Capped from a distance: Coronavirus upsets graduation tradition
For the first time in the 150-year history of the North-West University, graduandi were capped “from a distance” in the Sanlam Auditorium on the Potchefstroom campus this morning.
The cap that Professor Daryl Balia used to cap students from the Faculty of Humanities, was fixed to a dowel stick of about a metre in length – in keeping with the “social distance” policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Graduandi also received their sashes before entering the stage to minimise contact. In the past, the registrar would place the sash over their shoulders after they were capped.
For the first time in 150 years students at NWU in Potchefstroom were capped from a distance during the graduation ceremony on Friday. 
The cap that Professor Daryl Balia used was fixed to a dowel stick of about a metre in length. 
This unusual measure was necessitated by the Coronavirus outbreak and a subsequent “social distance” policy. Photos: threestreamsmedia
The audience experienced some light relief when the sash of Zakumi Mtsweni, who received an honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies, fell to the ground twice. Professor Pamela Maseko, Executive Dean: Faculty of Humanities, came to her aid.
Balia, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Information Technology and Campus Operations (Potchefstroom), explained to students, friends and family in the audience that although no cases of the Covid-19 strain of the Coronavirus have been reported in the area, the NWU wanted to make sure it kept students and visitors safe.
Management is still considering whether to cancel graduation ceremonies planned for next week, Balia said.