By Mahlatse Mokgope Rhodes University’s annual focus on Pride concluded this week with a talk on how to navigate queer identity as a Christian. From 12 to 22 September, the Nkoli-Fassie Student Society, GenAct, and the office of Equity and Institutional Culture hosted RU Pride, an 11-day celebration and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people through queer-centred events around Makhanda. The talk and dialogue “Navigating queer identity as a Christian” was guided by Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), a non-profit organisation that works towards the recognition and celebration of LGBTIQ+ people on the African continent. The organisation uses biblical texts and theology…
Author: Mahlatse P. Mokgope
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The Black Power Station commemorated Steve Biko’s death by hosting an event to honour his legacy on the anniversary of his murder, 12 September 2025. Under the theme of “Biko for Arts Education”, the event treated patrons to book readings from the seminal works of Biko and American author bell hooks. A moving dance performance by The B-FABBS, and a sincere acoustic performance by local artist Ekrhad Miyoda, wrapped up the memorial event. Siphesesihle Mbikwana, Buhle Malgas, Millicent Sibanda, Munei Mbedzi (from left to right). Photo: Mahlatse Mokgope
What do you do with a void the size of an absent father? In her debut collection of poems, Rootbound, Manthipe Moila confronts abandonment in a potently truthful way. Rootbound is published by uHlanga Press. The poet is from Johannesburg but is now based in Seoul, South Korea. She holds a BA Honours in English Literature from Rhodes University. Mahlatse Mokgope chatted with the poet about the release of her collection Mahlatse: Lucille Clifton said that “poetry is a way of trying to express something that is very difficult to express, and it’s a way of trying to come to peace…