
On Monday, ATM received his Master’s degree in arts but he could not celebrate the way he wanted to.
Now the maskandi artist is accusing the University of Zululand of undermining his Zulu culture.
“I was doing my Zulu dance as I walked on the red carpet. But as I was about to go into BhekuZulu Hall, an official told me to leave my shield and knobkerrie outside,” he said.
“I explained to him that this was part of my graduation attire. I tried to convince him that I wasn’t posing a danger to anyone, but he refused to listen.”
He said that he was lucky a student, who had watched the entire scene, offered to look after his shield and knobkerrie.
In the video, currently circulating on social media platforms, ATM can be seen proudly dancing with his shield and knobkerrie on the red carpet.
“I had also planned that I’ d dance and celebrate my Master’s degree but after this incident, I felt humiliated. I can’t believe that I’ve been suppressed by a university that is situated deep in the rural areas of KZN, where culture is strictly observed.”
He said he had seen other universities allowing students to express their joy on stage with traditional objects.
“I feel I was discriminated against,” ATM said, adding that he had not reported the incident.
“Everything happened so fast and by the time we were done, it was already late. But I shall be seeking help.”
Gcina Nhleko, the university’s marketing and communications director, said they refuted the allegations made by Sibusiso.
“He was not denied access to the university premises with his shield. It’s the understanding of the institution that he was denied the opportunity to perform during the session in which he received his qualification. It was because this item had not been included in the programme,” she said.
Cultural expert Dr Nomagugu Ngobese from Nomkhubulwane Institute said given the history of the university, one would expect it to promote and be proud of culture.
“Unfortunately, it’s doing the opposite – suppressing and discriminating against African cultures. A shield and knobkerrie go hand in hand with ibheshu. This is part of our culture. This simply means we’re going backwards instead of forward.”
