Rhodes’ Overall symbol

Report by Dumisa Lengwati & Taryn Isaac, School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University
Journalism, Rhodes University, RUTV4, School of Journalism and Media Studies, student TV, South Africa, Grahamstown,
Workers overalls are seen to be Rhodes University’s party uniform, but is this view taken by everyone?
The SRC in collaboration with the Alumni House recently attempted to break the world record for the biggest pair of overalls. It was organised in accordance with Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as part of their student philanthropy day. If successful, the overalls will be hung from the Clock Tower, and this image will be distributed to alumni donors in the form of a thank you card. However, not all students and staff agree with the symbol and association of overalls with Rhodes’ infamous and wild drinking party culture. Some worry about the problematic potential class divide, insofar as overalls being the visual marker for the working class. Others feel excluded as they are not akin to the Rhodes tradition of celebrating big events wearing overalls. Overalls became controversial during the mid ’00s, as the trend of decorating them with sexist and racist commentary emerged. Fortunately, with the University intervention, this is on the decline and a general consensus is that the overall is a unifying symbol of Rhodes spirit.

Rhodes readies for water outages

Report by Dumisa Lengwati & Taryn Isaac, School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University

The perpetual threat of water shortages sees Grahamstown residents seeking alternatives for their water supply. Rhodes University has purchased a water tanker to help alleviate the effects of these dry spells.

The purchase of a R1,1 million water tanker will provide a necessary back-up supply. Last year’s shortages cost an estimated R115 000 a day due to the costs of plastic utensils in dining halls and bottled water for students and staff. According to Dr Iain L’Ange, Rhodes Infrastructure, Operations and Finance Division Head, the tanker will help the university to respond to emergency situations and be able to service all students living in residence. This move has been approved and applauded by the Makana Municipality, which struggles to cope with the ongoing crisis.

Metal thefts hit Grahamstown schools

Report by Lillian Magari & Noxolo Mafu,

The illegal trade of stolen metal parts has hit Grahamstown local township schoolsand seen their premises severely vandalised. Thieves target metal urinals, water pipes, electricity cables and plugs. This epidemic has seen schools such as NV Cewu and Samuel Ntlebi without any electricity or adequate plumbing. As a result, educators and learners are unable to use the toilet facilities.
The need for tighter security sees these school squeezing out R20 000 to install Hi-Tec sensitive security beams. The expensive beams are a wise investment but also prove to be a hard purchase for the schools and even private homes.
As the most expensive product offered by Hi-Tec, it is difficult for the company to offer the beam to schools on a lay-bye basis. This becomes even more difficult as many of the targeted schools have poor infrastructure which makes the beams less effective.
Samuel Ntlebi specifically, has faced R100 000 in damages, with little or no money in the maintenance budget to do repairs.
Leonard Vodell, Manager of licensed scrapyard: Metal Masters, confirms a profit of R20 per kilo for metals brought in. These metals are often traded as broken or burnt pieces in order to make the identification process harder.
All the while, learners and educators are suffering as they are denied adequate sanitation and electricity.

Human Chain crosses Grahamstown

Report by Lillian Magari & Noxolo Mafu,

The Grahamstown Human Chain started at Ncame street and carried through to Somerset street form township to town. The event was held on a rainy 21 February to spotlight the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela.
The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba contacted universities across the country to encourage them to participate in this initiative. The event brought to light the importance of reflection on both our young democracy and social integration in all communities. However, such an event also probes further questions, regarding the effectiveness of a human chain in unpacking complex relations in a town such as Grahamstown.

Grocott’s Mail moves to the Africa Media Matrix

Production by Natalie Austin & Jason Randall

Since 1869, Grocott’s Mail has acted the voice of Grahamstown’s community. It is the oldest independent newspaper in South Africa and has run from an iconic building in the town’s Church Square. This has been sold and the Mail’s editorial is now based at the Rhodes University’s School of Journalism in the African Media Matrix.

The old Grocott’s newsroom is of historical significance and new owners, Supello Investments, plan to refurbish and maintain the historical aspects. We explore what the move means for the community newspaper and its future.

Estela Bravo in Grahamstown

Report by Deneesha Pillay & Megan Flemmit

The video records filmmaker Estela Bravo’s visit to Rhodes University with her husband, Ernesto and Dr Mzu Theo Nodikida, the Cuban ambassador to South Africa. She speaks to students and members of staff about her life and experiences and the significant ties between Cuba and South Africa. Estela visited Rhodes to screens her films “Mandela and Fidel” and “After the Battle”.