Author: Philanathi Mapisa

Nelson Mandela University and Rhodes University recently co-hosted the Multilingualism Indaba, an event focused on the vital role of South Africa’s diverse languages in higher education. Hosted at Rhodes University’s Gavin Relly Postgraduate Village, the Indaba brought together students, scholars, and language practitioners under the theme “Milestones in Motion: Collaborating for Multilingual Futures”. It highlighted how universities are transforming to be more inclusive by recognising that languages are at the heart of our identities. “Our languages carry our histories, knowledge systems, and ways of making sense of the world”, said Sisonke Mawonga, University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) implementation project manager…

isiXhosa journalist, writer and poet, Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi would’ve turned 150 years this year. He is known for this role in writing isiXhosa verses for the South African national anthem and having played a role in translating the bible. The Department of African Languages, headed by Professor Linda Kwatsha and the School of Languages and Literatures, in partnership with Grocott’s Mail – which is celebrating 155 years this year – remembered the distinguished linguist who fought for the acknowledgement and preservation of isiXhosa, challenging the colonial oppressors to recognise the language and to allow isiXhosa speakers to speak in…

By Claire Kelly The Pride March was the highlight of Rhodes University’s Pride Week, held from 12–22 September, where students and staff came together to celebrate with the wider Makhanda community. For the past three years, Pride Week has been an important tradition at Rhodes, rooted in two of the University’s core values: diversity and respect. It is a time to recognise and affirm queer identities, to create spaces of solidarity, and to remind one another that every person’s dignity deserves to be seen and honoured. Through Pride, we share strategies for resilience and thriving, promoting wellbeing and building supportive…

Rhodes University’s SRC led a dazzling International Parade to mark Heritage Day, with numerous residences joining the celebration. Students dressed in traditional attire, carrying flags and symbols of a wide range of heritage, paraded with pride, bringing together cultures from around the world in celebration. Helen Joseph House was awarded Best Creative Residence, and Atherstone House earned the title Most Participating Residence. Photos: Linathi Nomntsetse 

By Rhulani Mabasa The Victoria Girls High School Choir showed their talent once again at the 10th Annual Gospel Classic concert, Gospel Goes Classical. The hall was full of parents, alumni, learners, and community members who came to enjoy an afternoon of praise. The concert was led by Khabazela Mkhize, the choir conductor, and hosted by Praise Mathebula as MC. Mkhize said the concert began 10 years ago because the school wanted to focus more on classical and opera-style music while allowing learners to enjoy gospel. He said that although Victoria Girls’ High does not hold prayers because of its…

By Garikai Chaunza The 2025 Rhodes University postgraduate conference ended on a high note last weekend with students and academics taking stock of the gains and setbacks in South Africa’s higher education sector a decade after the #FeesMustFall protests. Held over two days the event attracted more than 300 students from across the Eastern Cape, under the theme “Reimagining research futures: ten years after #MustFall – local and global shifts”. For many participants, the conversations rekindled memories of the 2015–2016 student uprisings that shook universities across the country and forced the government to act on tuition fees, funding structures, and…

By Lindani Donyeli Simamkele Ngwenyeni and Mpho-Entle Moyikwa claimed this year’s Mr and Miss Recycle titles at Andrew Moyake School of Excellence’s third annual competition. The event was conceived by project coordinator Zuzeka Ndumiso and her colleague Nolonwabo Mkabayi. The project started in 2023, driven by the purpose of combating the “dirtiness” in Makhanda communities — dirtiness caused by illegal dump sites– by encouraging recycling. Mkabayi and Ndumiso started by teaching their learners, educating them about the importance of taking care of the environment. They also introduced easy ways to encourage taking care of the environment, one being the Mr…

By Fahdia Msaka, Luyolo Sithole and Yanganani Gora Climbing over rotting heaps of trash, exposed to sharp objects, metal, broken glass, toxic fumes, and disease, waste pickers in Makhanda make a living by separating plastics from metals, glass from food waste and other discarded materials using nothing but their five senses. Among them is a young girl who claims she is 18 but looks barely 16. Her eyes tell a story that she was not comfortable sharing, a story that seemed to weigh heavily on her. She works alone alongside men, alone, with other and even younger boys. In Makhanda,…

By Sinesipho Geca The Meqoqo Playback Theatre Collective collaborated with the Rhodes University Counselling Centre this week to mark Suicide Prevention Month with a performance that invited students to share their personal stories of suicide. A number of students are in conflict with their inner selves, bearing untold stories in a cycle of depression, anxiety or attempted suicide. Which is why psychologist Catherine Parkinson, a member of the Rhodes University Counselling Centre, worked with Meqoqo to share her message with students and survivors. “People get nervous and most of them think about suicide. That is why we want to make people aware…

By Sive Rihanna Dasha Fort Selwyn is falling down. For more than five years, heritage activists and experts have tried to initiate repairs to the historic landmark adjacent to the Settlers Monument. But Albany Museum, which is responsible for the site, has remained largely unresponsive. According to advocate and former Albany Museum board member Jock McConnachie, the fort is a landmark that deserves proper attention and care. “Fort Selwyn is important to our heritage, and it’s a site that the community and visitors alike should be able to appreciate safely,” he told Grocott’s Mail. The military fortress was built in…