Author: Luvuyo Mjekula

By: The Division of Communication & Advancement As Rhodes University marks its 120th anniversary, the Department of Music and Musicology proudly presents a series of tribute concerts on 13 July 2024. These concerts celebrate “firsts,” highlighting the university’s pioneering role in shaping South African music and its ongoing legacy of excellence and innovation. This special event will honour the ground-breaking contributions of two distinguished composers, Dr Bongani Ndodana-Breen and Dr Paul Hanmer, whose works have set significant musical precedents. Dr. Bongani Ndodana-Breen’s composition, SAFIKA: Three Tales of African Migration, will be performed by Catherine Foxcroft and the Odeion String Quartet, renowned…

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By Staff Reporter Kingswood College has announced Carissa Wilson as the new head of its junior school from January next year. In a letter to parents, Kingswood College head, Leon Grove, announced: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Mrs Carissa Wilson has been promoted to head of Kingswood Junior School and will take up the position in January 2025.” Grove said as the daughter of an Old Kingswoodian, [Wilson] grew up on a dairy farm outside Queenstown and joined Kingswood as a pupil in 1989, completing her schooling in 1995 as head girl in her matric year. After…

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By Jonny Mallett The St Andrew’s College Thistles team took part in the U18 Independent Schools Rugby Festival held by St Alban’s College in Tshwane between 28 June and 3 July. Thistles is a team consisting of non-first team rugby players in Grades 10 and 11 and was established in 1981. The Thistles played three matches against St Alban’s, St Charles, and Cornwall Hill. The opposition offered varying levels of competition. The purpose of the Thistles “tour” is to connect, learn, and enjoy being part of a special College tradition. Against St Alban’s, the Thistles played high-tempo exciting rugby, however,…

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By Chris Totobela Seven young boxers from Makhanda outdid themselves at the South African Boxing National Championships in Durban last week, bringing home six medals including two gold. Grocott’s Mail reported last week that the seven youngsters – Masibulele “Tank” Sigwela, Azola “Destroyer” Moses, Luyolo ” Killer Queen” Nketsheni, Esona ” The General” Peter, Qhama Kilana, Khayelihle Prince and Sesethu “Stinging Bee” Matebese qualified for the national champs after being crowned provincial champions in Mthatha. Sigwela and Moses, both from Mfuzo Boxing Camp, brought home gold medals in their respective weight divisions. Nketsheni lost in the final and came home…

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By Chris Totobela The Makana Local Football Association (LFA) concluded its u13 and u15 leagues this past weekend, after a long and tough season. Hlalani Location’s Seven Stars were crowned u13 champions on Sunday. Meanwhile, Extension 7-based Sophia Stars won the u15 championship despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Maru Academy. Sophia Stars had to defend very well against waves and waves of attacks from Maru Academy in the stages of their encounter. They could not believe it when the final whistle sounded signaling the end of the game. It will be up to the respective champions to…

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By Luvuyo Mjekula The 38-year-old man charged with the murder of his Vukani girlfriend will return to court next week. Mthuthuzeli Madinda is charged with the murder of Ntombomzi “Nomirana” Nonze, 47. Her decomposing body was discovered in the bedroom of her Vukani home by law enforcement authorities in May. It emerged in court that Nonze had a protection order against Manyathi and she had opened a criminal case against him, with a medical report confirming she had sustained physical injuries. The defence had argued that Nonze had withdrawn the case against Manyathi, also failig to appear in court. However,…

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By Chesley Daniels In an entertaining match in front of a large crowd at Lavender Valley, Old Collegians (OC) secured a bonus point win over Malmaison, showcasing their strength and skill on the field. This was an Epru Adams Cup fixture. The match began slowly for OC, with the team making several errors that cost them two tries early. However, they quickly regained their footing, with Siyamthanda Wambi scoring the opening try assisted by his captain. Malmaison struggled to contain OC’s forwards, who continued to pressurise them throughout the game. Dylan Maerman scored the second try, followed by Athini Gagayi,…

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By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling match at the Wentzel Park Sports Ground in Alexandria, Trying Stars 1st XV defeated log leaders Kruisfontein United 24-22, ending their nine-match unbeaten streak in the Epru Score Grand Challenge Top 12 competition. The highly competitive and physical battle was played in good spirit, with both teams showcasing their never-say-die attitude. Despite the loss, Kruisfontein remains top of the log, while Stars remains in fourth position. The match went down to the wire, with Stars securing the win with their intense play, robust physicality and solid defense. The visitors missed several kicks at goal,…

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By The Division of Communication & Advancement Rhodes University is taking the next step in its transformative involvement in the broader education sector in Makhanda through a trailblazing bootcamp for school leaders aimed at cultivating ethical leadership. During the #RU120 celebration year, the university has firmly focused on igniting a nationwide conversation on how universities can play a pivotal role in democratising access to quality education. This involves linking with the entire education value chain – from ECD, to helping improve school literacy levels, to facilitating pathways to tertiary education – but also cultivating a generation of future leaders that are value-driven…

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