A night to remember: Rethinking student entertainment

By: Lathitha Matebese

For many students, days are often filled with lectures and submissions, but amid that, joyful moments do not go unrecognised. For an evening, students filled the lawns with music and anticipation for a night of connection. The shared experience revealed deeper truths about the opportunities Makhanda is missing out on and where universities step in to fill the gap. On Saturday, 18 April 2026, the Helen Joseph residence at Rhodes University hosted its Bonfire Carnival in collaboration with Oldies and Red Bull. The residence committee created an evening of bliss, entertainment, and academic relief through karaoke, a jumping castle, an inflatable bubble house, and a highly anticipated bonfire where people could roast marshmallows.

The Bonfire Carnival hosted Helen Joseph Residence in collaboration with Oldies. Photo by Helen Joseph Residence.

With a carefully planned itinerary, the Helen Josepsh residence committee created a warm and lively atmosphere despite the unforgivingly cold weather, allowing students to have a night of child-like fun, a contrast to the usual bustle of dawnies, tutorials, and assignments. Beyond entertainment, young and emerging student entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products, broaden their customer base, and gain valuable experience. This year, the carnival featured student-run businesses such as Victoria Co, which sells fuzzy wire flowers and more, as well as established businesses such as Red Bull and Oldies Restaurant, which sold boerewors rolls to combat the evening hunger.

The event organisers of the HJ Bonfire Carnival are working to create a safe and exciting evening. Photo by Erin Arends.

The turnout reflected the dire need for more social events where students can engage in social interaction, with the comfort of knowing they are in a safe environment. In a town often short on resources for safe fun, students brought excitement, energy, and a willingness to connect with people, even as they navigated the ongoing challenge of limited recreational services and facilities. A 2004 survey conducted by Rhodes University found unequal access to recreational services due to differences in socio-economic status. The results highlighted the clear need for new facilities and the proper maintenance of existing facilities. In contrast, higher-income areas reported that existing facilities were adequate, underscoring the broader issue of socio-economic disparities that remain prevalent in modern South Africa. Student and university-led initiatives play a more profound role than simply providing leisure outside the classroom; they help bridge gaps and create intersectional opportunities in affordable entertainment, social engagement, and accessibility. 

Residence events, particularly those open to all students, oppose a bigger issue than boredom. They create a space for community, allowing people to have a night of leisure in a controlled environment, and combat isolation. Events such as these promote inclusivity, especially for those living in off-campus residences and who struggle to create entertainment and connections for themselves. Beyond entertainment, safe recreational spaces serve as a buffer against the daily stresses and anxieties of being a student with responsibilities. The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the importance of diverse activity, outdoor play, and social interactions, as symptoms of depression increased due to restricted access to recreation areas. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a clear illustration of the importance of social engagement, showing that an extended period in isolation or reduced day-to-day interaction takes a toll on people’s mental and emotional health and social skills. However, the importance of human interaction extends beyond unprecedented crises. University social events serve as a reminder of the importance of accessible entertainment and the creation of a student community, and they show the positive impacts institutions can have when the holistic well-being of students is considered.

Students enjoy the bonfire in the evening, creating a warm, lively atmosphere. Photo by Erin Arends.

The Helen Joseph Bonfire Carnival was a success, showing what another version of student nightlife could look like, particularly in a small town. It also gave a glimpse of the endless possibilities for what Makhanda could become. A town heavily dominated by young students needs to reflect its demographics and recognise the value of nurturing their safety, entertainment needs, and social skills. University residence events and university-led initiatives continue to oppose the scant entertainment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.