By Devon Koen (Cue) For fifty years, the town of Makhanda has been home to the annual winter showcase of arts and creativity, with the National Arts Festival paying homage to a thriving arts industry since its inception. Founded in 1974, the Festival has become the destination for established artists, new and emerging talent, and a space for producers, writers and creators to network and make connections. Festival CEO Monica Newton said the annual 11-day event was a space of an infinite co-creation, and utterly dependent on partnerships between hundreds of people who believe in its value and ideals. “Although…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By Staff Reporter The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has expressed profound sadness that Media24 is shutting down the print operations of some of its most iconic print publications, including City Press, Rapport, Beeld, and Daily Sun. About 400 jobs are expected to be lost as a result of the shutdown. “These titles have been a cornerstone of the South African media landscape, providing essential news coverage and insightful commentary for decades. Sanef notes the response to the reports by Ishmet Davidson, CEO of Media24, undertaking to continue to consult with staff about any potential and subsequent actions and remain…
By Chris Totobela Football fans braved chilly weather and made their way to JD Dlepu Stadium in Joza last weekend and witnessed BC Tigers become champions of the Youth Day Women’s Soccer Tournament. Teams came from many different places to take part in the event to commemorate the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976. Top local sides navigated their way to the final claiming a few scalps on the way such Bathurst City Tigers, Mary Waters, Jacaranda Aces and Gora Pioneers. After the group stages were done and dusted, the two in form sides of the tournament booked a…
By Staff Reporter This year marks the bidecacentennial celebration of Rhodes University, celebrated through the year-long RU120 campaign. The RUCC is, therefore, heeding the clarion call that the university needs to use every opportunity it has to strengthen its ties with broader societal structures. The RUCC tour to the Western Cape will be focused on giving back through music workshops at local schools along the Garden Route and into the Western Cape Winelands as the choir heads to Cape Town. Composer, conductor, and RUCC music director Sibusiso Njeza says this is being done as a proactive way of remaining rooted…
By Staff Reporter Bioinformatics, though relatively new compared to biochemistry and microbiology, is revolutionising the analysis of large biological datasets using cutting-edge computer technology. To honour its importance, Rhodes University has renamed its Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology to include Bioinformatics. This vibrant bioinformatics field intertwines biological sciences and computer science, offering a broad range of applications from genome sequencing to drug discovery. Its interdisciplinary nature not only develops innovative methods and software tools for biologists but also fuels a global surge in bioinformatics research and development. In 2016, the field’s importance was highlighted by a statistic: a third of…
By The Division of Communication & Advancement As we mark 120 years of academic excellence, we reflect on the rich tapestry of history and transformation that defines Rhodes University and its decades of artistic contributions to the arts. Rhodes University is proud to announce a series of performances and exhibits as part of the official National Art Festival (NAF) programme, which marks its 50th anniversary, between 20 and 30 June 2024 in Makhanda. The Rhodes University Fine Art Department, renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, has a special exhibition celebrating four decades of artwork by current and former staff titled “In Conversation:…
The 50th National Arts Festival launched in Makhanda on Thursday. Throngs of visitors are expected to flock to the City of Saints to enjoy arts, heritage, culture, food, music and much, much more. Grocott’s Mail reporters Lukhanyiso Khanyile, Charial Reynders and Anita Mvane quizzed local residents regarding the differences they have noticed ahead of this year’s festival, in comparison to the past four years’. Senkosi Sgulugulu from Rhodes University I feel like this year’s festival is going to be big because posters and signs for venues are already up and they are fixing the roads, that’s the first sign. The…
By Staff Reporter Nearly 300 works and events are on offer at this year’s National Arts Festival (NAF), which launches in Makhanda this Thursday. Founded in 1974, the National Arts Festival will mark 50 years of creative freedom and definitive South African works from 20-30 June 2024, the NAF said in a media statement earlier today. Eastern Cape creativity will be fully showcased across the programme and through the works of crafters whose works will be on display and for sale at the Village Green. Further Eastern Cape focus areas include the Dakawa Jazz Music Programme, the Ensemble, LitFest, Visual…
By Luvuyo Mjekula Controversy is set to intensify in the Makana Municipal Council after Makana Citizens Forum (MCF) councillors the Electoral Court recently ordered to be removed from the Council because they were unlawfully elected, have applied to take the matter on appeal. Lungisa Sixaba, Milo Geelbooi, Thandisizwe Matebese, Zonwabele Mantla and Amanda Deke, joined by Gloria Soxujwa and Mahlubandile Khuhlane, have applied to the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein for leave to appeal the 13 May judgment against the five. The court reviewed and set aside the decision by the now late Ayanda Kota and MCF PR councillor Sixaba to…
By Luvuyo Mjekula Two multimillion rand projects to rehabilitate roads and infrastructure have started in Makhanda, and the Makana Municipality is excited the projects are finally being rolled out after delays. The M Street and Albert Road rehabilitation project, with a budget of R28m, has officially started, said a statement from the municipality this week. “The old tar has been removed and work continues in Albert Road [in Fingo Village],” said the statement from spokesperson, Anele Mjekula. He said the team that will be installing the paving blocks would follow as soon as the surface had been prepared accordingly. “This…