Students splurge on graduation outfits
March is a month of graduation ceremonies at the North-West University Potchefstroom’s campus and looking good when you walk across the stage means splurging. After all, it is a day to remember.
Many students spend thousands of rands on their outfits. Tshegofatso Sepotokele (23) who graduated with a Financial Accounting degree, said, “My family decided to make my graduation day extra special for me just to show me how proud and happy they are for me.’’
“I spent R2200 for my graduation. This includes my dress, heels, nails, makeup, photoshoot, as well as the gown. I am planning on wearing my graduation dress to a function that I will be attending,” she said.
Jarrold Tyler Williams (22) received a degree in BCom Human Resources Management. He spent R2 700 on his attire. “My cousin offered to help me pay for my outfit and I just added the rest because I really wanted to look good. I bought an outfit that I can wear again. There is no point in letting all the money I spent on my suit just to go to waste,” he said.
Matshidiso Maseko (22) a BCom Risk Management graduate, said, “I spent R1000 on my graduation attire that included my dress, shoes, nails and makeup. I am happy that I looked beautiful on my special day.”
Gomotsegang Motaung (22) said her mom made everything possible for her. Motaung, who graduated with a degree in BCom Financial Accounting, said she spent R3 000. “I cannot really tell because I did not have a budget. My mom said that I can go big because she is proud of me and she wants to see me happy. I have been waiting to walk on the graduation stage for a very long time,” she said.
Philipine Maretlwa (23) also wanted to go all out when she received her honours degree in Labour Relations Management. “The excitement got the better of me,” she said. She spent around R1 500 on makeup, hairstyle and her outfit, which she will wear again to an event later this month.
Elbie Steyn (23) obtained a degree in BEd Intermediate and Senior phase. She spent R1 800 on her graduation outfit. She bought her dress to wear again to other functions that she will be attending during the year.