By Amahle Cele The importance of linguistic diversity and the role of multilingualism in society was the focus of a recent event at Rhodes University, where Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, welcomed guests and introduced Professor Bassey Antia as the keynote speaker. In his opening remarks, Professor Mabizela expressed his commitment to promoting multilingualism and praised the work of Professor Antia, who is a leading figure in the field of linguistics. Professor Bassey Antia, a leading expert in linguistics, presented plans for a new project that seeks to promote and celebrate linguistic diversity. Antia emphasized the importance of recognizing and preserving…
Author: Amahle Cele
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By Amahle Cele With a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, 24 July, the Grahamstown Observatory Museum unveiled its latest exhibition, ‘The Victorian Men of Science’, celebrating the contributions of prominent figures like Henry Galpin and Dr William Atherstone to science. The unusual Victoria building housing the Grahamstown Observatory Museum was once a hub of astronomical discovery and home to some of the country’s most renowned astronomers, who made numerous discoveries using the powerful telescopes on display. In 1859, watchmaker and jeweller Henry Galpin bought a simple double-storey establishment on Bathurst Street for £300. During the next 23 years, he made…
By Amahle Cele In honour of Nelson Mandela International Day, locals gathered at the SPCA in Makhanda this week for fun-filled mornings of giving back. As part of the 67 minutes of Mandela, organisations, families and individuals take time out to make a difference in their communities by giving back through donations and support. At the SPCA, visitors enjoyed the experience of helping animals and spending quality time with the creatures that call SPCA home. The morning was packed with activities for all ages, including creating a garden, walking dogs, playing with puppies and visiting Project Sunshine to show cats…
By Amahle Cele The Eastcape Midlands TVET College campus in Makana convened a productive, successful business breakfast at the Amazwi Literature Museum on Thursday, bringing together stakeholders and experts to explore opportunities for economic growth and youth development in the Makana Municipal area. The event aimed to foster collaboration and innovation among local businesses, entrepreneurs and education institutions. Attendees included prominent business leaders, TVET College representatives such as Charl van Herdeen, principal Zakithi Dlamini, deputy principal of academic services, Lindithemba Sdeba, director of Partnerships and Linkages and Babalwa Nkwentsha, the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development’s director of Youth Development.…
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…