Beauty has a skin colour

By Wazi Kunene

Definitions of statements and words change as time passes – just like the term beauty. How it was defined centuries ago is certainly not the same today. In the early years before South Africa became colonised by Europeans, black skinned women with light and dark complexions were seen as gorgeous and compared to all beauties of nature. Beauty was, as today, the body and the face and not much has changed today, but the wheel has taken a turn and now beauty has a ‘skin colour’.

The politics of politics

By Noizee M

Tokyo’s talk the other night got me thinking. He is a very charismatic, well-spoken man who knows all the right things to say. I must say, I was impressed by his speech. But in the state of star-struck gazing, I got thinking about the reality of political speech. Is it actually possible to get a straight talking, honest politician or are we just lucky if they don’t cheat, rape or steal?

It’s presidential chic

By Grethe Koen

Politics is a risky business. People say things, other people get annoyed. Dictators rule third world countries, people get annoyed. Fashion designers charge the price of a third world country for a pair of shoes, people get annoyed. Annoying dictators dress themselves in interesting regalia and fashion critics wish they could beat them over the head with a pair of shoes the size of a third world country.

Extended Studies: the little big black box?

By Stacy Moreland 

Rhodes students are quick to run for the nearest politically-correct fence at the mere mention of race. But if you mention the words “blacks only”, some feel it is safe to become righteously indignant and close in for the kill.

Politics of politics

By Azwihangwisi Mufamadi

When the Extension of University Education Act of 1959 was passed by the apartheid government in South Africa, higher education institutions were divided along race, ethnic groups and the language used when classes were taught. Due to this act, Rhodes University was open to students who, according to the apartheid government, were classified as white.

Just a lank jol in Joza

By Elizabeth Vale and Stacy Moreland

The Freedom Day long weekend left those of us still in town contemplating the meagre entertainment options open to us. The town seemed smaller than its usually microscopic size and the thought of frequenting the same establishments seemed less than freeing. Freedom Day gave us the opportunity to free our minds and consider all the times we have sat and bemoaned the size of Grahamstown, yet have not taken into account the bustling township or loxion, where most of the population live and play.

Not my mother’s tongue

By Camalita Naicker

Imagine trying to write your assignments and participate in tuts in a language you barely know. Rhodes University has a large number of second-language English speakers. Some of them have done English as a first language at school and the transfer to university is easy enough for them, But there are those who did not attend schools where English is the primary language and they have a much more difficult transition.

Politics of politics

By Azwihangwisi Mufamadi

Freedom Day is the centre of celebration for any democratic country. In South Africa, Freedom Day was set aside to commemorate the first democratic elections held in 1994. With the newly elected democratic government in power Freedom Day was celebrated by many as a symbol of hope. It marked a move away from the troubled past to a brighter future. It used to be celebrated in huge gatherings where people would bring their South African flags.

Wretched of the Earth

By Luzuko Buku

Grahamstown’s street children say that although they have developed good relationships with some students, others continuously insult and ridicule the homeless.

Hit the big time with HIV

By Kyla Herrmannsen

Aids has become big business. The notion of profiting from the disease is controversial, but plausible. Aids generates billions of rands ofrevenue every year and it is fast becoming feasible for individuals to benefit financially from this.

‘n Boer maak ‘n plan, of twee

By Ulandi du Plessis

The De la Rey generation has emerged with growing Afrikaner national pride. Early last year, Louis Pepler, aka Bok van Blerk, co-wrote a song called “De la Rey” about a general being called to lead the boers to freedom. His debut album by the same name, released in October last year, has made platinum status.

So Ghetto, So Hood

By Qhakaza Mthembu 

I was walking to Pick ‘n Pay with my housemate the other day and a group of girls from a local high school were walking past with their usual high school girl rowdiness. Then, as they get louder, one of them turns and says “Do you guys have to be so ghetto?” I only give passing attention to them because I’ve heard the phrase “being ghetto” so many times before.

Politics of Politics

By Azwihangwisi Mufamadi

When Seretse Khama, who later became the first president of Botswana, first announced his marriage to Ruth Williams he was answered back with fury and rage from both his family and Williams’. As a result of his marriage to Williams, Khama forfeited his chieftainship and was prohibited from entering Bechuanaland (now Botswana) for five years unless he had special permission.

Still black or white

By Adwoa Ankoma

This article began as a survey of Rhodes students’ opinion on the seemingly ineffectual policy of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Has it become redundant and what is the white sentiment? However, the piece has created a platform for the exposure of two controversial and conflicting issues.

 

History at a bargain

By Qhakaza Mthebu

The image of the benign Madiba in a colourful shirt seems more appealing than the reality of the commander of the armed struggle. South Africa’s youth cannot be blamed for thinking the words “Biko” and “Ché” are unique fashion labels featuring cool but unanimous faces. Nelson Mandela Square could just be a meeting point for mall rats out for a good night.

Volkstaat boer still an African

By Brett Petzer

Here’s a pop quiz. Who’s more African: the first-generation Polish-South African medical student, the San shepherd or the Gauteng shebeen-owner? I think we need to set up a continuum of Africanness. 

 

Politics of politics

By Azwihangwisi Mufamadi                                                                                                       

Since Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) was implemented, South Africa has seen a rise in a number of millionaires. Most of these new millionaires are blacks already involved in the world of business. Although BEE was also meant to help people from the rural areas and the working class, none of these people have been empowered by BEE and half of them have no idea what it is about.

Put a grant in it

By Monique Senekal

Many people have called on the South African government to start a dole system like the one that operates in the UK. Their calls have not yet been answered.  The government’s report from the Committee of Inquiry into a Comprehensive System of Social Security recommended instituting the basic income grant (BIG) system for all South Africans who earn minimum wages or less. However the plan was aborted in 2002 due to insufficient funds.

One T-shirt, one revolution

By Setumo-Thebe Mohlomi

The lousy shirt has been deemed the must have item by the fashion powers that be. It may even be replacing other forms of print as a means of transmitting one’s message. It is increasingly apparent that in the minds of the fashion conscious, print is in.

Popularity: it will make you bleed

By Thapelo Tselapedi

“Ethical blindness or a lynch mob?” was the question posed by the Mail & Guardian. Former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni is in the spotlight yet again.   Yengeni, who faced the might of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), now encounters the rebuff of the SPCA, just weeks after his release from prison early this year.