Ending the year in style

It’s that time of the year again! When the dining halls at Rhodes University host farewell functions for students finishing off their degrees. The “Leavers Dinner” might just be the most anticipated event of the year at Rhodes because not only is it a celebratory event but it is also where academic diligence is acknowledged and awarded.

The “Leavers Dinner” is a function hosted during the last semester of the year just before the beginning of October. It’s an elegant function where dress code is of utmost importance which encourages students to show off their fashion sense and style. The themes vary for each dining hall because each dining Hall hosts the function according to the preference of  resident students.  The very themes for this year's dinners set the bar pretty high for students, with Hobson Hall hosting "An Evening at the Met Gala.” As expected the ladies of Hobson Hall embraced the theme wholeheartedly, donning exquisite dresses complemented by beautiful makeup and jewellery. Hugh Masekela Hall, upheld a standard of their own, with their own theme being “Opulence” the students arrived in their elegant evening attire looking gorgeous. Founders Hall’s theme was, “The Oscars” and a good number of students attending the function dressed accordingly.

The decoration of the dinner was overseen by the house committee and secretary administrators of each resident. The preparation that went into the planning of each dinner was evident in how each hall was transformed from an everyday eating space to a magical world in which students could just relax and celebrate with each other. Fairy lights adorned the walls and ceiling drapings of each hall with either flowers or lights of each table. Founders Hall went as far as creating a human-size Oscar award made of cardboard to add to the Oscar experience.

Music is known to be the life source of any event and this was indeed the case for all the dinners. With such a diverse student body, each hall tried to cater to the different music tastes, by including genres such as Amapiano, R&B, Jazz and hip hop in their playlists.  Which set the tone while students enjoyed the food available on their menu which students neither praised nor complained about. The bar and dance floor was open after the main meal which certainly wicked of the most memorable events of the dinner.

Ultimately, several students didn’t attend the function due to various reasons. One being due to academic obligations. The biggest shortfall of these dinners is the time, most dinners took place during the week, which some students who couldn't  attend claimed they were clashing with academic obligations such as tests and or submissions which leaves out of the experience however some decide not to go because of their personal reasons.

Oppidan students are not excluded from such celebrations, they have their own end of year celebration known as the Oppidan Ball which takes place around the same time as the dinners. The Ball  takes on the same nature as the dining hall dinners, it celebrates and awards diligent students. The very same effort was put into preparation for The Rhodes University Oppidan Ball which took place on the 23rd of September 2023 at the Great Hall. “A Black Tie Event” was the theme with the most votes and therefore the theme for the ball. Communication and marketing for the Ball was clear, transparent and effective because the oppidan committee took to all socials to make the announcements they also sent out emails. The emails stated the venue, date, and cost of tickets (R100 for Oppidans and R120 for Students in Residences).

A fourth-year student who attended the Oppidan Ball stated that the event was well organised and proceeded accordingly. She also stated that the service at the event was amazing. The venue was beautifully decorated and appreciated by most of the students who attended. She mentioned that waiters and waitresses were polite and ready to help or pour drinks whenever they were needed. The music at the beginning of the evening was slightly dull however, an artist performed covers of popular songs later in the evening which elevated the event. Overall, the evening was considered a success however, it was brought up that the food was cold when served and the drinks were not cold at all.

Some students opted not to attend the function due to the price of the tickets and the time the event took place. The oppidan students expressed that the price was the determining factor in their decision which was evident in attendance numbers.

At the end of each night  students still pursuing their degrees  are encouraged to stay in touch with their goals so they too may stand on stage to bid the next generation farewell and venture off into the world while the soon to be alumni are sent into the world with love.

Credits:

Written by: Asa Mkhonza, Abukwe Mjungula, Courtney Meiklejohn, Sinothando Ngema, Thandeka Mosia, Phiwokuhle Mvalo, Mzwakhe Nhlabathi, Ndalo Mbombo

Translator(s): Abukwe Mjungula

Editor(s): Mzwakhe Nhlabathi, Ndalo Mbombo

Final Design: Mzwakhe Nhlabathi

Pictures Taken & Supplied by: Carmen Visser, Elize Everton