Dear parents of graduates… scream and ululate, celebrate, clap wildly and burst out in song – your children deserve it.
Wilna Lambley shared a story last week about attending her son’s graduation and celebrating with other South Africans in the room.
The simple story is inspiring thousands of South Africans to appreciate each other’s cultures.
Lambley was attending her sons graduation at Tuks and although she wasn’t late getting there, most seats were already filled.
“I got a seat next to a black lady. We exchanged stories – she was there for her niece as the mom is in Belgium.”
The proud mother noticed that most graduates at the university were still white. She also noticed the ‘polite little clap’ for white graduates versus the joyfully ululating of the black families.
“I entered into a pact with my neighbour – if she will ululate for my son, then I will clap and whoop for her niece.”
Lambley heard the white people behind her comment on the ceremony as to why ‘THEY’ have to keep on screaming. Her answer and post is inspiring thousands of South Africans to appreciate each others cultures.
“Well privileged white family, here is the reason why: that family, the entire extended family, had to sacrifice far more than what you and yours ever had to do to see their child on that stage. I can say so much more but for now I will suffice with this: scream and ululate, celebrate, clap wildly, burst out in song- your children deserve it.”
And users across social media could not agree more with the beautiful way that one South African reminded others that even though our cultures and heritage may be different… it is the way that we celebrate those differences together that truly matter.
Princess Peloakgosi posted: “I enjoyed the cheers and ululating in 1987 at Wits and I was one of only six Medical graduates out of 250. That was fun and I still do it for my children. I’m waiting to do it once more for my baby next year. Thanks Wilna for reminding us to be happy irrespective of what your neighbour thinks. It’s not about them but about you and your happiness.”
Ndileka Dastile added: “That’s how we express our joy girl thank you for understanding.”
Mpumi J Matiwane commented: “You are right, we celebrate loudly and proudly because sacrifices were made to reach that stage. And as uncertain as it is that your child will get a good job after they graduate it still gives us hope. For that particular family it means “indlala inyile” which directly translates as “poverty will shift” we normally say that when there is a glimpse of hope at alliviating poverty. When 1 graduates we are usually confident that the family is gonna be alright.”
Matimba Ngobeni said: “Wilma u just made my day. Open mindedness like yours is all the gem most of SA needs.”
Geraldine Burrow Brennan agreed: “Fantastic!!!! I love to scream and shout when they achieve the smallest thing!!!!!
❤️even although they might ignore me later
🤣. But graduation is a huge achievement and deserves shouts of joy and congratulations!!!”
Des Clark stated: “Well said my dear friend – let’s celebrate the good things loudly, with complete abandon.”
by 