Students who fall behind with their academic work continue to suffer academic exclusion despite advocacy by the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) to change the policy.
As the second semester began on Monday, July 15, some students received emails informing them of their exclusion due to failure to meet the conditions of their readmission. The policy of academic exclusion has been a point of contestation between student representatives and university officials for many years.
Just before 2024 first semester exams, students led by the SRC marched from the Great Hall to Senate House demanding a change in the policy. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ruksana Osman advised the SRC to consult with faculties before she could call for a Senate Teaching and Learning emergency meeting.
As students received exclusion emails on the first day of the second semester this week, the SRC issued a statement castigating university officials for excluding them from the meeting that decided the fate of students.
In response University Registrar, Carol Crosley, said the Senior Executive Team reviewed the SRC’s proposals on midyear exclusions during their meeting on July 16, 2024. After extensive discussions with the SRC, they agreed to consider the SRC’s proposal at the next Senate Teaching and Learning Committee meeting, where faculty-specific data on pass rates and cancellations is typically presented.
Meanwhile, affected students are frustrated.
Sphelele Maluleka, a second-year Bachelor of Education student, told Wits Vuvuzela that her difficulties began in 2023 when she lost a parent and had to miss her teaching practical for funeral arrangements. Although she was readmitted on the condition that she passes all modules in the 2024 mid-term exams, she struggled with new coursework and attendance due to ongoing family responsibilities. She added, “The situation is giving me sleepless nights given that I am the first in my family of 16 to go to university.”
Neliswa Mthembu, a second-year Bachelor of Education student, said, “This has to be the worst year of my life. I feel as if my overall performance was not considered at all”.
Crosley was at pains to explain that the policy is fair. She said, “It is important to note that these matters are handled individually based on each student’s circumstances, meaning that there is therefore no blanket solution that can be implemented”.
The SRC vowed to keep fighting against mid-year academic exclusion.
SRC Academic Office Subcommittee member Khutso Mahlaela told Wits Vuvuzela that the SRC Academic Office met with faculties on Wednesday, July 17, to renegotiate, expecting reduced numbers of excluded students by the end of this week.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits student holding a mid-year exclusion caution sign. Photo: Siyanda Mthethwa
International Academic Day is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating academia, but what does academic freedom mean in South Africa.
According to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) academic freedom is a right that allows students and lecturers to research, teach and express their views without any fear or interference.
The Academy of Science states that in the South African constitution, under the freedom of speech clause, academic freedom is guaranteed. This right was reinforced by the 1997 formal document titled:White Paper 3: A Programme for the Transformation of Higher Education. This document highlights academic freedom as the pillar for transforming higher education after Apartheid.
The first International Academic Freedom Day, May 20 was announced by Academics for Academic Freedom (AFAF) in November 2023, with the goal of promoting and defending academic freedom globally through various activities, such as lectures, seminars, and debates.
For many academia might evoke images of complex theories and debates. For me, however, academic freedom is about the opportunity to pursue knowledge, and exploring the subjects that ignite my curiosity and passion. Whether delving into the depths of physics or literature, academic freedom should empower me to choose my career path and follow it.
This freedom is more than just a curriculum to me; it is about nurturing my talents and transforming them into skills. It is through the space of academics where my God given talents have been nurtured, and further strengthened. I’ve always known I had a talent for radio presenting but didn’t know how to pursue it. As a student journalist, I’ve realized I can leverage my innate talent as a skill in broadcast journalism. I’ve also developed other abilities like writing and digital content creation in this academic setting.
Additionally, I believe academic freedom is also about resilience and triumph. It is about overcoming the challenges that come with being a student, whether they are academic, financial, or personal challenges.
This freedom is about standing victorious and emerging stronger not just because I have completed a degree or passed an exam, but because I have grown intellectually and personally. Academic freedom for me is a constitutional right that has allowed me to explore, grow, and unlock my full potential.
FEATURED IMAGE: Lona Sokanyile. Photo. File/Leon Sadiki
While digital news thrives online, a devoted newspaper vendor from KZN remains a steadfast presence at a Wits bustling intersection, hoping to convince young and old to grab print copies.
In the centre of Johannesburg, at the busy intersection of Yale and Empire Road near Wits University, Phumzile Msani ,stands as a symbol of a bygone era.
Phumzile Msani engaging with a potential client at the intersection of Yale and Empire Road. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
As a devoted newspaper vendor, despite the drastic change in the print media landscape, Msani has continued to sell printed news for more than thirty years.
Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Msani stepped out of her comfort zone to seek employment in Johannesburg. Without fully completing her education, she could not secure a formal job, leading her to sell newspapers. The money she earned was sent back home to support her extended family. The 57-year-old and her family still rely on the ever dwindling income from her daily hustle.
From Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm, she sells newspapers on the busy intersection. Her selection includes The Star, The Citizen, Business Day, and Mail and Guardian.
The latest quarterly figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations of South Africa (ABC) show a further decline in circulation figures. The Star, which used to be one of Msani’s bestsellers has seen a 35% decrease in circulation in the last year alone, less than 6000 paid copies in circulation weekly.
However, Msani’s commitment goes beyond her sales of newspapers, she is a familiar face and voice to regular passersby, making sure to greet passersby with a welcoming grin and willingness to chat.
Msani said the Covid-19 pandemic severely hurt her sales. Despite more individuals using online news sources, sales have not returned to their pre-lockdown level. She told Wits Vuvuzela, “before Covid-19, I used to sell 90 copies every single day, now I only sell up to nine copies a day.”
Price increases have also played a role in decreased sales. For instance, City Press, which was priced at R20 in December 2019, now stands at R29, while Beeld, which was R12.50, has risen to R18.50. Similarly, Die Burger has seen an increase from R13.60 to R16, and Daily Sun’s price has more than doubled from R4.20 to R8 during the same period.
Msani is a monument to the lasting value of print media in an age when digital news is taking over the world. Her devotion, and steady presence beg the question of whether print and digital journalism can coexist, or will screen convenience eventually make the sound of newspapers rustling obsolete?
FEATURED IMAGE: Selection of newspapers that Phumzile Msani sells. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
Many traditions and cultures have subconsciously aided the wellbeing of one’s mind through music and sound.
A neurologist and music psychotherapist tackled the maze of the mind together on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Wits Origins Centre through a mental wellness and brain health seminar on International Museum Day.
Human brains have a potential that is unfathomable, and whilst people think we only use 10% of our brains at a time, they are mistaken.
Most of our brain is being used most of the time, even while sleeping, and over 85 billion neurons in our brains are always firing some sort of signal.
However, with all this brain power comes the largest emotional intelligence amongst all mammals. This EQ of humans is the area studied by neurologist and brain health specialist, Dr Kirti Ranchod, and music psychotherapist, Nsamu Moonga.
Music psychotherapist, Nsamu Moonga, leading the audience through a series of musical workshops to release their inner voice and learn to trust in a collective conscious. Photo: Victoria HillDr Kirti Ranchod during her seminar at the Origins Centre, speaking about all things brain health and wellness. Photo: Victoria Hill
Music is all around us — at birthdays, funerals, weddings, political rallies — and each scene sounds very different from the next, which is a subconscious understanding, Dr Ranchod explained.
Dr Ranchod said music is linked to both memory and emotion. When a person hears a specific song, they relive a specific experience, which leads to them feeling a specific emotion.
This is the basis from which Moonga bases his therapy techniques. He explained how humans forget things as a survival technique yet create rituals to ensure they do not forget what is important — the earth rotating completely around the sun, a human life ending, a life of two people beginning for instance.
Yet, Dr Ranchod said how music is exceptionally personal where one type of tune will relax someone whilst it will trigger another. .
To pay homage to International Museum Day, Dr Ranchod spoke about the San Trance Dance which is one of the earliest rituals known to date that used music to bind a group together.
The Trance Dance is a permanent feature at the Origins Centre — which traces human life back nearly two million years — because it sees the beginning of humans living in communities and activating their energies to connect with the spirit world.
With sound, rhythm, movement, and dance used to alter reality, shift consciousness, and change perception, this was the start of music therapy in practice.
Museums document the history we all share and allows for the interception of the past, present, and future. They allow us to understand who we are, where we come from and are the physical pallbearers of memory.
FEATURED IMAGE: Modern-day rock art as appearing in the Origins Centre to showcase how the past is still very much in the present. Photo: Victoria Hill
As an honours student in journalism, when navigating the challenges of upholding academic rigour and minimising self-doubt, I battle with myself.
Usually when I sit in my journalism lectures, surrounded by talented peers and esteemed professors, I often hear a nagging voice: You do not belong here. It’s a feeling that’s all too familiar: imposter syndrome. The feeling that I am just pretending, and everyone will soon discover my inadequacy.
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon where individuals doubt their own abilities, despite evidence of their competence. In my own experience, I’ve seen talented students question their own intelligence and capabilities, attributing their achievements to sheer luck or circumstance; rather than their own hard work and dedication.
A study published in the Journal of Student Researchfound that imposter syndrome is a significant predictor of academic anxiety and depression among young graduates.
Personally, I have been guilty of downplaying my own achievements, including my decision to pursue my honours in Journalism. I have often made jokes to my friends that I am only here by some miracle, or that I am just winging it and hoping for the best.
However, the truth is, I have worked incredibly hard to be here, and I have earned my place in this programme. I started to realise that it is time for me to own that; and recognise my achievements are not a result of circumstance, but of my own dedication and perseverance.
I’ve been so hard on myself; but hearing how my close friends and family are proud of me, has helped me to start celebrating my own accomplishments.
As I navigate my own struggles with imposter syndrome, I’ve learned to not take my inner voice too seriously. When self-doubt creeps in, I reflect on my accomplishments — like completing a challenging assignment or receiving positive feedback from a lecturer. By focusing on my strengths and reframing my mindset, I’m building confidence in my abilities and overcoming the grip of imposter syndrome.
I also try not to dwell too much on my mistakes by recoginsing that perusing this degree has offered me the opportunity to learn; while I get to focus on my passion of telling stories. This has helped me to see failure as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism or face setbacks, I use it as a chance to learn and improve.
Also, surrounding myself with a supporting community has helped because they see me behind my current struggles. I believe by acknowledging and challenging our own imposter syndrome, we can begin to break down the barriers that hold us back from achieving our full potential, and we can learn to embrace our success. And as we do, we will find that we are more confident, more resilient, and more empowered to make a meaningful impact in the world around us.
Growing up, most boys my age were obsessed with sports, gadgets and girls – I was obsessed with changing my family’s fortunes.
Growing up in a neighbourhood like Daveyton in Johannesburg’s East Rand, survival was a constant battle and dreams of graduating seemed like a far-fetched fantasy.
The sounds of gunshots, reverberating Kwaito and house beats were often my offbeat lullaby. The constant buzz of township life mirrored my internal thoughts, often filled with doubt, anxiety and hope.
Sharing the joy of graduation with the one who has been with me every step of the way. Photo: Simphiwe Mkheloe
I normally refer to myself as the son of a street vendor. My mother is an unemployed single woman who worked tirelessly to pave the way for my success.
The money she made from selling fruits, vegetables and snacks on the side of the road, was the first investment in my education. Education was a scarce commodity in our neighbourhood, yet she ingrained in me the belief that education holds the key to a better future.
I grew up in a small household and most of my weekdays were spent at Lekamoso Secondary School, while my weekends occasionally consisted of helping my mom with her vending business.
The corner at which my mother’s vending business is located showcases different role-plays of individuals: some are the product of the system, and others demonstrate how a life of bad choices can turn out. To me, all these scenarios served as life lessons that taught me which paths I do and do not wish to follow.
Despite learning about running a business from a young age, I ironically still grapple with impulsive spending habits. But, from dealing with difficult customers I learnt patience and humility.
My mother dreams of a day without having to wake up to endure the harsh weather conditions to provide for her family. I often look at her and remember all the promises I made to fulfill her dreams. It is inspiring that despite being in her fifties, she still believes success is possible, especially through me. Her words encourage me to pursue success relentlessly and with every fibre of my being.
One thing she has always advised me was to never compare myself with my peers. I have never felt like she was not enough as a parent just because she could not provide everything that I desired or everything that those around me had, she taught me to work for what I want.
My family and surroundings never laid the blueprint for success. For most, success and survival were synonymous, anything beyond that was seemingly impossible for someone like me.
On May 16, 2024, I walked across the North-West University stage to receive my first qualification, a BA in Communications degree. Looking into the hall from the stage, I could see her standing and waving at me and overcome with emotion. I will never forget how making her proud made me feel – it was an accomplishment weightier than the scroll in my hand.
Her tears during the ceremony and mine on the drive to university, reminded me of all the struggles we both went through for me to get where I am today.
I am proud to say that I am the first-generation graduate in my family, I am currently studying towards an honours degree and all of that is because of the strong and steadfast woman behind me.
FEATURED IMAGE: From corner stalls to university halls, my mom’s unwavering support has been the driving force behind my academic journey. Photo: Salim Nkosi
The Wits SRC took their fight against min-year exclusions directly to the Senate, hoping to resolve the issue before exams start.
The Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) led a spirited demonstration from the Great Hall to Solomon Mahlangu House on Thursday, May 16, as they challenge the university’s mid-year registration cancellations policy.
These exclusions happen when students are unable to meet financial and/or academic obligations. In particular, cases where students are unable to settle financial difficulties which prevented them from registering in the beginning of the year.
Addressing attendees in front of the great Hall steps, Wits SRC Academic Officer, Atlegang Motshabi, said: “The reason why these two motions make sense to collaborate is because the real reason for mid-year exclusions is capitalism. That’s why they’re scared to take a stance on Palestine, because of the system of capitalism.”
The SRC led the group toward the Senate Room in attempt to stage a sit-in as the meeting took place. However, Wits security closed the doors to the venue, leading to a standoff between the SRC leaders and Wits Campus Protection Services (CPS). This caused a delay as many students were not able to enter with some having to write tests in other parts of the same building.
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela after the meeting, Motshabi said their motion had not been tabled or voted on, and they were advised to tweak errors on their proposal.
“The Deputy Vice Chancellor then told us that after we are done with it, we can take it to Senate Teaching & Learning, and she would then grant an emergency meeting, to make sure that everything happens before June results come out.”
Motshabi said the plan was to be proactive and prevent mid-year exclusions before it was too late. “In March we started consulting, because before you draft a proposal you have to go on a consultative process, you need to speak to different stakeholders then you need to take into consideration the Senate meetings and dates. The one that happened in March was too early (because) we had not finished the consultative process. So that’s when we said that May 16 is proper because it’s right before exam season.”
With the exams starting in two weeks, all eyes will be on the outcome of this process.
On a chilly evening, Hurricanes FC sank Student Digz FC in thrilling 3-0 victory.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Hurricanes FC edged closer to the top of the Premier League by putting three goals past Student Digz FC at Wits Sturrock Park Stadium.
In a tense atmosphere, the first half was openly contested as both sides played free-flowing football. However, the home side proved why they were worthy title contenders, while the visitors were toothless in front of the goal. Both teams were positive in their approach, but Hurricanes’ brilliant use of possession gave them the lead at halftime, as Student Digz FC struggled to find the net.
During the second half, the away side’s patience wore thin as they failed to convert every chance they created. Nothing seemed to work for Student Digz FC on the night. The home side’s defensive stability enabled them to put together cohesive passes, resulting in a second goal. The drop in spirit among the visitors was evident, allowing Hurricanes FC to punish them further by scoring another goal.
The match was a fiery battle with tackles flying in from both ends. These tensions spilled over to the touchline as angry spectators from both teams clashed. The fans had to be separated by the players and technical teams of each side.
Hurricanes FC players celebrating, after scoring a goal. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Power Mngomezulu, the head coach of Student Digz FC, commented on his team’s performance, “I think the gents played so well, just that we were so unlucky.” Mngomezulu emphasized that if his team had converted their chances, they would have won the match. He believes his team was playing well and said that they are planning to come back stronger.
Heading into the match with confidence after winning their last two games, the home side exuded high spirits. They sent a clear message to their rivals by delivering a commanding performance.
Irvin Slwane, the head coach of Hurricanes FC, said he is: “So proud of our win, it was a very tough game.” Slwane emphasized that the away side is a formidable team, noting the extensive preparation required ahead of the match. He also mentioned that his side draws inspiration from the away team.
In the aftermath of the match, Hurricanes FC held onto their third position in the Premier League of the Wits Internal Football league, with a game in hand over the two teams above them. Student Digz remained at the top but now shares points with the two teams below them.
FEATURED IMAGE: Hurricanes FC preparing to take a free-kick. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
Fourteen days without electricity turned my academic ambitions into a harrowing experience.
On the night of May 1, 2024, Braamfontein turned pitch black, as a power outage plunged some parts of the inner city into darkness.
I was in the newsroom, situated at the E’skia Mphahlele building on Wits East Campus, writing a review of a theatre play I had watched. Living in a country where loadshedding and power interruptions have become the norm, I did not take the outage to mind, thinking the electricity would be restored in a couple of hours.
The next morning, Johannesburg City Power revealed that underground cables in the Braamfontein area had caught fire, due to suspected cable theft and vandalism. Knowing the city is overseeing the situation, I further relaxed, thinking the matter would be fixed swiftly, but that did not happen.
Since productivity was limited in my residence room, my daily routine changed dramatically — the library in Solomon Mahlangu House became my accommodation, where I rose early to charge my devices, eat, and do some coursework.
As a journalism student, I typically have one or two classes daily, allowing ample time for writing articles, research, and programme engagement. I spend most days on campus, occasionally returning to my residence to rest or prepare meals between classes.
By 10 o’clock in the evenings, I normally return to my room which is a walking distance from campus. I typically buy groceries and cook to save money.
As food prices have gone up due to inflation. I have resorted to only having one or two meals a day. I sometimes grab lunch provided by the Wits Citizen and Community Outreach (WCCO) programme but in most cases, this clashes with my classes, forcing me to improvise.
But on Saturday May 5, 2024, after a basketball game, I returned to find all my recently bought food spoiled in the fridge, just after I had stocked up for the whole month, a financial setback of note.
Due to only having borehole water at my residence as well as a scarcity of water when there are power outages, I then resorted to commuting to Wits Junction daily so that I could shower at my friend’s place before heading to class.
I felt hopeless and exhausted, unable to change my situation — fueling resentment for this place called Braamfontein. Without financial assistance or a food allowance, I had to dig deeper into my own pockets. I observed Darwinism firsthand as “survival of the fittest” unfolded in its ruthless and pragmatic manner.
This situation was a defining moment for me, the emotions I felt, made me look at things differently. Mainly, that challenges will come, but my resilience can see me through.
Finally, on May 13, 2024, the lights in Braamfontein flickered back to life after a long two weeks. Immediately when the lights came on, the joyous screams of students filled the air, and as if on cue, rain showers descend, bringing a sense of renewal amidst the chaos.
FEATURED IMAGE: Salim Nkosi Photo: File/Leon Sadiki
In an exhilarating final game, Barnies took on the reins, making them the crowning champions on campus.
Barnato hall remained undefeated with a score of 24-13 in their last intense Wits internal netball league match at Diggs Field on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.
The game started in high spirits, with Barnato scoring 8-2 goals in the first quarter, making it difficult for the Zulu Society to catch up. Most of the goals were scored by Seleke.
Barnato player in possession of the ball trying to bypass opponents. Photo: Sanele Sithetho
Barnato was disadvantaged as their goal attack, Onkarabetse Seleke was coming back from a knee injury that she suffered during their previous game. However, she managed to score most of the goals in the first quarter.
Zulu Society made a comeback in the second quarter, ending the 15-minutes with a 5-4 score.
The third quarter was intense, resulting in the injury of Barnato’s goal defence, Ayanda Kunene who cried out in pain after spraining her ankle due to a hard fall, leading her to be removed from the game.
Further into the quarter, Seleke’s knee injury inflicted pain, but she insisted on persevering and seeing the game to the end. In reducing the pressure on her, the coach, Esther Ukpe advised her to switch positions with the goal shooter, Hazel Moyo.
Players battling to catch the ball. Photo: Sanele Sithetho
Despite the disadvantages experienced by Barnato, as they led into the final quarter, they had already known that this was their game. However, Zulu Society did not give them an easy time, as they defended till the end. The quarter ended with a score of 9-2.
Barnato flare up in excitement when the referee blew the last whistle, whilst someone from the crowd screamed “now that’s how you end a league.”
Ukpe told Wits Vuvuzela that the game went very well. “Two of our players got injured and we were struggling through the game, but we fortunately managed to push through” she said. She added that moving forward, the team will work on their communication during games, as this could improve their overall performance.
Amnandi Masimula, the coach of the Zulu Society was proud of her team despite them losing. “It was tough, it was a tough game, but we prevailed up until the end,” she said.
FEATURED IMAGE: An intense final internal league netball match between Barnato and Zulu Society. Photo: Sanele Sithetho
My journey to setting boundaries began with a simple realisation: I was suffocating under the weight of others’ expectations. Now I know it’s the most radical act of self-love one will ever commit.
As I navigate the complexities of life, I have come to realize that setting boundaries is not just a necessity, but a superpower. Being intentional about my time, energy, and relationships has improved my well-being.
Setting boundaries is not selfish, but essential for our survival. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that people who set boundaries, and prioritise self-care have higher self-esteem and better mental health. By taking care of ourselves, we can show up more fully and be more present in our relationships and lives.
Spiritual boundaries include being mindful of the company I keep and the beliefs with which I engage with, which are Christian beliefs. As Emmanuel James Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Engaging with like-minded communities has also provided a supportive environment where I can share my thoughts, learn from others, and deepen my understanding of my faith. This has ultimately strengthened my relationship with God and myself, enabling me to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and purpose.
Academically, setting boundaries means dedicating time to my studies and prioritizing my education. As Mpoomy Ledwaba an international speaker and founder of Wisdom & Wellness once said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” For me, this means setting aside dedicated time for studying and avoiding distractions.
I allocate specific hours each day for studying, ensuring I minimise social media and phone usage during that time, I also create a conducive study environment by using a quiet and organised study space.
My friends joke that my brand and personality have become “Miss Journalist”, because I have become so locked in and it occupies my mind most of the time. Whilst it is true that I am currently struggling to find the balance between a social life and my studies, I can maintain a sense of accomplishment and take pride in my academic journey.
Much like a gardener tends to their garden, nurturing the soil and pruning the weeds to allow the flowers to bloom, one can tend to a person or situation with similar care and attention, to ensure growth.
Financial boundaries include being disciplined and avoiding activities that would stretch one too thin. It is essential to create a budget and stick to it, while avoiding impulsive purchases.
But let’s be real, I struggle with this one the most. Who can resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the glazed baked treats on display in a coffee shop? Certainly not me, every day I have to fight against my senses when I walk into the Es’kia Mpahlele building, which has a Vida e Cafe at its entrance. Their Strawberry Supresa smoothie, banana loaf, and spicy chicken mayo are to die for.
But in all seriousness, it’s a work in progress and I am trying to be more mindful of my spending habits. Maybe I will be able to resist the temptation of that coffee shop…but no promises!
Lastly, the most important boundaries are the ones I set in my relationships. As Jerry Flowers, a motivational speaker and priest for the Time of Celebration Ministries Church says “Boundaries are not meant to keep people out, but to keep yourself in.”
It is all easier said than done, and life is a continuous process of self-reflection, growth, and improvement. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so you need to take care of yourself first, boundaries are the tool that makes that possible.
The story of Isiphosethu in Ungubani sheds light on the divine powers of ancestors, and the importance of knowing your roots as an African.
The play follows Isiphosethu, a rightful royal queen summoned home by destiny. Raised in Johannesburg, she is haunted by recurring ancestral dreams urging her to return to where her inkaba (umbilical cord) lies buried.
Aphelele Sidelo, a member of the cast and writer of the play says, “This play aims to remind people of the importance of intsomi as it was used by our grandparents to tell stories with the essence of moral teaching.”
The play took place at the Emakhaya Theatre atWits Art Museum) on April 29, 2024, in front of a jam packed audience.
The cast incorporated emotional traditional isiXhosa poetry, music, and intsomi (tales) into experimental theatre. The play opened with a powerful Isixhosa chant as Isiphosethu embarked on her journey to the longed-for village.
Isiphosethu starring at her aunt Nofesti in shock . Photo: Salim Nkosi
Despite not being familiar with the language, it was remarkable how the cast ensured that their message was effectively conveyed to the spectators through expressive body language.
Director and composer, Mandipumle Nokonya told to Wits Vuvuzela that “the language barrier was a major hurdle since some cast members weren’t Xhosa speakers. They trained extensively to preserve the play’s theme.” Watching, one would have assumed they were all native isiXhosa speakers, a testament to their talent and dedication.
In the play, Isizwe Samanqosi, a rural village in the Eastern Cape, is governed by the malevolent Queen Nofesti. She killed her sibling Nomadubazana, the rightful queen, and ordered her brother Zwelakhe to murder Nomadubazana’s newborn, Isiphosetthu.
Nofesti did not know that Isiphosethu was not killed and was taken to Johannesburg by her uncle. She was ruling the village against the will of the family’s ancestors.
Her use of vulgar and profane language, revealed the type of a person she was, which envoked feelings of resentment amongst those on stage in the audience alike. I saw her as an evil dictator, she showed the characteristics of a nowadays selfish politician.
Upon arriving in the village, Isiphosethu encounters her uncle and pivotal figures who guide her journey. Eventually, she attends a royal meeting called by Nofesti, where her identity is unveiled, unraveling her entire life story.
This was a cringe moment, the scene was chaotic and very emotional, and it revealed how greed and power can turn people against their loved ones. Signifying the pursuit of self-interest at the expense of others.
The village faced grave danger as Nofesti, an arrogant witch, disregarded the pleas of her people, using her powers to suppress opposition. This illustrates the consequences of undeserving authority.
Isiphosethu’s arrival rescued the villagers, leading to Nofesti’s downfall at the hands of the oppressed community. The rightful queen assumed her throne, and the play concluded with Queen Siphosethu’s marriage and the village rejoicing in their newfound freedom.
Isiphosethu getting proposed to. Photo: Salim Nkosi
The performance left an indelible mark, while the singing and clapping in the house were memorable, it’s the importance of feeling like you belong, a constant guiding light in life’s twists and turns that will stay with me.
Vuvu rating: 8/10
Featured image: The villagers of Isizwe Samanqosi grieving their struggles. Photo: Salim Nkosi
In episode six of We Should Be Writing season 7, the team unpacked the evolution of music as a form of expression and protest, through four decades in the South African context. The episode explores the journey of South African music and its consumers from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and contemporary listeners. From the […]
