The idea of doing community based journalism was really exciting. As part of our civic mapping task, we were asked to go into the areas we were allocated and get a general feel as to what each area was like. The areas we were allocated to was Cradock Heights, West Hill and Hill 60.
After looking around these areas and meeting some of the residents we invited a few to a focus group meeting to discuss the issue of crime and what it means to them. We thought it would be good to draw on these responses for our television news stories.
Many residents feel as thought this area is safe, some, such as Nicole went through some effort to check.
Sup. Du Plooy, a resident in the Cradock Heights area felt that the level in crime in these areas is nothing to be worried about.
Even though this may be the case, and even though some residents haven’t experienced crime they still take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from crime.
From this and other conversations surrounding crime we decided that our focus should be on the psychological effects crime has on its residents. We wanted to use what they gave us and perhaps enlighten them as the effects crime has on individuals.
These are two women of vastly different ages who give an insight into their thoughts on crime and how it affects their community. This respose came after virewing a document, titled “Taverns at Tantyi” which showed how they are a hot spot for crime in the area. The community came with many ideas about how crime could be solved in the community, with the young and the old getting involved. What was important was then feeling as though their opinions did matter, and that what they had to say was valuable. In that regard, civic journalism is important because it is journalism ultimatley made by the public., They are the news, they matter. With a sensitive issue like crime, a sensitive approach is needed. It is difficult because you are essentially opening up old wounds for people and asking them to revivist painful memories. But what was interesting to note was that the kind of neighbourhood meeting we had, allowed for a safe space where people did not need to feel intimidated or afraid to share their stories and opinions.
-A story by Grethe and Sbosh-
We were assigned to the areas of the CBD and Oatlands. As Rhodes students, our group was already very familiar with these areas. Our first move was to create a civic map of the entire area; this entailed speaking to businesses as well as residents and the transient community on the streets about the area’s crime rate, or any problems; social or political that the community feel need to be addressed. We found that the biggest issue businesses and residents experienced were petty crime, break-ins and begging. Most businesses and residents seem sure that the perpetrators are street children and beggars. So we decided that for our documentaries we would focus people who rely on the streets of the CBD to make some money. We came across Given (Informal Lily seller) and Robocop (Informal car guard/ Washer). After speaking to both these characters we gained more insight into their lives and how they themselves have been affected by crime. Both themselves former criminals, they now are part of the informal business life of the Grahamstown CBD.
The main point about civic journalism is that the journalists are citizens first, and media practitioners second. We spoke with Given and Robocop and discussed our own experiences of crime. We engaged on a level where we shared similar stories and spoke about ways that we could all work together to combat the crime problem in the CBD.
This blog takes a look at some of the initiatives in Grahamstown which aim to use art to develop the youth. Such projects use art, dance, drama, poetry and play as a means to keep youngsters out of trouble.
Egazini Arts and Crafts Outreach Project
This blog takes a look at some of the initiatives in Grahamstown which aim to use art to develop the youth. Such projects use art, dance, drama, poetry and play as a means to keep youngsters out of trouble.
We visited the Egazini Arts and Crafts Outreach Project, run by Bongani Diko. This group uses drama to stimulate some of the youth in the townships. This group has been so successful that they are performing at this years National Arts Festival. Their show is entitled ” My Xhosa”. Simply click on the link below to find out more about their performance…
We went to watch one of their rehearsals, and spoke to Diko about the impact that this initiative has on these youngsters’ lives. For this exclusive preview watch the short video clip below…
Hope you enjoyed that?
Let us know if you are planning on attending the show by commenting below…
We also compiled a slideshow of some of the artwork that is created at Egazini. There are many artists who work on commission to produce linocuts, paintings, etchings and wood cuts.
This project uses dance to help the under-privileged youth of Grahamstown become excited about their talents.
To hear what Buckland had to say about this project listen to this audio clip…
Keep Kids Off the Streets
We also uncovered a new inititaive called Keep Kids Off the Streets (KKOTS). This intitive is run by local community members who are trying to keep the youth out of mischief. This project runs every Saturday at the Recreation Hall in Tantyi township. It is the collaborative project of the Centre for Social Development (CSD) and volunteers from Rhodes University and around Grahamstown.
Carol Johnson, from the CSD, spoke to us about this new initiative. Listen to the audio clip that we compiled below…
A university student has found a way of cutting costs and remaining well within his student budget. Our very own RUTV 3 Reporters, Nontobeko Sibisi and Zikhona Tshona, on location spoke to Luzuko Buku and Makana Municipality, they had the following to report.
If you’ve got a thing for horror movies, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll want to make your own and it’s highly possible that you’ve been wondering how horror movie directors get the horror sound effect. This is how.
Raphael HIV testing and support CentreThe Raphael Centre located in Grahamstown, South Africa is a HIV/AIDS testing and support centre. Lately, though, this haven for people infected or affected by the virus has been rought by troubles. The future of the centre is uncertain as it needs sponsors to ensure it’s survival. Meanwhile other issues, like an objecting neighbour are also posing problems for the centre which helps over 1 000 people every month.
