By Aphiwe Ngowapi In photography, talent is not limited to age, and Lithemba Nziweni, a 23-year-old local photographer who hails from rural iXesi in the Eastern Cape, is living proof of this adage. This young artist has swiftly risen to fame, capturing the essence of celebrities like Msaki, Kholeka Putuma, Ami Faku and the late AKA. Through his lens, he has secured work opportunities in the media industry that may leave many envious of the young photographer. “I want to make photography the same way Msaki makes music,” says Lithemba Nziweni who has a Hairitage exhibition was featured in a…
Author: Aphiwe Ngowapi
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By Aphiwe Ngowapi A group of dedicated learners from Victoria Girls’ High School (VGHS) and Graeme College in Makhanda have embarked on a mission to honour the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko by submitting their application to Makana Municipality to have Beaufort Street renamed to Steve Biko Street. The students believe that renaming the street would serve as a powerful reminder of Biko’s contributions to the struggle for equality and justice in South Africa. “The reason that we come to you today is that we believe there is a specific street here in [Makhanda] that holds huge significance, not…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi Entrepreneur, rapper, producer, and hip-hop presenter at Rhodes Music Radio (RMR) are some hats multitalented Azlan Makalima wears. Fueled by a passion for artistic collaboration and community empowerment, Makalima, together with other local hip-hop artists, celebrate 50 years of hip-hop by hosting a one-of-a-kind “Rap-Akademy Xperience” show on 12 August at the Fingo Library Hall. The event, aptly titled “The Rap-Akademy Xperience,” is a testament to Azlan’s dedication to fostering artistic connections and nurturing emerging talents. The function is an exciting convergence of various creative expressions, with a primary focus on showcasing the potential of the local…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi On 28 July, development agency Kagiso Trust held an awards ceremony for 20 out of 25 Makhandans who participated in and completed two workshops: the Capacity Building and Asset Based Community-Led Development (ABCD), which took place between 24 April and 27 July this year. The purpose of the workshop interventions was to strengthen and support Makhanda East’s civil society. On the podium, Mike Makwela of ABCD and some of the other stakeholders were present at the awards ceremony. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi. Kagiso Trust’s goal is to work towards “a prosperous, peaceful, equitable and just society”. They also…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi On the morning of 25 July 2023, eNkanini residents blockaded roads. They stopped an empty water truck that had just delivered water to Extension Six, while they had not had water delivered to them since Friday, the week before. “We blockaded the water truck to get attention from the municipality because they never have time for us and do not take our grievances seriously,” said eNkanini resident Sivuyile Kulati. The strategy seemed to work because the drivers eventually returned to the community with water on the same day. “Anything that involves this municipality is tiring; they only…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi Despite the cold weather, leaders from various sectors, both public and private, including Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, gathered at Makhanda’s 1820 Settlers Monument for the much-anticipated Sarah Baartman District’s Growth and Development Summit on Wednesday, 19 July. Since Covid-19, this was the first growth and development summit themed “We are an Engine for Growth”. The Summit focused on economic strategies and solutions for the District and province, which is set to pave the way for a prosperous future. “We are free; we are liberated, yes we are led by the government of the people by the…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi On June 16, the Makana Municipality hosted a Youth Day event at the Soccer City on Raglan Road. Community members of Makhanda rejoiced and danced. Photo: SIZO Media. Community members gathered around the venue excitedly while feasting their eyes and ears to dance and music performances. The organisations that attended the event included Sound and Print Studio, Makana Rape Survivors Support Group, Eastcape Midlands College, Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape Social Development, Eluxolweni Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), C.M. Vellem, and Samuel Ntlebi primary schools. The Ward 10 Councillor, Zodwa Cethu, said, “We are hosting this youth…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi Between 12 and 17 June, Kingswood College, St Andrew’s College, and the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) hosted their annual derby. Known as K-Day, the week of sports clashes between the three schools first began in 1898. Even with the windy winter weather, parents and the Makhanda community came out in masses. The whole week was packed with sports and cultural events and shows for the whole family. The ‘camaraderie’ between the players and supporters was phenomenal, and words cannot begin to describe it. All photos by Devon Kivitts. The June 2023 KDAY sports extravaganza. Photo: Devon…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi Six Zimbabwean nationals, found guilty of rhino poaching, appeared at the Makhanda High Court on Wednesday, 14 June 2023, for their long-awaited sentencing. The six felons were first arrested in July 2018. Almost five years after their arrest, Francis Chitiyo, Trymore Chauke, Misheck Chauke, Simba Masinge, Nhamo Muyambo, and Abraham Moyane have been sentenced to between 16 to 20 years for conspiracy to kill rhinos so that they could steal their horns and for possession of an unlawful firearm and ammunition. The Eastern Cape conservation community and members of the public filled the Makhanda High Court courtroom…
By Aphiwe Ngowapi On 14 June 2023, pastor and traditional healer Odwa Kondile, accused of raping a young woman, was granted R2000 bail with conditions at the Makhanda High Court. The defendants’ attorney, Malili Mgangatho, appealed to the Makhanda High Court to reverse the Magistrate Court’s earlier “refusal to admit the appellant to bail.” The earlier ruling was taken on 29 May 2023 at the Magistrates Court, when Kondile’s trial date was postponed to 29 June 2023 due to a delay in the long-awaited DNA results by the prosecution team. Makhanda pastor and traditional healer Odwa Kondile is on trial…