Michaella Uncovered

The essence of youth is a like the sensation of an exhilarating drug! Not that we take any narcotics at FJP, but it is the imagination thereof of an elixir of youth that pervades every thought with an addictive hint of positivity. Yesterday morning was filled with all conversations youthful, ideas imaginative and futures journalistic. What a happy time it was!

For the past 3 days, Highway Africa and FJP has had the pleasure to host Michaella Sloane, a 17 year old from Kingswood College. Michaella is currently serving her four-day observation period at Highway Africa. She couldn't have chosen a better time to come, since we are currently preparing for the upcoming 15th edition of the highway Africa Conference. All staff welcomed her and showed her the ropes of how to manage a continental journalism organisation.

Probing on how Michaella ended up in our midst, I decided to do a quickfire on her.

Sitshele- Tell us!

Asked to define herself in in 5 words, Michaella was confident to say she is “different, creative, artistic, sarcastic and comfortable.”

A Grahamstownian, bred at Kingswood College for the past 14 years, Michaella treasures her high school experience as she mentions it has given her a lot of experiences and opportunities. “At the beginning of my schooling I was in the corner, but in Kingswood I became a person who existed. I was made aware of my abilities, particularly art and writing,” Michaella said. This encouraged her to be her own person.

Talking about her future aspirations, Michaella acknowledged that she wants to be in a space where she is recognised. She wants to be an author, who at all costs, avoids romantic novels! “I want to write fantasy novels because it allows you to use your imagination; to be as weird as you want and people think you’re cool still.”

Considering the meagre readership of fantasy writing in South Africa, Michaella was not worried. “If I end up writing something famous, it would be cool to show that South Africa can produce really good stories.” Indeed, we are not worried about Michaella's success as a writer,as she plans to enrole for a journalism degree here at Rhodes. So, we at Highway Africa are merely counting a couple of years until we read an African Harry Potter by Michaella Sloane.

Wrapping the day, Michaella cared to share her thoughts on what she would like to see in South Africa in the upcoming few years. See video HERE.

A Day at FJP

By: Michaella Sloane

The Future Journalists Programme is more than just a selection of workshops for university students, it's a massive stepping stone leading to success.


Journalists in Africa have the potential to do great things but a lack of resources can hinder that potential. Although the numbers may be small, the students who are accepted into the programme find that they can overcome their disadvanatges and make incredible things happen. Of all the students I have heard about today, not one of them left the programme and wasn't welcomed by success. They were equipped with the abilities and skills that showed them they can be unstoppable.


This has been an inspiring experience, to see what FJP students can do to make a difference to society.

Journalism is no longer restricted to the columns of a newspaper. It exists in so many forms and I think people often forget this or sometimes just aren't aware of it. FJP opens all of these doors and encourages young people to take advantage of this and capitalize on it.


Lebogang Mgiba, a students from last years course, said that "One thing that made me love this project was the topic, 'social media and journalism'. It has taught me that journalists need to be aware of Twitter, Facebook and blogs for enhancing our journalism skills."


FJP seems like the opportunity of a lifetime to me and it's been really cool to hear everything that it's doing in the world of journalism.

UFH...or...RSU?

UFH OR RSU?...That's the question on my mind as I walk out of the GREEN AUDITORIUM where a political debate was held at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Alice campus on August, 18th, 2011.

A motion by PSAMA, one of the political student movements at the campus to change the University's name to "Robert Sobukwe University " created a buzz amongst the students leading to a commotion at the venue. Well, from what I could hear in the PASMA representative's reasoning, the name changing would be to seek as much attention from stakeholders and publics as all the other tertiary institutions.

Gives you something to think about though...I mean almost all the renowned politicians once stepped their feet on Forte grounds and lived in the same residences we live in today so why shouldn't we name our varsity after atleast one of them? (Just a thought/justification).

The debate was between Student Political Movements (SASCO, COPESM, PASMA, ANCYL) to discuss about the value and role of political movements of the students on education at the campus. You would think it would be thought-provoking, oh well it just left more questions than answers as the political parties were more opposing each other rather than bringing to the table what we (the students) wanted to hear. The questions stand...Are these political student movements really worth our votes? What are they contributing towards the betterment of our educational experience at the University? (Just my opinion)

And University of Forte becoming Robert Sobukwe University mhhh...Now that's one to think about. What do you think?

By: Sesethu Malgas

Blind Cetywayo hopes for the festival

by Moses Moreroa

Abraham Cetywayo, 48, a gospel artist who lives in Umtata make a living by singing praises to Jehovah. Cetywayo, born blind, studied keyboard at Umtata Disability Centre at the age of 12. His second album ‘ujehovah’ recently hit the shelves, and was marketed at Grahaamstown National Art Fest

“I believe that I can contribute to the wellness of this country through music. My wish is to be given an opportunity at the Art Fest”, said 48 blind Cetywayo.
Cetywayo is a father to three children and married to Martha who is also partially blind. “I have decided to help my father promote his music because he can not do all stock and travelling by himself”, said Ntombovuyo, first born.

“I am happy to realize the valuable impact on youth. I thought I was just doing this for my family to survive”, Cetywayo.

Cetywayo`s music inspired many young people to engage in community developmental projects that brings awareness that emphasises people to not throw in a towel when days are dark.

“I have also volunteered to distribute his music. His music keeps me kicking and realise that God is alive and helpful”, said Nomvuselelo Ntambo. Ntambo, 20, is one of those who give a helping hand.