The volunteer-led magazine with ever-changing voices exploring different perspectives on today’s rapidly-evolving world.
History
The Centenary of a Legend: Honouring Nelson Mandela The Rise of South Africa under Mandela
‘A winner is a dreamer, who never gives up.’ – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela former president of South Africa. On 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, former American president Barack Obama reminisced about how peacefully Mandela guided his nation through negotiation and reconciliation and how his generous attitude towards his former enemies saved the country from more violence and war.
The Evolution of South African Jazz Creating an Exceptional Musical Melange
Many different elements have influenced the evolution and development of South African jazz, the most conspicuous and significant being the rich cultural diversity of the country’s inhabitants and the influence of the African-American culture. South African jazz is dynamic and it has always been evolving, creating an exceptional musical mélange.
Music and the Anti-Apartheid Movement The Influence of Protest Songs During Apartheid Regime in South Africa
For generations, across cultures and continents, people have used music as a form of protest. Lyrics and melodies transformed into mediums for communication that in any other context would be suppressed and unheard. Musical activism has cemented its crucial role in history as being a way to unite individuals in their common goal to end war or oppression.
Early Capetonian Slave Trade Cape Town’s Sinister Beginning
The Dutch first settled in Table Bay in 1652 after a shipwreck. The survivors swam to shore, marooned in this new territory for a year. ‘In the time they were stranded here, they saw there was all this fresh water coming off Table Mountain, so they sent a positive report back to Holland,’ says Peter Wyk, a tour guide for Cape Town’s Free Walking Tours.The Dutch saw logistical and economic profit in this and started a business. Lead by Jan Van Riebeeck, a successful merchant and commander of the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), or as the English called them, the Dutch East India Company. The business flourished.
The Mau Mau Revolt British Imperial History at Its Worst
The Mau Mau rebellion has sparked much debate. Some historians liken the atrocities to the work camps of Russia, the Soviet gulags, but others discredit such drama and stress the war did not have signs of systemic abuse. Either way, the claimants have documented the injuries and abuse suffered over 60 years ago and the case is likely to run on into next year.
Women in the South African Army Fighting for Gender Transformation
Despite national policy and international programmes – such as the United Nations Development Programme – gender discrimination and inequality persist all around the world, especially in the army.
Robben Island The Prison Island Story
The year is 1498. Two ships leave the Portuguese shore with the quest of finding a maritime route to India. When they reach the coast of Africa, the hungry members of the fleet have to step ashore on a deserted island and look for shelter.
Genealogy in South Africa Past, Present & Future
The past is essential to build a future and this is why the practice of genealogy has gained ground. Genealogists in South Africa examine not only the past, but also investigate heritage.
The Man with Pigeons A Beautiful Story From District Six
At the beginning of the day, myself and two other volunteer journalists had gone into town to take part in what I assumed would be a run-of-the-mill interview. I had no idea my journey would end up in a museum in the centre of Cape Town, reading a moving story about pigeons. Let me tell you about my afternoon, filled with surprises.
