‘A mini wedding’: The cost of graduation

Middle income graduates spending between N$5 000 to N$15 000

“It’s worth a little party after all I have been through.”

This is what convinced Elizabeth Michael (29) to spend N$15 000 on her recent graduation after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).

Like other graduates who spent nights studying, and along with being diagnosed with a health condition, Michael believes her graduation was worth celebrating.

During the recent graduation season, The Namibian spoke to students about how much they spent on their ‘big day’ and why. Of those spoken to, Michael was one of the biggest spenders.

She spent N$2 500 on decor, N$2 500 on music and N$800 for a photo shoot of four pictures.

“Groceries for the graduation party alone was about N$4 000 and the rest of the money was for the designer and graduation sash, tassle and hat,” Michael says.

GRADUATING ON A BUDGET

Michael, who is from a middle-income family in Windhoek’s Otjomuise area, says she made use of a friend’s second-hand graduation gown.

However, she says she bought her own sash, tassel and graduation cap, and used the family car to take her to and from the ceremony.

She further cut costs by doing her own hair, nails and make-up.

“I am a beautician and fortunate to have done my own nails, hair and make-up, which could have cost over N$2 000,” she says.

Michael adds that her friends and family – some of whom travelled from far – persuaded her to host a party, which was attended by more than 49 guests.

PRESSURE TO LOOK PRESENTABLE

Naita Livingi (25), who graduated with a bachelor of arts in sociology, philosophy and applied ethics from the University of Namibia (Unam) on 29 April, says preparing for and attending the graduation was physically and emotionally draining.

“Attending a graduation ceremony can be very expensive,” she says.

Livingi says the university specified which tailors meet their graduation attire standards.

“Most of the students cannot afford the full set, including the graduation hat, tassle and scarf, which cost between N$750 to N$1 200, depending where one buys it from,” Livingi adds.

Make-up artists charge between N$300 to N$550 for a full face, which she could not afford.

She says to cut costs, she spent February teaching herself to apply her own make-up from YouTube tutorials.

TAXI TO GRADUATION

Livingi says travelling with her father from Rundu to Windhoek and back from the ceremony cost N$2 200.

The family spent N$1 050 on accommodation for three days, N$180 for boho braids and N$400 for taxi fares.

Livingi’s graduation attire cost N$750, plus N$280 for her dress and N$200 for her heels. She used her old accessories and a handbag to complete her look.

SKIPPING THE PHOTO SHOOT

Livingi says she decided not to do a photo shoot to cut costs, using her mobile phone to take pictures instead.

Asked whether she hosted a party, she replied: “No. Travelling for the graduation was already expensive.”

She celebrated with a cake a friend baked at home with her family.

Livingi’s father, Joao Livingi, says they could only celebrate her achievement on a limited budget.

He says although he wishes he could have celebrated his daughter’s achievements with a lavish party, the budget would not allow it.

“We were not sure if she was graduating due to the outstanding tuition fees, which the university later reconsidered. The graduation was a day before pay day and I could not not do much,” he says.

DRINKS ON ME?… NOT

Nyasha Mandizvidza (22) who graduated on 7 May with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, specialising in software development at Nust, says his family spent approximately N$4 890 for his graduation.

“My graduation kit consisted of the gown, hood, tassel and hat, which cost N$1 200,” he says.

His photo shoot, however, only cost N$80.

“My haircut cost N$160 – just a brush cut. The after-party cost N$1 150, which comprised a graduation carrot cake of N$400, soft drinks and snacks of N$100, and a meat platter of N$650,” Mandizvidza adds.

Mandizvidza says his family hosted a surprise party for him after the graduation ceremony.

“It was a wonderful, splendid party,” he says.

‘IT’S LIKE A MINI WEDDING’

Some of the young men, like Mandizvidza, say they spent a week preparing for their graduation, including skin-care routines.

Mandizvidza started preparing for his graduation in March, looking for the ‘best suit’.

He bought his graduation perfume at the beginning of the month, as well as a new belt and a set of brown shoes to match the suit.

Mandizvidza planned his photo shoot for the day before graduation.

“My photo poses and walking style had to be perfect, so my graduation looked like a mini wedding, posing for the best shots.” The aim was to look and smell good, he says.

Mandizvidza’s advice to future graduates is to plan ahead, ensure guests are invited on time and set money aside for outfits and expenses.

SPENDING GRADUATION
AT HOME

Meanwhile, some graduates chose not to attend the ceremony or throw a party due to financial constraints.

Uriputjike Tjipumba (37) who obtained a diploma in media studies at Unam on 29 April could not afford a gown to attend the ceremony.

“Graduation preparation is not affordable, one has to dig into your pocket to secure everything,” he says.

“I chose not to attend, and will rather attend for the honours degree graduation,” he says.

Tjipumba believes what matters is the qualification obtained, and not whether one attends the ceremony.

“The knowledge acquired is on paper and not proven by attending the ceremony or hosting a party and other activities,” he says.

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