A day in the life of a young street seller in Grahamstown.

A day in the life of a young street seller in Grahamstown.

Report by Campbell Easton and Nikho Mageza

Hazel Zondani – Gogo’s day

A day in the life of Hazel Zondani, a grandmother looking after her grandchildren after the death of their parents.

Report by Tebo Ramosili and Louise Fuller

A Woman First – Danica’s story

Being in a physical body that matches with one’s gender identity is something many of us may take for granted. 21-year-old student Danica Davis does not have this luxury. Danica speaks about the daily struggles she faces as a transgender female in the process of undergoing gender reassignment surgery. This cinema vérité style piece follows a day in her life as a student at Rhodes University.

Produced by Rhea MacDonald & Laura Skippers

The South African Library for the Blind – portrait of place

In an article by Roos Bersma, the South African Library for the Blind is explored and hailed for its dedication to helping the blind community of South Africa. In this video piece, the mood of the library comes to life, from the printing of a braille publication to the recording of an audio book.

Produced by Teboho Ramosili

Joy’s Hair Salon – portrait of place

Whether it’s for braids, cornrows or extensions. Joy’s Hair Salon in Grahamstown is the go to place for all hair treatments. With years of experience, Joy’s Hair Salon offers its customers great service.

Produced by Siyavuya Makubalo

Makana Meadery – portrait of place

Mead, or iQhilika in isiXhosa, is an ancient alcoholic drink made by the fermentation of honey. It is the oldest known alcoholic beverage, and is thought to have originated in the African continent about 20 000 years ago. Makana Meadery , located in the industrial area of Grahamstown, has been producing mead, as well as other honey products since 2000. Here is a peak into the daily workings of the meadery and an up close and personal look at the bees.

Produced by Rhea MacDonald

Archie Mbolekwa’s new class – portrait of place

Archie Mbolekwa Senior Primary School in Grahamstown has a new and special addition: a Grade Four class. Watch the class as they take part in the different activities they enjoy in their classroom.

The Grade Four class is a new addition in the school. There was a gap in the community for some of the children to go to primary school. Most the learners in the class were at a school which ended at Grade Three. After fundraising and donations Archie Mbolekwa opened their gates and welcomed the displaced learners.

Report by Nikho Mageza

Champs Action Bar – portrait of place

Champs Action Bar, the hang out spot of choice for both the young and the old in Grahamstown. The bar attracts a wide range of people including students, lecturers and members of the larger Grahamstown community. Champs offers these people a chance to play some pool, grab a bite, or enjoy a much needed drink on any day of the week.

Produced by Louise Fuller

Saint’s Bistro – portrait of place

Local Grahamstown restaurant, Saints Bistro, is renowned for its gourmet food, enjoyed by local residents and students alike. By venturing behind the scenes into the business operations, the piece highlights how it is able to successfully operate amongst other franchise food stores.

The piece focuses on the kitchen area and the different processes that occur in order for the restaurant to operate smoothly and efficiently. This is in contrast with the main dining area of the restaurant that has a relaxed, romantic aura.

Produced by Laura Skippers

Jehovah Jirah Haven – portrait of place

Jehovah Jirah Haven is a children’s home situated in Alexandria, an hour outside of Grahamstown. The house is a wonderful space for children to feel safe and cared for. The home is in fact a haven where these kids have made a new family.

Production by Jenna Lillie

The Greens – portrait of place

Rhodes University in Grahamstown serves as a home away from home to more than 7000 students. On a day to day basis these students finds themselves living in Grahamstown, shopping in Grahamstown, and interacting with the other residents of Grahamstown, and yet they never fully integrate with the rest of the town. Instead students seclude themselves in university residences and private apartment blocks, where they lead radically different lifestyles. In this video we go inside one such student apartment complex, The Greens, and take an up-close look at the student lifestyle.

Produced by Campbell Easton

Falling for You – DJ Von Dirty ft Sne Dladla

Von Dirty, a local Grahamstown DJ, relates the troubles of relationship commitment issues with his up-tempo track.

Produced by Siyavuya Makubalo, Teboho Ramosili and Laura Skippers

Fly: Tessa Ware

Two lovers are torn apart by drug addiction and their love story ends in tragedy. Their journey together slowly spirals out of control.

Produced by Jenna Lillie and Rhea MacDonald
Music by Tessa Ware
Actors: Hana Kelly & Serena Paver

Freddy bang bang – GGG

This music video is a loose interpretation of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Qhawe (Alice) is seen chasing Freddy (a rabbit) trying to convince him to be her friend but he keeps disappearing. Will she ever catch him? Watch to find out.

Production by Louise Fuller & Nikho Mageza

South Africa’s DNA Project – Scifest Africa 2015

Report by Tebo Ramosili & Siyavuya Makubalo
School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University

Wonderful wavelengths: lights and lasers – Scifest Africa 2015

Did you know that laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation? No? You are not alone. Many of us have seen lasers in sci-fi movies like Star Wars and James Bond, but something we may not realise is that lasers special properties are all around us in many everyday things. Watch to find out how exactly lasers work, where you may be using them without even knowing it, and the lengths to which lasers help us perform extraordinary tasks.

Report by Louise Fuller & Rhea MaacDonald