By Chubeka Kulu In the heart of Motherwell, Eastern Cape, Siphiwe-Sami Qoko’s journey unfolded amidst the contrasting experiences of a middle-class upbringing and the trials of financial difficulties. Her childhood was shaped by the comfort of a loving home and the challenges of economic uncertainty. Still, it was underpinned by her parents’ unwavering belief in the power of resilience and education. Choosing to study Fine Arts at Rhodes University was a pivotal decision for Sami. Though initially uncertain, the welcoming atmosphere of the university and the familiar streets of Grahamstown (Makhanda) — her father’s hometown — quickly felt like home. Here,…
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By Kungawo Ralo and Thina Stamper Day 2 of the journalism summit was held at the Bioscience building of Rhodes University on Friday, 5 April. The summit aimed to discuss and elaborate on different issues dealt with in journalism. On the day, the summit was convened by Professor Anthea Garman, and she was joined by various guest speakers from other parts of the country who contributed significantly to the discussion. During the debate, journalists raised issues they grappled with in their profession. In the heart of journalism, stories of violence, abuse, and tragedy persist, challenging reporters to navigate with craft…
By Ropafadzo Madziva and Gremma Matiwa The Journalism Summit, held by Rhodes University School of Journalism and Media Studies on 4 April, highlighted the revolutionary changes and the role that journalism education has played over the past 30 years. “Our role is to nurture critical citizens of the world,” said Rhodes University lecturer Prof Sioux McKenna as she began the analysis of the university as a neoliberal institution and the implications for the critical education of professionals. McKenna further elaborated on how universities impact the economic value of the country and how human activity is viewed through the lens of economic…
By Sindisiwe Tshona and Nosiphiwe Nyangana Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies’ hybrid conference titled Journalism Summit 2024: Seeds of Change – cultivating the future of Journalism in Africa, had over 120 participants from all over the world, including the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and Gaza. The final day of the conference, held on Saturday, 6 April, at the Africa Media Matrix, brought together a diverse group of voices to discuss the future of journalism in Africa. During the conference, a Makhanda Declaration was presented, which outlined a vision for journalism’s future rooted in African values and experiences.…
By Lehlogonolo Masuku “We must protect this profession, even if it means renaming it to something else; we cannot fold our hands and allow it to collapse,” said Dr Sfiso Mnisi of the School of Communication at the University of Johannesburg. A symposium hosted by the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) at Rhodes University on 4-6 April 2024 under the theme, “Seed of change: Cultivating the future of Journalism in Africa”. The journalism community, civil society, and academia converged in Makhanda to ignite continuous conversation surrounding the journalism profession, particularly in this ever-changing technological landscape in which it…
By Chumisa Ndlazi As South Africans gear-up to commemorate Freedom Month, I find myself reflecting on the legacy of Monde Tabata. He was not only a notable figure in rugby and corporate South Africa but, also a prominent student leader in the Eastern Cape during the 1980s. In my view, his life exemplified the essence of preserving and advancing democratic ideals by tirelessly advocating for justice, transformation, and the empowerment of the youth. In fact, if left to one’s imagination, the song Flowers of the Nation by Jonas Gwangwa could easily be interpreted as an ode to unsung heroes like…
Stay in the loop with the latest and join the MEW WhatsApp group! POP-UPS/ FESTIVALS/ EXHIBITIONS/REPEAT EVENTS Friday, 12 April – Saturday, 13 April Table Too: Lebanese Evening A delicious spread of Lebanese food including Mini Lamb Mince pizzas with allspice, cinnamon, cumin & chilli, Red Lentil & Tomato soup with coriander yoghurt, Slow-roasted Chicken with lemon thyme, allspice, cinnamon in a muscadel, grape & almond sauce, Megadarra (spiced lentil and rice with caramelised onions), Sumac salad with tomatoes, red pepper, cucumber, red onion & mint, Baklava with cream Vegetarian option: Stuffed Butternut with red kidney beans, butterbeans, feta and hazelnuts. @…
By Richard Mayr Austrian-born Prof Rupert Erich Olaf Matthaus Mayr and Erna Luise Anna Mayr, who were husband and wife and mom and dad to us, his three sons, Erich, Bernhard, and me, Richard, made a significant contribution to awareness and enjoyment of classical music, particularly to the Eastern Cape. Rupert passed away on 2 June 2022, and Erna on 22 March 2023. Rupert Erich Olaf Matthaus Mayr was born in Linz, Austria on 1 April 1926. He was an only child and, at age four, started studying the piano and organ, plus the theory of music. One of Franz…
By Staff Reporter Sixty alumni of the Gadra Matric School (GMS) graduated from Rhodes University this week – a record high. Gadra, Rhodes University (RU) and several partner institutions have been building pathways that facilitate access to the university, including the Nine-Tenths Mentoring Programme, the GMS and the Rhodes Bridging Programme. Some of the most notable achievements of the 2024 GMS Rhodes graduates include: Twenty of the GMS graduates accessed Rhodes via the Bridging Programme. Eighteen GMS alumni are awarded post-graduate qualifications, including Eldridge Goliath, who graduated with a Master of Education. Two students, Liselihle Kanana and Nqoba Boyi, graduated…
By Lepho Mantanga What immediate steps must be taken on someone’s death? Death is inevitable, and it is the one thing that is certain in our future. We will all die at some point, and arrangements need to take place for our final send-off. Most people would prefer a dignified funeral to achieve this. The majority of us, at some stage in our lifetimes, will need to either plan or play an important role in the funeral arrangements of a loved one to ensure that they take place in a dignified and respectful manner. It should also be noted that…