By Staff Reporter In the heart of Westmead, a small town nestled within Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, a remarkable young man named Ntobeko David Mfeka was born. His story, set against community challenges of poverty, alcoholism and teenage pregnancy, is nothing short of inspirational. At the tender age of 19, Ntobeko embarked on a journey of hope and determination to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at Rhodes University. His family, a single-income household, relied on his mother’s modest salary to make ends meet. Yet, from a young age, Ntobeko’s heart was captivated by the world of business and commercial concepts,…
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By Ilva Pieterse Rhodes University has persistently opposed the fixation on international ranking systems dating back to at least 2013. That year, a panel was hosted by Rhodes University’s Education Department to “explore what can and cannot be measured in universities, and where the ‘obsession’ with measurement comes from.” Panellists included former Vice-Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, and Distinguished Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka, SARChI Chair for Global Change Social Learning Systems Development. The panel was chaired by Professor Sioux McKenna, Director of the Rhodes University Centre for Postgraduate Studies, who had made an observation about a significant rise in the global preoccupation with…
By Mathews Nthinya Rhodes University TV students showcase unique profiles In the bustling world of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, fourth-year students specialising in Television are making waves with their creativity and dedication in the media space. Before diving into their visually captivating documentary projects, these students initiated a unique exchange of personal profiles, where they formed groups, taking turns to produce, direct, and film for each other while sharing their remarkable stories. Owethu Mabaso: Finding Solace Through Journaling Hailing from Australia but growing up in South Africa, Owethu Mabaso shared her profound journey of solace and peace…
By Steven Lang There were subtle differences between this year’s Remembrance Day Parade held last Sunday, 12 November, and other recent editions of the commemoration. For one, the weather was windy and cloudy with occasional squalls whereas in previous years it had been hot enough to cause band members to faint on Church Square. The layout of the ceremonial location was rotated 90 degrees to make more space for the various wreath-laying delegations and for the small stands used to accommodate a larger audience. It was also the first time that the St Mary Scouts gained a place in the…
By Staff Reporter Running a simple errand, playing in the streets, or with a trusted member of the community are some of the details in cases of alleged rape that were heard in the Makhanda Magistrates’ Court by presiding magistrate Xoliswa Msesiwe this week alone. As the scourge of violence against women and children rises, Makhanda communities have been rocked by various allegations of rape that came to light this past week. These rape charges have triggered the attention of community members and anti-gender-based violence activists, who, in protest, have called for the denial of bail for the alleged perpetrators.…
By Dr Ashley Westaway, GADRA Education Manager The schools of Makhanda lie at the heart of the city’s educational success and should be recognised as the bedrock of the upcoming Makhanda Education Summit. There is a marvellous diversity to the local schooling sector… it is much more a rich tapestry than a motley crew. Just like the Springboks triumphed in the World Cup because of diversity and its positive spin-offs (such as inclusivity, commitment and creativity), so too is the marvellous diversity of the local schooling sector is arguably the stand-out feature of the city. There are many ways to…
By Mathews Nthinya Founded in 1904, Rhodes University (RU) is planning a year-long and global celebration of its 120th anniversary in 2024. The university’s stakeholders and alumni have joined hands in an impressive display of unity and excitement to make this event a memorable tribute to its remarkable history and future aspirations. Director of the Division of Communication and Advancement, Dr. Luzuko Jacobs, says “Each significant milestone in the life of an institution, especially institutions such as RU, that are founded on pluralistic goals and multiplicity of interests.” He adds that these goals and interests present an opportunity for (i)…
By Katlego Nkosi While most students are looking forward to winding down the academic year, Dagan Naeser is preparing to begin a new journey with the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. Naeser follows in the footsteps of the Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who himself is a past beneficiary of the same bursary. This year, 16 students from universities across South Africa have been awarded a three-week-long all-expenses paid educational tour. They start in Cape Town on 28 November and travel to the UK on 01 December, where the “Abes” will visit places such as the House of…
By Ian Siebörger The war that has erupted in Israel and Palestine since 7 October has caught many of us off guard with the ferocity with which both sides are trying to destroy each other and its utter disregard for civilian lives. South African news coverage of Israel and Hamas highlights how nothing about the conflict is straightforward and what a difficult line we need to tread if we are to work for peace. It has been impossible for me not to become emotionally involved in the war. I have a Palestinian PhD student named Mohammed who is at this moment…
Stay in the loop with the latest and join the MEW WhatsApp group! POP-UPS/ FESTIVALS/ EXHIBITIONS/REPEAT EVENTS Friday 10 – Saturday 11 November Table Too French Evening A delicious meal including Celery and Blue cheese soup with croutons. Coq au Vin (chicken cooked in red wine & bacon, mushrooms & thyme) served with mash & green beans, Parisian salad with beetroot & walnuts, Nougat Glacé & berry coulis. Vegetarian option: Crépes filled with ricotta, leeks & mushrooms. @ Table Too, 16 Donkin Street 19:30 for 20:00 Contact 0826718558 / 0839602366 R220 per person THIS WEEK THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER U3A This week, the…