Author: Prashalan Govender

By PRASHALAN GOVENDER Everyone has battles, but most people fight those battles privately. Thandeka Gqubule-Mbeki, on the other hand, has fought many of her struggles publicly.  Gqubule-Mbeki’s path to journalism started in the primary stages of her education. Gqubule-Mbeki said she was never an academic standout but did have an affinity and talent for languages which she refers to as “a sensitive gift for expression”. She found her gift at two schools; the first was Lovedale Missionary School which she holds in the highest regard because of its historical significance. The second, Epworth (in KZN), is also dear to her…

By PRASHALAN GOVENDER Rhodes Drama Master’s student Khanya Ngcuka’s directorial debut, Jikijela (Zulu for “throwing stones”), recently performed at the National Arts Festival (NAF), has garnered significant critical acclaim and deep appreciation from members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Ahead of another performance of the play on Wednesday, 10 August, Ngcuka greeted me with the warmth people usually reserve for close friends. When asked to say what her play is about, she carefully contemplated what she could tell me about the play that doesn’t reveal too much. Eventually, joyously smiling on coming up with a spoiler-free synopsis, she said, “Jikijela is about a…

By PRASHALAN GOVENDER Like many small towns across South Africa, Makhanda has endured turbulent times. Failing infrastructure and a declining economy were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.   With all the city has been through, Makana Tourism and Rhodes University fourth-year TV students want to remind people, inside and outside the town, of all the city still has to offer. In collaboration with the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, the two parties have created videos, photographs, and audio which explore the town. The current director of Makana Tourism, Prudence Mini, said the content had been produced so that it appeals to locals…

By PRASHALAN GOVENDER This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox “a public health emergency of international concern”. But, many people still do not know what it is, how it is contracted, and whether or not it is fatal.   DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS BASED ON WHAT HEALTH OFFICIALS KNOW SO FAR ABOUT THE VIRUS.  What is it?  Monkeypox is a virus which is a less deadly cousin to smallpox. It was first transmitted to humans by animals when humans had direct contact with infected animals or their fluids. Despite the name, the virus is believed to have…