By Staff Reporter TOTS or Turn On The Subtitles – in South Africa – was launched recently, to drive awareness around a simple action that can scientifically improve children’s literacy levels. Turnonthesubtitles.org is working with local entertainment and sports stars to champion an ambitious plan to create the world’s largest literacy programme. The strategy is simple yet powerful: it encourages families to activate subtitles on their streaming platforms to help improve their children’s reading skills. By posting Instagram messages to their social channels Connie Ferguson, Bryan Habana, Proverb, Graeme Smith, Thobile Khumalo, and Ntando Kunene have joined international supporters of TOTS – Jack Black and Stephen Fry…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By Kate Cobbing St Andrew’s College is a kinder, safer and more inclusive place than it was five years ago. Tom’s leadership has helped to reinforce and advance the changes to culture and ethos that began in 2022, building on the legacy of his immediate predecessors. Tom has compassion and social maturity beyond his years, and this has resonated in his influence. While he has been a visible and effective leader in the big moments, his most impactful leadership has been through the influence that he has had in the background. His example of inclusion, care and empathy has subtly,…
By M Ladds Murray has been an exceptional leader in the Andrean Community, and this has been evident in the responsibilities and leadership positions that he has held; Deputy Head boy, Head of Upper house, Captain of Cricket first XI, Vice-captain of the Rugby first XV, Vice-captain of the Athletics team and Grade 8 mentor. In each of these roles, Murray has had a positive influence on those around him and he has demonstrated perseverance, commitment and dedication to bring out the best in all the areas he has served. As Head of Upper House, Murray has been instrumental in all…
By Scott Jackson It is a pleasure to write a short motivation for the work that Luca did as one of the coaches of the U14a rugby side this season. Luca put the disappointment of not being able to play the game himself behind him and found a way to remain involved with the St Andrew’s College Rugby Club. As a coach, he grew immensely as the season progressed. His passion for the team could not be faulted. Luca learned how to conduct himself emotionally when things were not necessarily going to plan and also to stay grounded when the…
By Onthuse Ramaipato As we navigate the challenges of our modern world, literature remains a powerful tool for self-reflection, empathy, and understanding. Through literature, we gain access to the writer’s lived experiences. Harry Owen, a literary legend whose works have impressed audiences for decades, is set to ignite our imaginations with his latest publication once again. Owen is a poet and a writer originally from the UK. He was appointed as an inaugural Poet Laureate for Cheshire in 2003. He then relocated to South Africa in 2008, to the Eastern Cape province. He is the author of nine books, and…
By Nomkhitha Minya and Maretha Potgieter Alex has been an energetic and dedicated member of the Debating Society since Grade 8, showcasing his commitment and passion for debating over the past five years. Serving as the captain of the First Senior team since 2022, Alex has demonstrated exceptional leadership by recruiting numerous Grade 8 students and mentoring beginners, fostering a supportive and thriving debating community. Throughout his debating journey, Alex has participated in numerous tournaments, including the prestigious Rini Debate League. In 2022, he participated in the Round Square eSAI international debate, reflecting his versatility and skill. His achievements include…
By The Division of Communications & Advancement “Rocklands: On Becoming the First Generation of Black Psychologists in Post-Apartheid South Africa” by Professor Liezille Jean Jacobs offers an essential narrative, blending personal history with professional insight to underscore the challenges Black psychologists face in a transforming South Africa. This narrative reflects Jacobs’ triumphs and a broader commentary on the complexities of identity, race, and professional development in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Jacobs’ experiences mirror the struggles of many South Africans who had to navigate an educational and professional landscape shaped by the legacies of Apartheid. Yet, her reflections transform the work into…
By Siviwe Mxuma Rhodes University recently hosted the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Book Award Lecture, which honoured one of the institution’s most distinguished scholars, Associate Professor Siphokazi Magadla, from the Department of Political and International Studies. The event was a celebration of her book Guerrillas and Combative Mothers: Women of the Armed Struggle in South Africa, published by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press last year. This important work provides a thorough examination of women’s roles in South Africa’s armed struggles against Apartheid from 1961 to 1994. The evening was opened by Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who gave a glowing introduction to…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is celebrated globally every October to create awareness about breast cancer. Grocotts Mail reporters Sihle Nyamanda, Siphesihle Joji and Andisiwe Platjie went around town and asked local residents about what they understand about illness. Paddington Katuruza, 32, from Makhanda There is not a lot I know about breast cancer. I just know that it is very deadly and there is awareness around it. Treatment is accessible for a person who needs it, but if you can’t afford it, you won’t be treated. Elsie Bouwer, 36, from Hoogenoeg I don’t know much about breast…
By Staff Reporter Concerned about the state of service delivery, particularly the ongoing water struggles local residents continue to grapple with, the Makana Citizens Front (MCF) this week decided to seek answers from the powers that be, warning that the worst could be on the way. In a letter to municipal manager Pumelelo Kate, mayor Yandiswa Vara and the Human Rights Commission, the MCF sought an explanation regarding the Settlers Dam pumpstation, among other issues. The party argued that “the Settlers Dam pump maintenance failure and routine check is another root cause of the great water disaster and crisis impacting…