Rhodes University is immersed in a culture of drinking and partying. The stereotypical Rhodent often spends his or her time drinking their livers away and substituting beneficial academic time for regular ‘social’ time. Rhodes is stereotyped as the drinking university, and many people who fall into this trap fall behind in their studies and often find themselves looking for a new university at year end or repeating the same subjects for another year. We followed a bunch of guys who live up to this stereotype and wondered if it is at all possible to live this party animal lifestyle and actually get through university and obtain a degree.

A doccie exploring the taverns at Tanty location and the role they play in exacerbating crime in the area.

By Grethe Koen, Jess Levy and Roza Carvalho

A PSA produced for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.

A short documentary by Grethe Koen and Roza Carvalho

Talk about commitment to journalism! Roza went as far as getting a tattoo when we shot this documentary. It attempts to challenge the stereotypes surrounding “inked” people by literally confronting them with the stereotype of “Baxter,” a cardboard cut-out of a heavily tattooed guy.  We also document the process of getting tattooed as we go along to Silver Dragon Tattoos and watch Gary put on Roza’s tat.

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-

ART FOR DEVELOPMENT

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…

“My Xhosa”

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.

Photo Slideshow

To watch and learn more about Egazini’s projects click on the link below…

Egazini Projects

Janet Buckland: Amaphiko Township Dance Project

We also spoke to Janet Buckland who is this years Shoprite/Checkers Woman of the Year. We spoke to her about the Amaphiko Dance Project she runs.

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…

Carol Johnson Interview

We interviewed a community member who is actively involved in the KKOTS program.  Watch this short video clip to find out more…