By CHESLEY DANIELS St Mark’s claimed an all-important 34-22 bonus point win against a defiant and determined Swallows side in front of a large crowd played on Youth Day in Alicedale on 16 June 2022. The home side ensures a decent 17-8 at the changeover. The bonus-point win put St Mark’s back on top of the overall log standings of the EPRU Sedru Regional League, the position they occupied for most of the season. Achieving this was difficult as Swallows came out guns blazing and pushed the Bulls till the very end. It must be said that both teams entertained…
Author: Rod Amner
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By CHESLEY DANIELS Old Collegians (OC) 1st XV ran in six tries against Rosebuds United to record an impressive 36-21 bonus-point win at the Oval on Thursday, June 16. OC lead 24-14 at halftime. OC are still in the fourth position on the Overall Log, with St Mark’s now occupying the top position. The EPRU Sedru Regional League encounter occurred on Youth Day, with a decent crowd coming out in their numbers to witness some spectacular running rugby from both sides. The battle was physical as the game started at a very high tempo. OC dominated the set pieces and…
By JONATHAN WALTON “Democracy requires that citizens be continuously engaged in governance through interaction with those who make decisions. Marking a ballot and dropping it into a ballot box every few years is an important element of democracy, but it is only one step in building a society that genuinely serves the interests of all its people. Those elected to make policy and laws on behalf of the people are required to fulfil their mandate in continuous consultation and dialogue with the citizens on whose behalf they act. In South Africa, the gap between those with the resources to influence…
By ARNO CORNELISSEN There’s no more space for waste, says Nyaniso Lindi, who has created an exhibition out of other people’s trash. It’s called Waya-Waya, ‘kasi slang for chaos, of the kind you find at the local rubbish dump. There’s a double meaning in the title; waya-waya can refer to “the voice of the township”, says the Joza local, and also has a link to the wire cars sometimes made by people who survive by scavenging from the dumpsite. Lindi was born in Makhanda 49 years ago and is disturbed by the litter in the surroundings due to overconsumption…
By MBASAKAZI MAKUBALO and SIYAMTHANDA PONGCO The increased flow of people into Makhanda for the National Arts Festival (NAF) will heighten the probability of criminal activity in town. But, Hi-Tec operations manager Kenny Knoetze said security measures are in place. The South African Police Service (SAPS), Community Police Forum (CPF), Hi-Tec, Smhart Security, and other stakeholders have collaborated to protect guests and residents. Knoetze said Hi-Tec had increased security around festival venues and accommodation areas. “We have additional vehicles in town patrolling to assist because of the number of visitors coming in town.” Additionally, a Blue Patrollers Parade was held…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA Makhanda is dusting off the disappointment of two years without its annual flagship event, the live National Arts Festival, as it prepares to welcome back visitors for the cultural feast from 23 June – 3 July. The mood is one of excitement and anticipation as the Festival enters a new chapter in a new time. National Arts Festival CEO, Monica Newton, said, “If enthusiasm is a yardstick, this is going to be a great Festival. But on the ground, it’s difficult to predict what the turnout will ultimately be. We’re optimistic but measuring our expectations in…
Cue’s ZIMKITA LINYANA talked to locals and out-of-town traders about their festival hopes, fears, and gripes. Many locals have fond memories of festivals gone by. But, many said the build-up to the Fest has not felt the same as previous years – perhaps inevitable in the wake of the global pandemic and the battered economy. Rhodes University grounds staff said buses normally come in and out of campus off-loading festival-goers at this time, and student residences fill up with guests. But this year the momentum is quite low. “There are usually loud noises coming through from the Great Hall and…
By MZANDILE MAMAILA All roads lead to The Black Power Station as township hero Xolile Madinda, also known as ‘X’, hosts two bands for the National Arts Festival. Born and raised in Makhanda, Madinda established the Black Power Station after witnessing a lack of township participation in the Fest. He wanted to enable people from the township and town to unify through art. “The unsaid slogan [of the venue] is ‘The International Destination’,” he said enthusiastically. People of all races, genders, ages and nationalities are encouraged to converge on the space. Bringing crowds from the ‘Fingo Festival’, historically located in…
By KEREN BANZA There are multitudes of shows, performances and exhibitions to pick from in the ocean that is the 2022 National Art Festival. Unfortunately, the tides do not favour all these daring artists who want to showcase their talents. Concerning Blacks, Suburban Blesser, Malifezeke, and Ends with Tears are some of the shows no longer gracing the stage at this year’s festival. There are many reasons why a show might pull out of the festival, according to NAF Marketing and Communications Manager Sascha Polkey. “Shows are cancelled regularly throughout the festival. Sometimes artists fall ill. Sometimes fringe artists have…
By GRACE MOYA and KEREN BANZA If you’re at the National Arts Festival, which begins today, you’re likely to have a few drinks after the adrenaline high of seeing a live performance. Amidst the bonhomie, you might have a few more than you intended, with the inevitable babalas in the morning. With shows to see and people to meet, spending all morning in bed is not an option. This is particularly true if you’re involved in a performance or one of the amazing techies who make sure the show can actually happen. Here are some tips to help you get over…