by Gerrit Bester

This year's Spring graduation ceremonies at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were not only a celebration of academic achievement, but also a stunning showcase of creativity, thanks to the new regalia designed by the talented staff of the Fashion Design programme, Department of Design Studies, Faculty of Arts and Design. With a fresh approach that blends tradition with contemporary aesthetics, Prof Anne Mastamet-Mason (concept development and researcher), along with André Cronje and Karla Tissiman (design development and illustration), shed more light on how the innovative gowns transformed the academic procession into a vibrant tapestry of artistry.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN OF THE NEW ACADEMIC REGALIA, AND HOW DOES IT REFLECT THE IDENTITY AND VALUES OF THE TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY? Academic excellence and institutional identity are embodied in academic regalia. The province of Gauteng, located in South Africa, is renowned for its diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage and abundant mineral resources. Therefore, the design of TUT academic regalia in Gauteng draws inspiration from these elements.

TUT values inclusivity and social responsibility and the new design is embodied by drawing inspiration from Gauteng's rich cultural and natural heritage. Using leopard and guinea fowl prints reflects a deep respect for South Africa's diverse cultural traditions and wildlife, aligning with TUT's commitment to fostering pride in local identities and contributing to societal development.

The innovative design of academic regalia, incorporating symbols like platinum and gold to represent excellence, aligns with TUT's emphasis on innovation and academic achievement. The use of materials and symbols that evoke prestige and resilience, such as platinum chains and golden accents, echoes TUT's dedication to producing graduates who are both excellent and forward-thinking in their fields.

The design highlights TUT's inclusive and diverse ethos by incorporating cultural and wildlife elements unique to Gauteng and broader African traditions. It celebrates the identities of staff and students from varied backgrounds, reinforcing TUT's value of embracing diversity and nurturing a learning environment where all cultures are respected and represented, fostering a sense of belonging and respect for one's cultural background.  

The focus on Gauteng's natural resources and wildlife aligns with TUT's values of sustainability and regional engagement. By using local symbols like guinea fowl feathers and acknowledging the environmental richness of Gauteng, the design ties TUT's academic identity to its geographical and ecological context, promoting a sense of belonging and connection to the region among the audience.

As TUT emphasises building a solid institutional identity, designing regalia inspired by the province's wealth, both literal (minerals) and symbolic (cultural and wildlife heritage), enhances the University's academic image. This approach strengthens the connection between the University's academic traditions and the region it serves, making the institution's identity more distinctive and grounded in its South African roots.

HOW DID THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAMME AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS INFLUENCE THE CREATIVE PROCESS AND FINAL DESIGN? Presenting the concept to various TUT bodies, including the Department, Faculty and ultimately the Senate, was crucial in refining and shaping the idea and the designs. Feedback from these presentations offered valuable insights, ensuring the designs aligned with the institution's core values and expectations.

Intensive discussions with the Registrar, Dr Michael Mushaathoni, were vital to finalising the office bearers' designs. These collaborative sessions enabled thorough scrutiny, ensuring the designs met functional and aesthetic standards while reflecting TUT's institutional identity and ceremonial traditions. This iterative process of consultation and refinement ensured that the final designs were innovative, polished and symbolically representative of the University.

CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE CHOICE OF COLOURS, MATERIALS AND PATTERNS USED IN THE REGALIA AND THEIR SYMBOLIC MEANING? The use of leopard prints in academic attire represents poise and strength. Leopard prints hold immense cultural significance in South African and African cultures. In the past, African tribal leaders would wear these prints to indicate their authority. Leopard prints are intertwined with South Africa's cultural heritage. 

In Zulu culture, the leopard, known as uNdlunkulu, symbolises power and leadership. Including leopard print in academic regalia acknowledges Africa's and South Africa’s rich cultural history, instilling a sense of pride and identity in academic staff and PhD graduates.

Gauteng is a province famous for its abundant mineral resources, especially gold and platinum, which play a crucial role in the economy and serve as symbolic elements. Platinum, a rare, durable and strong metal, represents prestige and resilience.

The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Registrar's academic regalia features a platinum chain, symbolising academic leadership and excellence. In contrast, the regalia is adorned with golden accents, which signify luxury, elegance and timelessness in honour of academic achievements.

WHAT ROLE DID SUSTAINABILITY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS REGALIA AND HOW DOES IT ALIGN WITH THE ETHOS OF THE UNIVERSITY?

Material Choices: By utilising durable fabrics by a South African garment manufacturer, TUT demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. The designs focus on reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility by emphasising long-lasting, high-quality materials.

Conservation Consciousness:
The incorporation of wildlife-inspired designs, such as leopard and guinea fowl prints, pays tribute to South Africa's rich biodiversity. This approach respects conservation efforts, symbolically promoting wildlife protection while celebrating its cultural significance. 

Symbolic Representation: We acknowledge and celebrate our country's rich heritage by incorporating elements like leopard prints, which hold significant cultural importance in South African and African traditions. These designs evoke leadership and power, as seen in traditional Zulu culture and instil pride in our African identity.

Cultural Inclusivity: The regalia honours the broader African narrative by incorporating elements representing various South African cultures, such as guinea fowl feathers. This choice ensures that the academic attire reflects not only the institution but also the cultural richness of the region. 

Innovation and Excellence: TUT’s focus on innovation is evident in the creative integration of sustainable materials and cultural symbols into the regalia. This demonstrates the University’s forward-thinking approach to both design and cultural preservation.

Social Responsibility: The emphasis on sustainability and cultural heritage reflects TUT’s dedication to promoting social responsibility, particularly in preserving the environment and celebrating cultural diversity. 

Inclusivity: TUT’s identity as an inclusive institution is reinforced through the representation of various cultural symbols in the regalia. This highlights the University’s commitment to embracing and celebrating the diversity of its student body and staff.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THIS NEW REGALIA SHAPING THE EXPERIENCE OF GRADUATES AND THE BROADER TUT COMMUNITY?

Legacy and Tradition:
The regalia’s design, rooted in local heritage, has the potential to become a lasting symbol of TUT’s values and identity. As future generations of graduates don the regalia, it will strengthen a sense of tradition, linking past, present and future students through a shared ceremonial experience. 

Inspiration for academic excellence: The new regalia symbolises achievement, leadership and resilience, serving as a visual reminder of the academic and personal growth that graduates have experienced. It inspires graduates to uphold these qualities as they transition into their professional lives while motivating current students to strive for similar success.

CAN YOU INDICATE WHICH MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION WEAR THE REDESIGNED REGALIA? Currently, all TUT office bearers (Chancellor, VC, DVCs, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Faculty Executive Deans and Campus Rectors). The rest of the academic procession and all graduates will follow soon.

Office bearers at the recent Spring graduation ceremonies donning the new academic regalia designed by staff from the Department of Design Studies.

PHOTOS: Gordon Harris Photographic

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