By Anga-Anganda Bushwana Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies embarked on a groundbreaking initiative, hosting the inaugural “Art of New Beginnings” event at Barratt Lecture Hall on 23 February 2024. This endeavour aimed to welcome first-year students while fostering connections among journalists and academics, transcending the boundaries of experience and embracing the spirit of starting anew. Draped in academic gowns, the lecturers of the Journalism School set the tone for the event, symbolising the gravity of the occasion. The gathering witnessed the presence of a distinguished guest, award-winning journalist Chriselda Lewis, who took the stage to share insights…
Author: Anga Bushwana
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By Anga-Anganda Bushwana In journalism, where every word holds the power to shape perspectives and ignite change, few embody the essence of storytelling with as much depth and conviction as Chriselda Lewis. With over two decades of dedicated service to the craft, Lewis is a beacon of truth, resilience, and unwavering compassion. Reflecting on her illustrious career, Lewis shares insights into the myriad of experiences that have woven the tapestry of her professional journey. “I have so many profound stories that I have covered, but wow, in 21 years, there have been so many,” she muses, emphasising the vastness of…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana As Rhodes University commemorates its 120th anniversary, it’s not merely a celebration of history but a reaffirmation of values and commitments. Grocott’s Mail had the privilege of speaking with Professor Sizwe Mabizela, the Vice-Chancellor, whose insights shed light on the institution’s unwavering dedication to accessible education, zero tolerance to gender-based violence, and collaboration with the local community. Amidst the festivities, Professor Mabizela emphasised Rhodes’ fundamental principle: quality education must be accessible to all, regardless of financial background. “No academically capable young person can be turned away from Rhodes University on account of their inability to pay fees,”…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana Rhodes University (RU) is renowned for its outstanding academics and active student life. However, the university has a darker side hidden behind the partying and mingling. As far back as 2008, researchers C Young and V de Klerk found in two annual drinking surveys at RU with over 3500 students that “approximately half of the students reported drinking patterns that were hazardous, harmful or alcohol-dependent”. Three years later, in 2011, research conducted by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies for Soul City found that RU was “the university with the highest alcohol consumption”. Fast forward to 2023,…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana Zwelethemba Yaka is a 63-year-old pensioner residing in Fingo Village in Makhanda. Despite his age, Yaka is an avid runner who has participated in numerous marathons throughout his life. Now, as he prepares for his 13th Soweto Marathon, which takes place on 5 November 2023, he is reaching out to the community of Makhanda for support to help with transportation and accommodation expenses. This is Yaka’s inspiring journey and the positive impact running has had on his life. Yaka’s passion for running began unexpectedly in 1987. As a former rugby player, he initially took up jogging to…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana Mairi van Schoor, a Grade 10 learner from VIctoria Girls’ High in Makhanda, has headed to Johannesburg this week to take part in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair. The fair takes place from 3 to 6 October 2023, with a total of 330 local young scientists and 20 participants from Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, and Turkey presenting their innovative projects and vying for cash prizes and bursaries In a world where curiosity fuels innovation and science unravels the mysteries of the universe, van Schoor is a remarkable young…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana In the heart of Vukani, Makhanda, the Seventh Day Adventist Church has established itself as a place of refuge and nourishment for those in need. Led by Thandeka Doris Mthwalo, this food kitchen initiative goes beyond providing meals. It offers support, guidance, and a sense of community to individuals facing various challenges. During a Grocott’s Mail visit, we had the privilege of speaking with Mthwalo, Pastor Mthuthuzeli Madinda, Nokuzola Joyce Khalithi, and Sabela Baba, who shared their unwavering commitment to serving the community. Mthwalo, a dedicated leader of the food kitchen, understands the struggles faced by many…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana The Black Consciousness Movement has played a significant role in shaping the discourse around the human condition of being Black in an anti-Black world. One prominent figure who has embraced this philosophy is Professor Tendayi Sithole of the Department of Political Sciences at the University of South Africa (Unisa). Sithole was a key speaker at the Black Consciousness Colloquium organised by the Rhodes University Political and International Studies department on 13 September 2023. The four-hour-long discussion shed light on the importance of Black existentialism and its alignment with the teachings of Steve Biko. Sithole drew parallels between…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana In August, President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the remission of non-violent offenders in South Africa to reduce prison overcrowding. As a result, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) released 89 prisoners from Waainek Prison in Makhanda. The release of eligible offenders began on August 21, 2023, and is expected to continue until November 2, 2023. Singabakho Nxumalo, the DCS spokesperson, says the programme is conducted according to departmental policy. “As per the departmental policy, offenders who are released unconditionally are not monitored by the Community Corrections office, as they are released on their sentence expiration date,” said Nxumalo.…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana Residents are up in arms after 34-year-old Phakama Tshobo was burnt to death in a shack in EThembeni three weeks ago, allegedly by a relative’s boyfriend. The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) membership and executive leadership, including the principal of TEM Mrwetyana Secondary School and SADTU Makhanda chairperson Nomalungelo Tambo, visited Tshobo’s family home in Extension Nine on 30 August to mourn Tshobo. “We would have been having a Women’s Day celebration but because we are women and we are grieving with this family, we thought it would make the family feel supported by showing up…