By Ongeziwe Sigwebela Professor Franklin Larey, the Director of the School of Music at Ball State University in Indiana, United States, was recently honoured for his lifelong contribution to music and education. Rhodes University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Music last Friday, making him the only recipient to be honoured on the day. Originally from South Africa, Professor Larey expressed deep pride and gratitude upon receiving the recognition, calling it “an immense honour” for the work he has done both locally and internationally. Larey says music is more than a sound; it is a bridge between people, culture, and…
Author: Sindisiwe Tshona
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By Sindisiwe Tshona The Spring Graduation was a heartfelt farewell to the university’s icon, Desiree Wicks, who received a rousing standing ovation not once, but twice, in recognition of her four decades of service. Professor Mabokang Monnapula-Mapasela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, announced that Wicks was the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Achievement Award. The honour recognised her “unwavering compassion, leadership, and tireless dedication to the holistic development of Rhodes University students.” For 40 years, Wicks was a cornerstone of student support, championing access and ensuring that “thousands of students from all backgrounds, regardless of race, class, or…
By Sindisiwe Tshona In a ceremony brimming with a sense of homecoming and historic transition, Rhodes University celebrated the installation of Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga as its eighth Chancellor, succeeding Justice Lex Mpati. The 2025 Spring Graduation ceremony was described by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela as a “tremendous day” and a “fresh beginning” for the institution. He highlighted the significance of appointing an alumnus and a son of the Eastern Cape, saying, “We could not have selected a better person… He will build on a very strong foundation but will also chart his own course.” For Justice Madlanga, the appointment was…
By Sindisiwe Tshona and Iphendulwe Sigwebela In the heart of Makhanda, a unique culinary gem thrives, blending traditions from across the Indian Ocean into a beloved local institution. For our heritage series, we sat down with Liaqat Ali, the passionate owner of House of Curry, to discover the story behind the spices. Hailing from Pakistan and a resident of South Africa for two decades, Liaqat identified a gap in the city’s food scene. Tired of the limited options, he was inspired to create a place for traditional Asian food, specialising in the beloved cuisines of Pakistan, India, and South Africa.…
By Iphendulwe Sigwebela and Sindisiwe Tshona When we recently visited the Ten Cross Shoppe on Artificers’ Square, we were warmly welcomed with complimentary cappuccinos by owner Chantelle van Eyssen. And we couldn’t resist trying the famous melktert (milk tart). Van Eyssen’s journey from Rhodes University administrator to culinary entrepreneur began with her grandmother’s time-honoured milk tart recipe. She started baking late into the night after work, fulfilling orders that sometimes reached 60 tarts a day. “If I needed some extra pocket money, I took up orders for milk tarts once a month,” she says. “I had one or two hours’…
By Sindisiwe Tshona and Iphendulwe Sigwebela This Heritage Month, the vibrant tapestry of African culture is being celebrated not just through attire and music, but through the powerful, unifying language of food. A plan for the opening of a new African restaurant is simmering in Makhanda. It’s a story of cultural connection and culinary passion, told by those who are bringing the flavours of the continent to our community. For Dr Esteri Msindo, a Zimbabwean academic-turned-restaurant owner and manager, her soon-to-be-opened establishment, Benejil Afro Cuisine, is more than a business; it’s a mission. After completing a PhD in Sociology at…
Born today-yesterday, Theatre Venue: Rehearsal Room Next performance: Saturday 5 July 16:00 Interview By Sindisiwe Tshona The multi-talented artist, writer, director, producer, and composer Siyabulela Avela Qwalela’s show Born Today-Yesterday has returned to the NAF for a second year running. Qwalela’s work is deeply rooted in storytelling that offers a platform to the voices of communities frequently silenced. From his days as a young artist to his current focus on research-driven narratives, Qwalela’s journey reflects a commitment to exploring untold black experiences and fostering unity within South Africa’s youth. “I’ve been an artist since my youth. Writing came as a…
Umnqophiso The Covenant, Theatre Venue: Centenary Hall Next performance: Wednesday 2 July 19:00 Interview Words and photo by Sindisiwe Tshona Makhanda playwright Nosithembiso Alyce Kuhlane says her emotions are all over the place. There are two main reasons. First, she’s making her debut at the National Arts Festival (NAF) with her first original stage production, Umnqophiso The Covenant, which she wrote, directed and produced herself. Second, the play explores the emotional and spiritual complexities of navigating between Christianity and traditional African beliefs. She was inspired to write the play by the personal confusion that she faced in her own life. “I…
Isilwane Esimnyama: Theatre Venue: Princess Alice Next performance: Tuesday 1 July 18:00 Interview By Sindisiwe Tshona There was a pandemic in South Africa long before COVID, says writer-director Abednigo Dhlamini. Everyone was aware of it – it was in our homes. Dhlamini named it Isilwane Esimnyama. His play explores gender-based violence as a worldwide, long-term, never-ending pandemic. “In society many men are regarded as izilwane, as dogs. As a man, it means I am a dog, I’m a perpetrator in the society. So, we have izilwane in our families, where our fathers become those izilwane when the person that you…
Vox pops Fiddler’s Green Words: Sindisiwe Tshona Photos: Siyamthanda Mnyiwana In recent years, Fiddler’s Green has swelled with eager crowds of young thrill-seekers lining up for the rides and games, especially on weekends. However, when Cue reporters visited the Fiddler’s Green on Sunday, it was very quiet. Could this be because of the new R10 entrance fee for attendees above a certain age, which goes to charity? Or are people awaiting month-end payday? What do festival-goers think? “Fiddlers Green usually gets crowded, but not on Sunday. Most local people are waiting for their pay and children’s grant, which they will…