The global order of years of diplomacy and peacebuilding can be flipped over by the cynical or power-hungry
Instead of replacing state capacity with grassroots action, we need to strengthen state institutions to serve the poor
The cause goes beyond corruption and incapacity to dysfunctional centralised, bureaucratic rule. The solution lies in decentralised, participatory and direct democratic forms of organisation
Olivia Barrell’s gallery and book reclaim clay’s place in art history, grounded in care and curation
Photographer’s images are a soulful visual tribute to South African jazz
Festival returns with fresh fire and fearless talent For 11 days this winter, Makhanda becomes the beating heart of South African creativity and artistic innovation as the National Arts Festival lights up the Eastern Cape until 6 July. A staple on the cultural calendar since 1974, the festival has long been a space for protest, […]
We chat to Darren English about his musical journey, inspiration and experience on stage
Ndlovu transforms traditional African ingredients into gourmet masterpieces
Artist transforms everyday objects as into poignant narratives exploring identity and heritage
National Arts Festival continues to create platforms for creatives, 50 years later
Three days of protest because allowances are now paid directly to landlords
Makana’s budget, and those of most municipalities, need monitoring and the corrupt and wasteful held to account
Rhodes University and civic organisations partnered up – and radically boosted results
A walk through the city centre and two suburbs was an exercise in mindfulness and learning how to be home again
The festival provided a space for artists to meet and mingle
In these broken times, the superb pieces being showcased provide an essential reminder that human good and hope can prevail if we remember how to dream
Description of new species was a 37-year-long labour of love for Eastern Cape palaeontologist
The high court rationalisation committee wants it to be moved from Makhanda to Bhisho, but lawyers argue that this will is irrational
With the cost of living rising, many families can’t afford to bury their loved ones and assistance is needed
Of 87 206 solar geysers procured, only 61 000 were delivered, and fewer than 3 200 were installed
For the first time in two years, The National Arts Festival is back with an in-person star-studded list of artists and performers
Voluntarism is not enough to ensure that transnational companies such as Shell consult people likely to be affected by their proposed activities
The power utility is owed huge amounts of money by municipalities — and then there’s sabotage to contend with
Many learners in the Eastern Cape have not received stationery and textbooks because of budget shortfalls
The Makana Citizens Front brings together diverse groups with a focus on accountability
Senzo Shabangu’s solo exhibition, showing as part of the National Arts Festival, interrogates the contradictions of life in Makhanda
Because the government ignores legitimate complaints and softer forms of protest, and only protest action yields results, we have learned that power trumps the law, despite what the constitution claims. A human rights court could be an answer
Popping up everywhere that radical pan-African content is on offer, the Black Ark comes equipped with a library of material, ranging from books to vinyls and posters
The unfolding of events at recent protest in Makhanda ended up scoring cheap political points for a select few, while ignoring the real grievances
Despite fighting so hard for it, South Africans don’t seem to understand how democracy works
Researchers found that interventions only come after the municipality has already collapsed, that the turnaround time is impossibly short, and that constitutional steps have been misinterpreted