Author: Amahle Cele

By Amahle Cele The Hyacinth Wild consists of Dave Starke, Lizzie Gaisford, and Strato Copteros, who share a deep connection with the Eastern Cape, having resided and performed extensively within the region’s vibrant musical landscape. The band, known for their captivating cover performances, is now shifting their focus back to original songwriting, with Starke commenting on their desire to return to their roots. “Our music is rooted in the life and experiences of South Africa, observing and acknowledging what the country has gone through in sounds of progressive blues, rock, folk, funk and Americana,” Stark says. Their thought-provoking lyrics delve…

By Amahle Cele and Sibongiseni Maphumulo Traditional leaders, government officials and ordinary residents of Makhanda gathered at the eGazini Battlefield in kwaNdancama on Monday to commemorate thousands of amaXhosa soldiers killed during the Battle of Grahamstown in April 1819. Marking 205 years since the battle took place, the event aimed to honor the memory of more than 10 000 Xhosa warriors who lost their lives in the prolonged conflict over the land now known as Makhanda. Dubbed the Makana Freedom Festival, the event was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, remembrance, and celebration. As the sun dipped low on the horizon,…

By Amahle Cele, Phila-Nathi Mapisa and Luvuyo Mjekula With the May general election fast approaching, the Eastern Cape ANC is confident of securing another victory in the province. A bullish Eastern Cape premier and party chairperson, Oscar Mabuyane, assured thousands of supporters at the party’s provincial manifesto launch in Port Alfred at the weekend that the party would remain in charge of government after the national and provincial elections on 29 May. “We have old political foes…that are making deals to remove the ANC from power.”  “[But] all the registered 350 political parties, including analysts and independents, will eat humble…

By Amahle Cele The Documentary  Filmmaker’s Association and the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) recently held a riveting screening of Temperature Rising at Rhodes University. In a dynamic convergence of action and narrative, the docLOVE program featured an event that showcased the struggles and victories of youthful South African activists fighting climate change, immersing the audience in a world where local efforts have a worldwide impact.  Temperature Rising sets out to investigate natural disasters caused by climate change in Southern Africa. Anita Khanna, Jacqueline van Meygaarden, and Rehad Desai directed and produced the documentary, which chronicles the passionate…