Future Journalists Programme

07 July, 2009

What do you think of crime during fest?

Crime is always big news in South Africa. But it appears to take the back seat during big events like the Confederations Cup, India's IPL 20-20 cricket tournament, and the Lions' Rugby Tour of South Africa.But taking a back seat does mean it has gone away.FJP Reporters asked Festinos what they thought about crime during this period
This is what they have to say:

“I heard of an elderly person who was robbed of her pension money and people gathered to help her. I think it’s all disgusting”. Lee Wingvogel.

“I haven’t experience any problems so far, you can work at mid-night with no fear unlike Pretoria.” Derya Williams.

“There are a lot of shady Characters, but the Police visibility is good. I haven’t heard about any crime taking place but a lot of Shady people are around the ATM.” Danielle Smith.

“Couple of people have been complaining about having to guard their bags all the time and people keep getting bumped and followed by strange looking people.” Allen Young.

“Criminals take advantage of the festival because there are people from different places who don’t understand their languages and we don’t even feel safe anymore.” Pumeza Nombewu.

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Written by: Okosun Peter, Zukiswa Sidzumo, Ongezwa Ndlakuse

Pix:Peter Okosun

The final curtain call, a star gone too soon.

With just hours to go before the world bids a final farewell to the 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson, the FJP's asked people attending the Arts Fest in Grahamstown, a question that will cause much debate for years to come. "Was Michael Jackson a hero" and this is what you had to say.

“Its depends, people have different opinions and I can’t say much because I’m not his fan.”
Sethu Sesant, 21, Grahamstown

“He was definitely a hero to me. I’ve been like a fan because he made things possible. I’m really going to miss him.”

Unathi Festile, 19, from Port Elizabeth

“Yes, because he sings gooood!”
Cherise Steiyn, 7, from Grahamstown

“I am Michael Jackson huge fan and I think he influenced a lot of artists like Usher with his signature moves. Most definitely he is a hero.”
Tenashe Kambadza, 24, Zimbabwe

“He made an impact in other peoples life but I don’t know whether he is a hero or not.”
Hilda Gaillard from Johannesburg

“I don’t want to seem politically incorrect but I think people don’t know where to draw the line between the person and the celebrity. He might have contributed a lot to music but it’s not like there’s a need to worship him. People are just getting crazy about this Michael Jackson thing.”
Teboho Moshounyane, 27, from Freestate

By: Sophiane Bengeloun and Bongani Prince Mthethwa
Pics by: Chwayitisa Nandisa Futshane

A picture please!

Smile for the camera: Children at the Green Village on Rhodes campus are happy to be photographed by an FJP reporter. Pic: Masebe Qina.

We need to be heard!

assembly of creative minds:During the Word Fest at Eden Grove on Rhodes University campus after a celebratory march through Grahamstown.

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Remembering the King of Pop

Almost 17,500 fans have gathered together in honour of the late Michael Jackson’s memorial, which will take place at the Staples Centre in downtown Los Angeles today.

The pop star died on 25 June in Los Angeles. He had spent months preparing for his 50 concerts at the 02 Arena in London which was supposed to start next Monday.

Many say that Jackson will live forever and some believe that he needed his rest. Laura W, a third year Journalism student at Rhodes University, belives that the world had burdened him for too long. This is what some people on the street during the 35th National Arts festival in Grahamstown had to say about The King of Pop’s death.

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"I don't, personaly, I think that michael was a sickly man. He had to rest."

Laura W. Journalism student.

"He will live forever, I think he died before he actually died because he had already isolated himself from the rest of the world" Sizwe Hlatshwayo. BA student

"It's obviously a really sad loss and I'm really annoyed about the many people that keep bringing up his scandals. We should just let him rest" Andiswa Levi. National Arts Festival visitor.

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Here's another question we asked the people around Grahamstown: "Was Micheal Jackson a hero?" .

“Its depends, people have different opinions and I can’t say much because I’m not his fan.” Sethu Sesant, 21, Grahamstown

“He was definitely a hero to me. I’ve been like a fan because he made things possible. I’m really going to miss him.” Unathi Festile, 19, from Port Elizabeth

''Yes, because he sings gooood!” Cherise Steiyn, 7, from Grahamstown

“I am Michael Jackson huge fan and I think he influenced a lot of artists like Asher with his signature moves. Most definitely he is a hero.” Tenashe Kambadza, 24, Zimbabwe

“He made an impact in other peoples life but I don’t know whether he is a hero or not.”Hilda Gaillard from Johannesburg

By: Sophiane Bengeloun and Bongani Pronce MthethwaPics by: Chwayitisa Nandisa Futshane

Breasts...Boobs...Tits...The obsession

By: Chwayitisa Nandisa Futshane

The topic of women and their bodies has always been a contentious one. So a play about women's breasts was always going to gain some attention. Enter "Breasts are Beautiful". The title alone is a good indicator of the potential for controversy.

Actually the first time I saw the poster I thought it was artwork displaying women's breasts. As it turned out, it was a play about six women exploring the beauty of their bosoms as they shared stories about why they either loved or hated the body part. I won't dwell on the performance itself except to say that it had potential but they lost the plot somewhere between between the beginning and the unhooking of the bras.

The real issue I want to look at, is the idea that "breasts are beautiful". The question we need to ask is why women have a constant need to qualify their body parts. You don't ever have plays about "Perfect Packages", which would relate to the male sexual anatomy. So why is it that women's breasts are always the centre of attention? Yes, many men find them one of the more attractive parts of the female body, but as women, we seem to place even greater emphasis on them then is necessary. If you're discussing a subject as important as breast cancer then yes by all means belt out your views about breasts. But do we really need to create a platform for discussing 'boobs'? What makes breasts so special as opposed to "packages" or the nose? Our bodies all come in different shapes and sizes, so it is inevitable that women will have different kinds of 'tits'.

We have children living in starvation, millions of people dying of AIDS and an economy in crisis and yet you want to spend an hour of your time discussing boobs only to take your top off and compare sizes. You could have put a few brothers in a room, given them beer and you would have had a far more interesting take on the topic.

I said I wouldn't discuss the play but I realise that this piece centres around the stupidity of the content of the storyline.

I think I would have much rather preferred artwork displaying women's boobs than endured such a bad play!

Take these "breasts" away from here!

I like this Place

Puff and pass: This SA fm staffer enjoys the beautiful view of Grahamstown as he puffs his cigarette. Pic: Masebe Qina

Literacy check

Are you really l.i.t.e.r.a.te? South Africa Library for the Blind join the Wordfest march on 6 July to promote Braille. Pic: Chwayitisa Futshane

South African dance Rocks.

African Culture:Umbaqanga dance group stomping on the high street at Grahamstown.
Pic:Lucky

Camping vendors

Nigth time:Vendors sleep in tents during the National Arts Festival. Pic:Peter Okosun

Energetic opening at WordFest!

Viva! for reading: Anathi Levi makes her point at the protest for a multilingual WordFest.

Pic: Anele Ngwenya

Lacks Creativity

Just boring: This plastic-made animal makes the play even more boring at Village Green in Rhodes. Pic: Masebe Qina

Is that really a top-less girl?!!!!

Ubuhle Bomzansi, a Musical group giving a really enjoyable, colourful and energetic performance at Nombulelo Hall. They depicted the rich culture of the Rainbow nation through dance, singing, acting and costumes. Their Zulu dance where they girls go top-less was the best performance. Pic: selina Bebaako-mensah

Breakfast with family

Thanx mom:Feast your eyes on this delicious breakfast!

Natural fine art handwork.

Skilled artist:A pure hand, paper and pencil can come up with something beautiful like this one above.Pic:Lucky

Rasta brother and sister

Africa Unite! Sifiso Nene and Zukiswa Sidzumo share a Rastafarian hug at Piet Retief House, 6 July. Pic.: Zukiswa Sidzumo

The sunny side of Grahamstown

Grahamstown's climate:The weather in Grahamstown can be very unpredictable,it could be very cold and the next minute warm.can you beat that?

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Words can make a change

Live Street Peotry : Matthew Mokoena, from Travellin Blak, declaiming poems in Rhodes Gardens. The band came all the way from Pretoria to attend artfest.

Celebrate South African cultures

Proudly South African: Bongani Mbhobho Ka Xaba shows some South African books during WordFest at Eden Grove.

Pic: D-Bongz.

A Girl's best friend at B2 Arena

A scene from the play "A Girl's Best Friend" where the bride-to-be passes out on the floor. Pic by Selina Bebaako-Mensah

Mshini wam

This is my donkey: Sinethemba Netjies will definitely shoot and kill anyone who comes near his donkey. Or maybe not. Pic.: Lwando Helesi.

Time for a hotdog

Food vendor have been particulary busy during the Festival period.

Pic.: Jeffrey Shisinga

Room-Mate Wanted Whistlers Need Not Apply.

"Room-mate wanted whistlers need not apply.": A Rhodes University quadrangle strewn with wanted ads.

Trees, Nature's Signpost.

Trees, nature's signpost: A 'Zoo Story' poster hangs from a tree on Price Alfred Rd.

Future Journos?

FJPs for 2009 on their way from breakfast decided to start their morning with a song.

Pic: Ongezwa Ndlakuse

East meet West

Flying Aesthetics : Ken Arok+eMandulo dancers interpreting "East meet West" jazz composition on stage at Alec Mullins Hall

Defining beauty...

Black is beautiful: Zukiswa Sidzumo from the Future Journalist Program, enjoys a laugh as she basks in the early morning sun. Pic.: Chwayitisa Nandisa Futshane

06 July, 2009

The bag on my back

A poetry wonderfully delivered by the writer,Disang Moduledi at Eden Grove on Rhodes University campus during the Word Fest 2009 official opening.

Photo by:Okosun Peter

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South Africa unites

The Grahamstown National Arts Festival brought the crowd to their feet as they sang Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho songs to unite. Iimbongi praising different poets and speakers to calm them down and give them strength to speak in front of crowds.

Disang Moduledi’s poem was awesome. He got cameras in his face as he went to take a seat. He is fantastic, wow! People whispered amongst themselves. A poet that needs to be known and that will get South Africa on to the best poetry chart.

With poems one after the other, Xoliswa Tom declared Wordfest open.

Hunadi Ralebipi-FJP

Kesivan Naidoo turning 30

A clip of kesivan Naidoo, Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz celebrating his 30th birthday.

Kesivan Naidoo performed alongside his band The Light at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival on 3rd and 4th of July 2009. His performance was electrifying and if you think you know Jazz, you haven't seen Kesivan Naidoo and The Light.

Clip provided by Dave Naidoo (Father) and taken from the Daily Despatch.

Literature and Culture equals WordFest

It began as demonstration to promote writers and the work of the South African Library for the Blind. As EC MEC for Arts and Culture, Xoliswa Tom said, “Be proud of what you do.”

Writers came in their traditional attire to support the cultures that make South Africans proud, ranging from Xhosa, Zulu, SiSwati and Sesotho. Thoko Mgwebi’s poetry opened WordFest 2009. The programme notes were written in three isiXhosa, Sesotho and Afrikaans.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University, Dr. Saleem Badat who shared his views and concerns about language and culture.
“Words can librate us and can imprison us,” Dr. Badat said. “Universities need to build a lasting relationship with local schools so that children of the present generation are not left behind due to a lack of literacy.”

Amanda Onamandla Mathe—FJP

We want more audio books!

“We Want More Audio Books’ read some of the placards of marchers this morning.
This crowd had members of the SA Library for the Blind, writers and people interested in literacy and education. The aim of the march was to educate people from all racial and language groups about the importance of literacy, and why it must be encouraged.
“As much as English is a common language, we need to preserve all our languages,” said Nomsa Mnyakama, a teacher from the rural Transkei.
The crowd marched along High Street, the Somerset Street and onto Lucas Avenue, all the way to Eden Grove, on Rhodes University campus, all the while in full flow of traditional African songs and dressed.
At Eden Grove, the writers-- from such districts as Alfred Nzo and UKhahlamba—submitted their written work.
They were addressed by Rhodes University VC Dr. Saleem Badat and EC MEC for Arts, Culture Sports, Xoliswa Tom.
Ongezwa Ndlakuse-FJP

Word Fest 2009

It was an assembly of creative minds and heads today as different groups of people ranging from poets, writers and singers, gathered at Eden Grove on Rhodes University campus after a celebratory march through Grahamstown.
Nondwe Tutu of OR Tanbo writers Association, told this writer that s “one of the objectives of the match is to help writers publish their works and also to uplift the standard of their works”. They are also agitating that home languages must be uplifted by writers publishing in isiXhosa, Sesotho etc.
After the MEC of Arts and Culture, Xoliswa Tom had addressed the gathering, the artistes all entered Eden Grove for the official opening of Word Fest 2009. This was an array of endless local music and poetry from different tribes that electrified the whole building.
During the event, the VC of Rhodes University, Dr Saleem Badat gave a wonderful speech where he talked about the importance of education in the development of society. He lamented a generation that has been lost to illiteracy in South Afric, and hoped that the present generation will embrace literature.
Dr. Badat advised the new president to take education Seriously.

Okosun Peter-FJP

From Badat to Tom

Enthusiastic writers from all around the country were happy to be at the official opening of the Wordfest 2009. At a standing room only Eden Grove Lecture Hall on Rhodes University campus, some writers were provided with an opportunity to present their work.

Rhodes VC Dr. Saleem Badat said the university was excited to be associated with the festival of words, language and literature.

“We are in a long-term association with Wordfest,” he said.

Arts and Culture MEC Xoliswa Tom emphasised the importance of encouraging careers in literature and writing.

“We want a reading nation,” she said.

Masebe Qina-FJP

Toasting Thoko Mgwebi

It’s been a wonderful gathering of municipalities at this year’s WordFest at Eden Grove on Rhodes University in Grahamstown. WordFest promotes literature, poetry and the production of audio books in the different SA languages. It’s sponsored by the National Arts Council.

The common refrain was isiXhosa songs and poetry, but there were a lot of other talented writers and poets.
“WordFest qualities imprison us and can liberate people’s minds but also imprison people minds,’ said Rhodes University Vice Chancellor Dr. Saleem Badat.

The Eastern Cape MEC for Arts, Culture and Sports Xoliswa Tom was also in attendance.
Thoko Mgwebi, Pinky Ngqola and JJ Sankqela were some of the artistes whose work was published in the WordFest newspaper and presented before the gathering.
Lucky Mdletshe—FJP

WordFest 2009!

The Mini WordFest is held annually during the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. It is regarded as the Is bane (The light of uplifting young minds). There are different forms of works being presented including writing, poetry and music.
“Allow yourself to be bent like a tree,” said the MEC for Arts&Culture in the Eastern Cape, Xoliswa Tom. “Don’t feel annoyed or depressed when you are being corrected.”
She encouraged new writers to be patient with the editors. WordFest paints a rainbow nation picture as it is a mixture of isiXhosa, Sotho, English and Afrikaans and includes Eastern Cape municipalities like OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Nkonkobe and Makana.
Zukiswa Sidzumo-FJP

Prospering society with literature

Literature is a powerful tool that enhances knowledge and understanding of various issues in society. WordFest was launched at Rhodes University in an effort to promote literature and poetry. The WordFest followed after a march on literature awareness which was also attended by members of the South African Library for the blind.

According to the vice Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, “WordFest seeks to foster a sense of priority in reading and writing”. He delivered an enlightening speech about the importance of writing stating that “our use of words is a powerful determinant in society of the opportunities available to us”. He said that it was significant to educate young minds who will in turn change the world in a better way.

The MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Xoliswa Tom also mentioned that it is vital for children to be encouraged to read a lot to enrich their minds instead of being preoccupied with games.

Jane Mathebula- FJP

Water please!

Last night a street kid entered Nandos with a bottle, asking for water. The staff was too busy to attend to him. After asking three waiters who all refused saying that they have no time, the boy refused to leave. Even the manager did not help.

These children don’t get food or water like any normal child. I understand that the town is busy and businesses want to make money, but do we have to make these kids sadder than they are?

Whatever, the reason may be we still need to have a soft heart towards these children. Let’s not forget it was just water.

Andile Dube- FJP

Reading builds the nation

Literature is the art of written work which writers are able to express themselves and share their stories. WordFest, in its fourth year, promotes literature and gives a platform to aspiring writers, who handed in their manuscripts in the “Isivana” basket outside Eden Grove.

Arts and Culture MEC, Xoliswa Tom, accepted the manuscripts and encouraged the writers not to undermine the tremendous work. She used Nelson Mandela’s phrase “Long Walk to Freedom” to emphasise on the long road they have to go.

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Saleem Badat, encouraged young people to read as the future is in their hands.

Lwando Helesi-FJP

Festive opening for WordFest!

IsiXhosa writers gathered outside Eden Grove at Rhodes University today at the opening of WordFest 2009.

Proceedings started with a march, with the writers throwing their poetry in a basket. This compilation of poetry will form part of a book called IsiVivane. “This will be the fourth book from the collection done by our department,” said Xolisa Tom, the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Eastern Cape.

Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, spoke about the importance of education saying that the institution was Indawo yolwazi (a place of knowledge). He spoke about literacy being the determinant of our society and emphasised the importance of our new president being aware of this.

MEC Tom said that WordFest is a place where much has been discovered, discussed and read.

“It is important that people read and write,” she said, “This part of the festival should not be seen in isolation but rather in the light of developing our society.”

Anele Ngwenya FJP

WordFest launched at the National Arts Festival

The MEC for Arts, Culture and Sports in the Eastern Cape, Xoliswa Tom launched WordFest 2009 by praising knowledge as power, at the National Arts Festival at Rhodes University campus. The show began with some brilliant poetry recitals by some locals who spoke native tongues and wore traditional attire.

The Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University were present. VC Dr. Saleem Badat spoke about education and its importance and said he hopes President Jacob Zuma will take it seriously. He said that access to education and allowing students to succeed does not only change one’s life but one’s family and community.

The VC said black students had increased from 24 percent in 2006 to 41 percent in 2009. He also said that FIFA had offered the University a handsome sum of money to use its residences during SA2010 but they had declined in favour of ArtFest.

Selina Bebaako-Mensah-FJP

Touching is believing

Blind supporters marched through the streets of Grahamstown, 6 July, to promote literature for the blind.
“The blind are in desperate need for the books” said Andrew Brooks the digital technical assistant for South African Library for the Blind. The SALB is the only institution that produces an audio book in an audio digital format. All books used by the blind are made from six dots called “Briaile cells" said Brooks.
“We want government especially Arts and Culture to sponsor the South African library for the blind,” he said.
The march was honoured by the MEC for Sports, Recreation, and Arts and Culture Xoliswa Tom.
Jeffrey Shisinga- FJP

Grahamstown, the joke is on you

Fringe Festival does not just give artists the platform to show case their talent but it makes them grow through workshops where they share information with established artists. Even well-known artists like S’fiso Nene Winner of the television comedy competition; So You Think You Funny is also taking part.
S’fiso came with Vortex, a Youth Development Bat Centre & Remix Project. It’s his first time in Grahamstown. He will perform his one -man comedy show between Thursday 9 and Friday 10 July where he will be cracking some jokes about Grahamstown and Grahamstonians.
Bongani Mthethwa-FJP

A march? What march? Where?

Early this morning people gathered in the streets of Grahamstown, to promote reading, writing and sharing of information. The march was not a protest, but a promotion.
“We want to make sure our heritage, our language is captured in every way possible,” said Imbongi Praise Singer Zola Capucapu. There were people coming from among others, the SA Library for the Blind and the Xhosa community praise singers.
The march ended at Eden Grove on Rhodes campus where everyone attended the WordFest opening conference. The conference was opened with a prayer in Xhosa.
Sophiane Bengeloun

It's all about the words

I have just been sitting listening to some of the deepest Xhosa poetry I have heard in a long time. In classic African style, many of the performances were unprepared and uncensored but that was truly the magical part of it. The true beauty of poetry lies in its spontaneity.

This is a small taste of a wonderful hour of incredible poetry.

The Eastern Cape MEC for Arts and Culture Xolisa Tom opened proceedings and the Vice Chancellor Saleem Badat gave the welcoming speech.

Chwayitisa Nandisa Futshane-FJP

05 July, 2009

He's a growing legend

Gugu Zulu is known to many as the Fastest man on Africa is more than just a rally car driver. He is a growing legend and admirable to all.

I decided to dig deeper and find out who he really was behind the steering wheel. Besides the fact the he's charming and absolute dream to interview he is extremely comfortable with who he is. Honest to the core and holding no punches. He believes that everyone should be given a chance to experience their dreams. His dream beginning when he was 17, where he attended the Isondo Racing Academy in 1999 and made it to the top 17.

Moving up comes naturally
Moving up the ranks almost comes naturally to this humble man. To list his accolades would take forever, so to keep it short he has made it on the international market and respected tremendously by his colleagues, which is why he ended up presenting on Car Torque, SABC 3. He's on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa built a following and a new found respect for the man who thinks motorsports and business. He recently held a car show in Maponya Mall at Soweto, Johannesburg (24/0609 -28/06/09). Zulu said, "It was to bring cars to the people, because let's be honest for a black man to go to a car dealer it's a weird experience and why should they drive all the way to Sandton or Kyalami in order to view a car." It was obviously meet with challenges and disapproval by big car dealers, but that doesn't change the fact that it was a success and they sold seven cars considering the current economic recent.

He's a gentle soul

In person Gugu Zulu is shy and a gentleman as I interviewed him after his seminar at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. This his second time attending the Arts Festival, which he much appreciated. Calm and comfortable he's not afraid to say the truth like it is. He's charismatic; add his beautiful smile and a dash of confidence. There you have it Gugu Zulu South Africa's growing legend scorching those tyres across international waters.

A blushing donkey

"NoMaLady", the donkey, gets a kiss from Lusanda Kutta on High Street.