Preparing for the DUT 2025 Graduation ceremonies is not just about graduands walking on the stage receiving their sterling diplomas, degrees, masters and PhDs, showcasing their glitzy gowns, gorgeous hairdos, and beautiful faces.
The ceremonies entails lots of planning from décor in the halls to setting the tone and ambiance, to warm pressed graduation gowns for the academics walking the procession. A vital aspect of graduation is also the presence of the DUT choir both at the Pietermaritzburg and Durban ceremonies.
For the past two days at the Indumiso Campus graduation, beautiful voices were bringing joy to the crowds, singing in high and low tones for the graduation days.
Giving context to role of the DUT Midlands choir was the charismatic Mr Madlala Mtuseni, who spoke about the 50+ students who come from all parts of Pietermaritzburg to showcase their singing talents at the graduation ceremonies.
The DUT choir pelted out beautiful renditions of songs, especially inspiring the graduates with the wonderful lyrics of being the best they can be. Mtuseni, who started out at DUT as a student, studying marketing in Durban in 2005, he then became part of the choir as a chorister, leading the choir in singing.
“From that moment I became a chorister I never stopped being one, giving back to DUT in the form of my musical skills to the DUT choir, and supporting them wherever they are. However, in 2014, I became the DUT conductor guiding the DUT Midlands choir’s performance where my role entails guiding the choir through hand gestures and a baton,” he said.
He happily explained that musical rehearsals and training happens two weeks prior to graduation commencing, and which entails choir activities involving singing musical notes together, and regular practicing of songs which is essential for developing vocal skills and achieving musical cohesion.
He explained that in terms of music there are certain songs that are prescribed that they need to perform. The first being a song Mnomiya wrote called Ihele, a poetic song that describes the graduation ceremony.
The Ihele song wishes graduates well and ends with a resounding halala. Mtuseni then shared on the song called Gaudeamus igitur which in Latin stands for “So let us rejoice”, which is a popular academic song in many European countries, mainly sung or performed at university graduation ceremonies.
He indicated that the choir members have to articulate the notes well, hence practicing is essential. Also, he made mention that new members are always trained as many students in the choir are either graduating or live quite far, so hence there is always the need to ensure training of the new choir members.
He also shared that the graduation is just one of the aspects that the choir performs at as they do have other performances they are required to provide their services at.
Pictured: The DUT Midlands choir with DUT conductor, Mr Madlala Mtuseni.
Waheeda Peters
