I saw Ozzy Osborne Graduate

The graduation ceremony was a grand affair held in the Safari Court
Hotel in Windhoek. I would guess there were about 3000 in attendance
for the 1000 graduates less absentia. I expected a pretty standard
affair and that was what we got. The Polytechnic uses the traditional
gowns and funky hats with the little tassel. All of the head
academics were represented by their department’s color.

We had front row seats for the affair and I sat with a number of
members of parliament. The president and most of the council are
responsible for attending all graduation ceremonies at each of the
universities in the country, Polytechnic of Namibia and the University
of Namibia. All of the students had an opportunity to shake the
presidents hand.

I almost fell off my chair when I noticed that one of the graduates
named in the program was Ozzy Osborne Peheeeru. You often see
interesting first names given to people in Namibia. Examples include;
Freedom, Consequence, Ozzy Osborne, Patience, Doctor…

As the graduates were called there were frequent outbreaks from the
back of the room as parents and relatives so overcome with joy jumped
up hooting and hollering and trotted to the stage. One couple started
dancing around feverishly as their son accepted his qualification.
From what I understand, horse tail hair tied into a ponytail was waved
around to signify rejoice. Students were offered plastic bouquets of
flowers and hugged strongly as they left the stage. It was a really
nice sight to see.

Many of the parents coming from the rural areas of Namibia had
sacrificed immensely to send their children to a tertiary institution.
I was told that in some cases entire villages sponsored one special
student.

The president gave an excellent speech about the challenges facing the
country and the benefit of a knowledge based economy. It was great to
finally see the president speak; actually my first presidential
address 😉 His ability to inspire was obvious based on the crowd’s
response.

I was not granted access to the event with my camera. Only media were
allowed to enter with cameras. I will try and get at least a few
photos from the Polytechnic’s official photographer.