Considering the research done by Gerard Boyce and his organisation, they certainly missed a lot of angles in context of what youth’s behaviours and attitude really mean. Their research tends to take a more quantitative angle to the study of people’s attitude, a field that would better understood on a more qualitative stance.
This is because qualitative methodologies tend to delve deeper into the reasons why people behave the way they do, instead of grazing over them, and relying on numbers and generalisation that tend to be the main feature of quantitative research. Attitudes vary between individuals and the way people express their thoughts differs from place to place, and within different social or economic standings.
For one to understand the youth, they have to be involved in talks with people who represent them, and with what is happening in this present life. South Africa has come a long way to address the issues of inequality between people, and to a larger extent people between the different race groupings that are there. This means that to understand young people, one has to go into deeper issues than just differences in skin colour. There are even differences in attitudes within same racial groupings.
I certainly believe as much as young people need to be heard and given the platform to express themselves, even the older generation needs to be given a chance to grasp this ever-changing world. If the older generation is given a chance to migrate from the ancient world into this modern one, they would, by no chance find it complicated to let the younger generation play a part in learning and embracing new technologies. Young and older people are working together for change.
By Bhekimpilo Dungei
Showing posts with label Bhekimpilo Dungeni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bhekimpilo Dungeni. Show all posts
09 July, 2011
08 July, 2011
Is the Arts a dying industry?
The arts industry has certainly changed over the years. Arts has evolved from the days of carvings on stones and wood, paintings created from powder paints, to the more digitalised kind of art that features currently in the mordern world
1) “Yes, the arts are going down. The market is bad and there is no appreciation for our work. We come from far, Zimbabwe to South Africa and then there is no support. People create art and nobody supports. “
- Shakespeare
2) “Art is art, we sell different items. There is no one big place for artists to display their work, we are all separated. Art is about knowledge and yet there are no buyers. I will not come to Grahamstown again, it is expensive to travel so far and make no profit.”
- Fewawi
3) “No, arts is not a dying industry. I personally previously had no understanding of the arts but with all the book launches and artists that have been active in the festival, I see art alive. There is now a passion that I as a regular Festival goer have not seen in years. I feel though, that the structure of the fest should not have been changed. It’s now at Rhodes when it was previously at Church Square; the vibe of fest and the arts has since changed and not entirely positive.”
- Devon Cobus
4) “Yes it is dying; the arts are not like before. There used to be crowds of people but since the location of the fest has moved from town to Rhodes, the interest for Arts has changed.”
- Sabatha Smangwine
5) “Yes, there are fewer people interested in the arts.
No, the price of art has increased. If there was no demand, it would be cheaper.”
- St Andrews School, Grade 8
6)“Organisers are turning the arts into a flea market. We as artists are driven in different directions. God is art, art is bigger than us.”
- Andile Paswa
7)“No, art is very much alive. It cannot die, only the ideas of art die. “
-Seko Mbambeni
8) “Yes, I believe there is no formality in the industry, it’s just a haphazard thing. Connected people take initiative and exploit the less privileged who are just trying to make an honest living. Artists are struggling; local buyers feel that the market is over saturated. There are a lot of changes in Grahamstown, it is a small area for artists and there is not much activity to draw in clients.”
- Jonathan Pfumbwa
Some believe people have turned art into more than a way of sharing their skills and their creativity, but as a money-making sector, which is what is killing it.As much as art is a creative form of expression, it is still a means of financial stability and reliance. However, the price of exhibiting your work is not affordable for all artists therefore not all of them get sufficient opportunities to excell and achieve from their work. Art has to be appreciated, and people need to be given equal opprotunities to display and showcase their work, irrespective of what field or type they are in. Art is more about moulding our imaginary world into a reality, that we can share with everyone else.
By Duschanka Hitzeroth & Bhekimpilo Dungeni
1) “Yes, the arts are going down. The market is bad and there is no appreciation for our work. We come from far, Zimbabwe to South Africa and then there is no support. People create art and nobody supports. “
- Shakespeare
2) “Art is art, we sell different items. There is no one big place for artists to display their work, we are all separated. Art is about knowledge and yet there are no buyers. I will not come to Grahamstown again, it is expensive to travel so far and make no profit.”- Fewawi
3) “No, arts is not a dying industry. I personally previously had no understanding of the arts but with all the book launches and artists that have been active in the festival, I see art alive. There is now a passion that I as a regular Festival goer have not seen in years. I feel though, that the structure of the fest should not have been changed. It’s now at Rhodes when it was previously at Church Square; the vibe of fest and the arts has since changed and not entirely positive.”
- Devon Cobus
4) “Yes it is dying; the arts are not like before. There used to be crowds of people but since the location of the fest has moved from town to Rhodes, the interest for Arts has changed.”
- Sabatha Smangwine
5) “Yes, there are fewer people interested in the arts.
No, the price of art has increased. If there was no demand, it would be cheaper.”
- St Andrews School, Grade 8
6)“Organisers are turning the arts into a flea market. We as artists are driven in different directions. God is art, art is bigger than us.”
- Andile Paswa
7)“No, art is very much alive. It cannot die, only the ideas of art die. “
-Seko Mbambeni
8) “Yes, I believe there is no formality in the industry, it’s just a haphazard thing. Connected people take initiative and exploit the less privileged who are just trying to make an honest living. Artists are struggling; local buyers feel that the market is over saturated. There are a lot of changes in Grahamstown, it is a small area for artists and there is not much activity to draw in clients.”
- Jonathan Pfumbwa
Some believe people have turned art into more than a way of sharing their skills and their creativity, but as a money-making sector, which is what is killing it.As much as art is a creative form of expression, it is still a means of financial stability and reliance. However, the price of exhibiting your work is not affordable for all artists therefore not all of them get sufficient opportunities to excell and achieve from their work. Art has to be appreciated, and people need to be given equal opprotunities to display and showcase their work, irrespective of what field or type they are in. Art is more about moulding our imaginary world into a reality, that we can share with everyone else.
By Duschanka Hitzeroth & Bhekimpilo Dungeni
07 July, 2011
06 July, 2011
Digital/ Class Divides
Digital/Class divides
The world has certainly become so advanced and digitalised, so much that existing without basic knowledge of technology and digital devices has become a yoke. Noting the importance of a digitalised world, one should take into cognisance the divide that digitalisation has brought between the different levels and realms that exist in society. We now live in a world where modern activities are distinctly contrasted to the rather more ancient ways of communication. FJP’s came together to discuss this issue, and everybody had an opinion to contribute. The ‘natives’, being those born in the digital age, had contrasting ideas to the ‘immigrants’, these being people who are new to this age of technology
WENDY NGCOBO: Poverty should be at the forefront of this topic, children or parents from rural areas cannot worry about internet or a cell phone when they don’t have food.
MEGAN STACY DEANE: It will take more that just schools getting computers and kids getting internet access to bridge the gap between the class divide, it will take time and great innovation.
NOKUTHULA WATHI: I think the focus should be on bridging the literacy gap than the digital. Being able to read and write is essential. Then they can worry about learning the technology later on.
SESETHU MALGAS: The lower class lack exposure and cannot afford these expensive digital equipments but as they get older, educated and become a working class they can get access to these technologies.
AKHONA VALASHIYA: I think before there's even introduction of digital literacy in schools. Schools need to have proper classes and digital literate teachers to bridge that gap between digital and class literature.
NOKWAZI KHUMALO: Access to the internet and technology is still a huge issue in African countries and has dramatic consequences. Non-commercial intervention is my suggestion in bridging the gap.
DUSCHANKA HITZEROTH: The PUKU project bases concern on the education crisis and to bridge the gap of literacy. However, 90% of African children are without internet access thus making it virtually impossible to mend the issue.
BUSISIWE BUSENGA: The digital age is widening the gap between the rich and poor. There is a gradual increase in the ethnic barriers, political regimes and without access rises underdeveloped economies.
THABISO SIHLALI: Worrying about moving with the new media instead of being concerned on the basics of our ailing school system won’t benefit the pleasure of new media to those who need it most.
BHEKIMPILO DUNGENI: Digitalisation has created a bigger rift between people at large, and countries stand so much apart, now that some countries have resource and others, especially African countries, do not.
The gap between the rich and the poor has increased so much that it has become difficult to close. Societies are now part of a table or a chart that has been dissected into small parts that hold dichotomous values and quality. I believe one of the solutions, which is providing education and access at to it at an early age, will certainly make a difference for everyone in the world.
The world has certainly become so advanced and digitalised, so much that existing without basic knowledge of technology and digital devices has become a yoke. Noting the importance of a digitalised world, one should take into cognisance the divide that digitalisation has brought between the different levels and realms that exist in society. We now live in a world where modern activities are distinctly contrasted to the rather more ancient ways of communication. FJP’s came together to discuss this issue, and everybody had an opinion to contribute. The ‘natives’, being those born in the digital age, had contrasting ideas to the ‘immigrants’, these being people who are new to this age of technology
WENDY NGCOBO: Poverty should be at the forefront of this topic, children or parents from rural areas cannot worry about internet or a cell phone when they don’t have food.
MEGAN STACY DEANE: It will take more that just schools getting computers and kids getting internet access to bridge the gap between the class divide, it will take time and great innovation.
NOKUTHULA WATHI: I think the focus should be on bridging the literacy gap than the digital. Being able to read and write is essential. Then they can worry about learning the technology later on.
SESETHU MALGAS: The lower class lack exposure and cannot afford these expensive digital equipments but as they get older, educated and become a working class they can get access to these technologies.
AKHONA VALASHIYA: I think before there's even introduction of digital literacy in schools. Schools need to have proper classes and digital literate teachers to bridge that gap between digital and class literature.
NOKWAZI KHUMALO: Access to the internet and technology is still a huge issue in African countries and has dramatic consequences. Non-commercial intervention is my suggestion in bridging the gap.
DUSCHANKA HITZEROTH: The PUKU project bases concern on the education crisis and to bridge the gap of literacy. However, 90% of African children are without internet access thus making it virtually impossible to mend the issue.
BUSISIWE BUSENGA: The digital age is widening the gap between the rich and poor. There is a gradual increase in the ethnic barriers, political regimes and without access rises underdeveloped economies.
THABISO SIHLALI: Worrying about moving with the new media instead of being concerned on the basics of our ailing school system won’t benefit the pleasure of new media to those who need it most.
BHEKIMPILO DUNGENI: Digitalisation has created a bigger rift between people at large, and countries stand so much apart, now that some countries have resource and others, especially African countries, do not.
The gap between the rich and the poor has increased so much that it has become difficult to close. Societies are now part of a table or a chart that has been dissected into small parts that hold dichotomous values and quality. I believe one of the solutions, which is providing education and access at to it at an early age, will certainly make a difference for everyone in the world.
My Father.My Hero
Vanished like dew. You never got to say goodbye. I look at the life I’ve had to live, and I see how you taught me, without even saying a word. Heroes are hard to find, and here I stand wondering if I have a hero I can look up to. Philip MfokaMdelwa Nkinika Dungeni. You are my hero
I remember the day you threw me, playfully in the air, and, like a loving father, you forgot to catch me before I hit the ground. Instead of picking me up and comforting me, you ran out of the room, one hand clamped around your forehead, and the other clasping your mouth, as if to avoid laughing. You had messed up, but you did not flinch. With that, you taught me to pick myself up and get back on my feet. I cried, endlessly, wrapped around in mum’s hands. I guess it was just a fulfilment of one of your favourite quotes. ‘…At times one has to laugh in the face of tragedy,’ you used to say. I laugh every time I think of that.
Every time, I think of the wise words you shared with all the people around you. Even though you would come home sloppy drunk sometimes, your love for people could be felt by everyone. Never mistreated us. You showed us love as a family, and were there for us, even though your stay in this world was so short-lived, unfortunately.
I look at other children who never got the chance of having a father figure in their lives. You taught me how to cook, and grill pork at the tender age of nine. I cherish the few years I got to spend with you. These memories help me to carve a bright future for my self. Like your brother, Cephas, always says, ‘The word ‘forget’ does not exist in my vocabulary.’ I guess I will never forget you for being the person who you were. I would love people to remember me as an activist, a man and a fighter. But most of all, as a human being.
By Bhekimpilo Dungeni
03 July, 2011
The Market
People, people, people, and more people. Huge tents towering. Lost; I feel I am drowning in a desert of art, soaked to the skin with artefacts. Paintings, sculptures, jewellery, beads and the air thickly-percolated with a tasteful, mouth-watering aroma of chocolate-flavoured muffins, freshly-baked biscuits and sweets from the caravan confectionary. “Where is my kind, I wonder? Where are they in the midst of all this commotion? Do I belong here?”
I am a nomad through these oddly-coloured tents. I drag myself through this foreign world around me. My tail, wiggling, attracts so much unwanted attention. They come all over me with weird smiles pasted on their glowing, pale faces, patting my head and neck as if they have known me for years.
I would rather be in my cosy kennel than be part of this excitement. Everyone seems to be wound up about something. They walk around like the world has just turned all beautiful again. Like these paintings and artefacts whisper sweet words. Words that go straight to their inner being, flowing through their veins, until they clamour at their hearts that they may buy them and take them home.
I long to be taken home too.
By Bhekimpilo Dungeni
01 July, 2011
Profile- House of Pirates
A simple walk around little teacup Grahamstown might land you onto African Street, one of the longest streets in the town. On African Street, lies the House of Pirates, simply called Pirates, a newly established food and drink joint, which has become the hub for growling happy-students, live entertainment and chill-out place for the ever energetic Grahamstownians.
Established two years ago in 2009, House of Pirates started as a ‘party-thing’ for a couple of guys in one of their residence rooms at Rhodes University, making pizza. Since then, their idea has been established into a social-defining joint on African Street, making it one of the liveliest and most happening places in Grahamstown. Pirates is where ‘the hip, happening, cool kids’ hang!
Pirates has certainly stood the test of time, having provided a cool spot for Festinos for three National Arts Festivals already. Yet again, the Festival promises to be a blessing to the owners of Pirates, namely Chris Marshall, Daniel Hocutt, Geoff Waugh and Karim Dhanani. “Grahamstown is a very small town and it is usually during festivals like this that business booms and we are able to cover up for the other periods of time when business low,” said Dan Hocutt, one of the owners of House of Pirates.
With PG-rated pizza names and so many specials that run through the better part of the day, House of Pirates is certainly a place to enjoy a chilly Grahamstown night. There’s no chance to freeze in the cold at the outside eating area as ground- fires get setup ‘the Pirates style’. As for the inside eating- lounge area, a homely fire-place and ample heaters ensure that that precious Gin and Tonic goes down well. So Pirates remains that place where you can reminisce on the day’s festivities with great company, lively music and delicious pizza!
As for yummy specials, “Happy Hour is also one of our best specials, where a customer can buy one Mojo and get one free, and it this special has sold a lot, with over 120 Mojo’s sold during the Happy Hour yesterday,” said Hocutt.
By Bhekimpilo Dungeni
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)