By Brianna Msiza Jayden Brand is already a force to be reckoned with at sixteen. Born and raised in Makhanda, Brand is eager to serve his community and has chosen an unconventional yet effective way to do so. He has been shortlisted in the Mr Black Diamond South Africa 2025 and Mr Teen South Africa…
Author: Philanathi Mapisa
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By Gremma Matiwa When extreme athlete Cameron Bellamy swims, he swims every stroke to raise money for schools close to Makhanda. His latest achievement — 18 hours and 18 minutes to cross the 60km Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan last month — has already raised more than $54 500 (USD) for rural Eastern Cape schools. Bellamy said he “never really wanted to give up” because he had “this great cause, which we are raising money for, to motivate me”. That cause is the Makhanda-based Ubunye Foundation, which works towards sustainable development by supporting women-led childcare initiatives and which left a…
By Brianna Msiza Attending The HA! Show was easily one of the most fascinating things I have done all year. Francois le Roux — The Ha! Man — is a composer who creates music as he plays. Barefoot and casually dressed in black shirt and jeans, he took the Acoustic Café audience on an emotionally charged journey last Sunday through a sonically rich performance. Switching between different instruments, mainly the cello, piano and flute, Le Roux offered deep, moody tones, hopeful tunes and a jaunty number that made one sway along with him. The only thing more riveting than the show itself,…
By Solethu Madzwila Young learners from Makhanda primary schools lit the stage at Amazwi: South African Museum of Literature last week during the 2nd Annual Storytelling Eisteddfod hosted by Yveslight Institution of Skills and Leadership (YISL). The Storytelling Eisteddfod demonstrated what is possible. The competition, run by the non-profit organisation, brought together Grade 6 and 7 learners from Archie Mbolekwa Primary, Good Shepherd Primary, Samuel Ntlebi Primary, Makana Primary, and Capstone Primary to showcase their skills in drama, short story writing, poetry, traditional dance, and speech. Project director Yvonne Sewelo opened the event with a joint performance alongside Samuel Ntlebi…
By Gremma Matiwa Before the Rhodes University Chamber Choir even entered the Cathedral of St Michael and St George for its performance with University of Western Cape Creative Arts Choir, the bubbling excitement of the audience, who were mostly young adults, was undeniable. Conductor Sibusiso Njeza explained the RUCC choice of hosting a choir for a joint performance. “It’s not that we think there is no value in competitions,” he said. “But for those who are in the higher educational space, there is an emphasis on the importance of collaboration more than competition.” His sentiments were echoed by Abenathi Ntese,…
By Tokologo Lekoma Rhodes University’s Law Faculty marked its 120-year milestone by renaming its building Lex Mpati House, honouring Justice Lex Mpati’s remarkable legacy. Mpati, once a pump attendant, clerk, and barman, went on to become the second Black student to earn an LLB at Rhodes in 1984 and later the first former African student of the university to serve as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. “Across cultures and societies, naming is never a neutral act. Naming is an act of memory… of honour… of value creation,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela. Mpati’s daughter, Dawn, commended the tribute:…
By Siyanda Zinyanga Kingswood suburb “The cars driving through the sewage spray it into our house, the stench is unbearable, especially when the day heats up. It’s a severe health hazard,” Dr Dittmar Eichhoff, living in Kingswood, said. He explained that the source is in Whites Road, but the sewage flows down Southey Street and over Park Road in front of their driveway. “We don’t care about the politics. We just want competent municipal leadership to be accountable for their actions,” Eichhoff said. Zolani township “We ate Christmas here while the sewage was overflowing, and kids were playing with dirty…
By Thokozani Mthembu The National Arts Festival’s first-ever Makhanda Igwijo Competition made dreams come true for young girls and boys in Makhanda. Local singing groups gathered to present heartfelt renditions of Amagwijo that had shaped their lives growing up. Amagwijo are songs that express emotion, often having only a chorus, and are indigenous to the Eastern Cape. The competition set a platform for many young singers to compete for the cash prize of R5 000. Makhanda Gwijo Combined gave an electrifying performance at the competition, which earned them top honours and the chance to perform with The Soil at the…
By Lindani Donyeli Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School held a moving motivational ceremony for its Grade 12 learners. The day opened with prayer and worship led by Rhodes University music students. Reverend Pokile reminded learners to stay focused. He said that despite life’s challenges, their future holds doctors, teachers, and leaders. Learners and teachers were brought to tears during heartfelt prayers and words of encouragement. Former Nyaluza students, now at Rhodes University, returned to share study tips and life lessons, inspiring the matrics to persevere. The Deputy Principal, Andile Njovane, urged learners to uphold the school’s proud legacy, while praise poetry…
By Tazz Qeja / Jane Austen in Africa In the quiet recesses of her heart, she was simply a young dame who cherished private aspirations. Afore being a daughter, a betrothed, a sister and a dearest companion there in her heart was a dream. A woman was herself with the best of her own esteemed mind. However, the measured ambition of settlement and concealed thoughts awaited her future. It was beyond a man’s mind, and countably so, to put meaning and questioning in the ideas of what a woman thinks. It appeared instead that women were quick to fall onto…