Grahamstown, South Africa | 2011
“I am so happy I am a man”
By: Christine Mehta (Contributing: Shayna Meliker)
Boys in Grahamstown retreat into “the bush” for a month or so, after they are circumcised as part of the rite of passage into manhood. They live in tents in isolation there, learning how to be a man. Continue reading
“Idonki!” Donkeys play a vital role
By: Danielle Waugh
Mlunguseli Chaki makes a living with his donkeys. If you visit the township, it’s a good bet the roaming donkey you see in the street is Chaki’s. Continue reading
Beadmaker’s daughter breaks the college education barrier
By: Nate Hopper
The end of apartheid marked the beginning of opportunity. Especially educational opportunity. Nothemba Makinana’s daughter is one example. Continue reading
Albino man’s music salves the soul
By: Mackenzie Reiss
Thuthuzi is “different.” He is an albino. While that’s made life tough, it’s also fueled his love of music. Continue reading
Shelter for kids makes life livable
By: Brandi Kellam
Children from unsafe and broken homes find refuge at the Eluxolweni Charitable Trust Child and Youth Care Centre which works to give Grahamstown’s children a safe start in life. Continue reading
Faith provides “rainbow after storm”
By: Sierra Jiminez
Christianity is the predominant religion in South Africa. Prayer eases pain. “I cannot give you hope,” one pastor says. “But I believe God can.” Continue reading
Dogs shield sheep from jackals
By: Shayna Meliker
The sheep grazing on these hills certainly make for a serene picture. But there’s a battle for survival going on. The sheep are preyed upon by jackals — and protected by dogs. Continue reading
Land of opportunity draws others
By: Jenny Cheng, Ashley Kang
South Africa has problems, yes, but on the continent it is a shining light of opportunity for immigrants like Elizabeth Sintim of Ghana. Continue reading
Firefighting’s the same everywhere
By: Brandi Kellam
In Grahamstown, Platoon Commander Robert Brooks goes about his job much like his colleagues here do. And one day, he hopes to visit the U.S. to see how it’s done here. “Before I die, that’s my desire.” Continue reading
“How are you?” Say it in Xhosa
By: Christine Mehta
For a quick primer in Xhosa, take a look. Now you can say “hello” on the street. It’s a start! Continue reading
T-shirt maker adds personal touch
By: Nate Hopper, Danielle Waugh
Asanda Ncwadi puts a little money in his pocket by designing and producing t-shirts. And he doesn’t do it seated at a computer. It’s all by hand. Continue reading
The count: He’s circumcised 40,000
By: Shayna Meliker, Christine Mehta
Mr. Johnson Tyelbooi has turned about 40,000 boys in Grahamstown, South Africa, into men in the past four decades. Certified by the South African Department of Health, he plays a central role in the Xhosa male rite of passage by
Mandelakhe’s dream: World Cup
By: Brandi Kellam
The Eluxolweni shelter for children is not just home for kids like Mandelakhe. It’s shelter from the elements, yes, but also from other threats. Among them: Abuse and neglect. Continue reading
Poetry releases his “inner man”
By: Shayna Meliker
Sanele Ntshingana writes poetry to connect with people and show others what people go through every day. Continue reading
Rock of Ages Church rocks with faith
By: Ashley Kang
Voices rise in a thunderous noise. A man wearing a yellow and brown plaid jacket exclaims “Jesus” from the front row. And in the township of Joza the faithful are advised to “Shout until the negative that is inside you is out.” Continue reading
Citizens must have ID books in hand
By: Ashley Kang
If you don’t have an “ID book” in South Africa, you’re not really “official.” Continue reading
What’s to eat? Often, African salad
By: Ashley Kang
African salad is a staple in this country. And making it is a “just so” process. Here’s how it’s done. Continue reading
“Amakhoshi” brings power, peace
By: Ashley Kang
Amakhoshi is a process that brings a young man power and peace. To gain strength and for protection, teenage males may opt to grind down the root of the Khubalo tree, mixing the powder with the blood of a pure
South Side to S. Africa: Our guide
Syracuse resident Jason Torreano, who spent a semester as an exchange student at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, traveled to South Africa with the Syracuse group. Jason set up many of the logistics: from translators, to lodging, to security and even