By Ntombekhaya Busuku The Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (HKE) at Rhodes University celebrated 80 years of transforming lives. What began in 1945 as the Department of Physical Education has undergone major transformation and rebranding over the decades. “We started as the Department of Physical Education… then in 1982 we became Human Movement Studies, and in 1995, we became Human Kinetics and Ergonomics,” said Andrew Todd, a senior lecturer in the HKE Department. These changes reflected the goal of understanding how humans move and work in different environments, from sports fields to workplaces. “When we think about humans’ physical…
Author: Ntombekhaya BUSUKU
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By Ntombekhaya Busuku Rod Amner, a senior lecturer at Rhodes University and the former director of the Development Media Agency (DMA), has distanced Rhodes University from the controversy surrounding Eastern Cape health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo. The Hawks arrested Kupelo after submitting a fake matric certificate to secure his position as deputy director of communications. Based on the testimony given by Kupelo’s supervisor, Siyanda Manana, in court, Kupelo also presented a community journalism certificate he claimed he obtained from Rhodes University. Amner clarified Rhodes University did not issue the certificate in question. He explained that the course Kupelo completed in…
By Ntombekhaya Busuku When Noel Reddy’s young cricket team, comprising 20 boys and one girl, clinched their first-ever match, he says their jubilant roar of joy echoed like a world cup triumph. For Reddy, the community engagement officer at Rhodes University’s Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, this moment crystallised his life’s purpose. In Makhanda’s Currie Street area, where schools once lacked any sports programmes, Reddy has become a catalyst for change. Frustrated by the absence of physical education and opportunities from the Departments of Education and Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, he helped launch the Young Warriors Cricket Programme (YWCP).…
By Ntombekhaya Busuku In celebration of the upcoming birthday of the late and former president of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Grahamstown Properties is continuing its campaign to collect blankets to donate to the less fortunate. “We have managed to collect about 80 blankets so fair,” said Jillian Tyson. Tyson also said they have hopes of receiving more donation from the generous community of Makhanda. “We want to collect at least 300 blankets” said Tyson. Grahamstown Properties is calling on the Makhanda community to support this blanket donation campaign to keep the less fortunate warm during this brutal winter. …
Sorry For the Weight, Comedy Venue: Graham Hotel Next performance: Sunday 6 July 11:00 Review/Interview By Ntombekhaya Busuku Sorry for the Weight is a comedy show fuelled by JamJam’s sour moments in life. He showcases his unique brand of humour and storytelling by turning bitter life experiences into side-splitting stories. Known for his quick wit, and infectious energy, JamJam invites his audience on a journey filled with laughter and relatable narratives. In this hilarious show, JamJam comments on issues of race in South Africa, politics, relationships, weight stigma, and socioeconomic issues. For example, JamJam mentioned that in a country that…
Dusk to Dawn: Dance & Physical Theatre Venue: PJ’S Review By Ntombekhaya Busuku Dusk to Dawn is a creepy, powerful and profoundly touching piece produced by Jozi Dance company, and co-choreographed by acclaimed artists Jayd Swart and Phume Sikhakhane. The performance marries ballet and contemporary dance to confront the traumatic impact of gender-based violence. The performance opened with a man dragging what appeared to be a dead body with a rope. From that moment I felt cold and at the same time curiosity held my breath. The lighting, the attire — particularly the veil — and the soundscapes were just a…
Cantos of a Life in Exile: Theatre Venue: Amazwi South African Museum of Literature Next performance: Thursday 03 July 20:00 Review By Ntombekhaya Busuku Cantos of a Life in Exile is a brilliant Solo performance that is written, performed, and directed by Makhaola Ndebele. The show marries storytelling, poetry, and songs to explore exile, memory, and the search for home. The performance is deeply rooted in rich Southern Africa oral traditions of storytelling, and the story portrays a story of a resilient young man who tries to find his identity across borders. Cantos is a moving reflection of Cultural inheritance,…
Ubuhlanti: The Solution Oriented Platform Experience, Ingxoxo Indawo: The Black Power Station Uhlolo lomboniso NguNtombekhaya Busuku I-Black Power Station ibisingathe imisitho yeNational Art Festival izolo, phakathi kwawo ingobizwa ngoBuhlanti. Le ibiyingxoxo ebizinyaswe ngempumelelo luluntu lwaseMakhanda kunye nabantu ebebesuka kwiimvaba ngeemvaba zeli phondo leMpuma Koloni esingabalula kuzo iLovedale. Eyonanto ibitsala umdla kakhulu ngale ndibano kukuba ibizinyaswe ngabantu abadala kwakunye nolutsha, kwaye abantu bebengahlelanga nje ebuhlanti, koko beberhabulisana ngebhekile yomqombothi. Uluntu obelusingathe le ndibano belumbenje-mbenje sisinxibo sakwantu, imibhaco ngeliphandle. Le ndibano ibinesithethi esiyintloko esaziwa ngokuba nguGqirha Loyiso Nqevu nodume kakhulu ngokufundisa uluntu ngokubaluleka kokugcina amasiko, izithethe kwakunye neelwimi zakwantu. Le nginginya ibifundisana…
Ndinkhubanyi: Theatre Venue: Dicks Review By Ntombekhaya Busuku I was already drawn to the play when the actors of Ndinkhubanyi opened the stage, singing a very popular Xhosa song ‘Masiyembo’. The song sends a powerful message to the people about going back to their roots and remembering who they really are. A masterstroke, because the song brought the theme of ‘redefining oneself’ to life. The audience was so moved that they sang along with the actors. The play married physical performance and mime with music and intsomi storytelling. Ndinkhubanyi moved between historical and contemporary events. The different art disciplines helped…
Black Women and Sex, Film Venue: Olive Schreiner Next performance: Tuesday 01 July 19:00 Review By Ntombekhaya Busuku As a black African woman raised in a home and society where discourse about sex is viewed as taboo, watching Godisamang Khunou’s documentary Black women and sex – and even compiling the review – felt discomforting to this reviewer. But my uneasiness only accentuates the importance of the conversations explored in the film. Khunou’s lens transmits firsthand realities for three distinctive individuals: Glow Makatsi, a South African Trans woman; Iris Kaingu, a woman jailed over a sex tape in Zambia; and Olawumi…