The craze around social weekend events in various universities and colleges appear to have increased recently.
However, the intensity of the antics on display and the fun games in the execution of the gatherings seem to have undergone refining and students are bent on outdoing what their colleagues do.
The costume parties have provided the biggest attraction. The peculiar designs and out of the closet regalia that are worn have provided laughter and disbelief to bystanders.
During their recent social weekend, Lilongwe Technical College students had placards which read ‘RIP Soche Technical College’.
This was a sly dig at their counterparts and boasting that their event surpassed the standards reached by their counterparts.
However, although these events are just for fun and entertainment, some of the antics have ruffled some feathers. Not long ago, the Catholic Church nun’s regalia that was worn by Mzuzu University (Mzuni) students generated both debate and condemnation.
It was also the same with a costume that University of Malawi (Unima) student wore, which resembled a character from the popular science fiction film Avatar, during their last social weekend.
In an interview with Chill, Unima entertainment director Louis Makwinja said execution of their events is not aimed at outshining or provoking any institution.
“At Unima, we see ourselves as trendsetters, not competitors. As the mother university, we deliver with excellence and others follow. That is why we proudly say that we are the university that God loves the most,” he said.
Makwinja attributed the recent surge of interest in the events to social media platforms that have strategically feasted on the creativity displayed by students.
However, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) entertainment director Kaso Mwalichi said the comparisons of how the entertainment events are executed has sparked the silent competition.
“In public universities, there is always an element of competition, not only in terms of entertainment, but even the quality of learning, the outlook of the campus and academic excellence. It has become more prominent entertainment-wise. Everyone wants to be the best,” he said.
Mwalichi dismissed any feeling that the students retain moral obligation in their quest to express themselves during such events.
“I don’t think students believe a particular costume can have any moral repercussions once they wear it. The limitations just come naturally depending on how far one wants to go in expressing themselves,” she aid.
Mzuni Students Union president Weasley Malekano said navigating through school work is not easy and the periodic let-offs are good for the students.
“There is toiling and sweating. The social weekend events offer an opportunity for some release. The more the excitement, the more they refresh their minds and brains. Students need such moments,” he said.
Mzuni assistant registrar (public relations and international affairs) Cliff Kawanga said as school administrators, they understand that social weekend events are part of the school curriculum and an opportunity to free students from intensive academic work.
He said: “This is the only window where they can relax away from their books.
“We know they are responsible enough and we don’t set any parameters on what they do. As long as what they are doing will not harm the next person, then we are fine. They have their own mechanisms which provide for self-censorship. It does not come from us.”
