HSS show brings Bollywood to Grahamstown

Ashleigh Morris

Edition 1 October 2013

City of Saints
Every Religion, One Paper

RUCC turns 160 years of 60 the Cathedral 3 2

Commems inner beauty 4

The show is centred around Hinduism and gives students and audiences an opportunity to learn about and enjoy Indian culture. Shannice Nandhoo, a Rhodes student, will be performing in the show for the second time this year. PICTURE: Ashleigh Morris

Buddhism centre sees numbers spike

T
Sarah Ward
here has been a significant spike in student attendance at the Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre in Grahamstown on West Street. This center is in fact a project run by a lecturer in Rhodes Universitys Drama Department Anton Kreuger. Kreuger is one of the founding members of the center along with Alexandra Johnson who explained how Buddhism has been a growing denomination in Grahamstown since she was a Rhodes student over twenty years ago, when she converted. Rhodes University is home to a large and diverse group of students. An increasing number of students have started to explore Buddhism as an alternative to the beliefs that they grew up with. Alexander Tucci, a third year law student and Emma Paterson, a third year Fine Arts and Psychology major at Rhodes, are students who began to adopt the Buddhist practices and beliefs about a year ago. Tucci said that students come to Rhodes to find themselves. Despite the spiritual aspect of Buddhism, it is an appealing

he annual Hindu Students Society (HSS) once again presented their annual cultural show on Saturday 24 August at the Monument. For the first time the show was able to present to its audience a famous Bollywood dance troupe Taare. All the way from Cape Town, Taare is a group of experienced dancers who specialise in a range of different dances from Bharatanatyam (a classical dance from South India) to Hip-hop, Bollywood and folk dance. Started in 2012, the group is still fairly new, but HSS president, Gitika Manilal, says Everyone was so looking forward to this group, who was also seen on television. I know they were who I was most excited for, she added. After months of hard work and planning, all of which had been ongoing since the start of the second term, paid off as audiences were rewarded with a variety of performances including singers, dancers and comedy performances. There were various types of performances which kept people glued to their seats, says Manilal. Shannice Nandhoo, a second year Bcom student who performed in this years show, explained that the show was not only based on Indian performances.

The aim of the show is to celebrate diverse cultures and also create awareness about the Hindu culture and traditions, Manilal says. However, she went on to say that one of the aims of the show is to bring people together, despite cultural differences. Our main goal is to cultivate and foster cross-cultural dialogue on issues that pertain to Hinduism and in the process interact with diverse cultural groups. The show offers an exciting and unique experience for audiences which Leah Dube, a second year BA student, believes is important. A fan of the Indian culture, with its colours and dancing, she says The whole point of living is that one should try new things. Tickets included a three course Indian meal which was popular with the audiences. Dube believes it is little things like that which people should make the most of. The show offers a change from the usual Saturday night in Grahamstown. And we can still go out afterwards, she said. The event was an overall success with a good turnout. It went off without any problems and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves, Manilal said after the event. And despite the cold, many people who attended the event stayed afterwards to socialise and talk about the show.

Safety trumps religion in res

Boitumelo Masihleho and Sarah Ward

Emma Paterson, one of the many practising Buddhists at Rhodes University, meditates in her flat. PICTURE: Sarah Ward
practice, which promotes positive lifestyles without the element of being controlled as well as the appeal of being alternative. This is probably the main reason so many students are starting to practice or acclaiming to be Buddhist. Johnson commented on how the number of students that participate in both the non-religious and religious meditation fluctuates, as many simply use it as a means of de-stressing as well as opening themselves to enlightenment. The Grahamstown Tibetan Meditation Centre is open from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on West Street and offers both spiritual and Buddhist meditation as well as non-religious meditation. It is open to all Grahamstown residents and Rhodes students, regardless of their individual denominations.

ome students in Rhodes Universitys residence system are being prevented from performing certain religious rituals in their rooms as the rituals are considered to be fire hazards by the University. Abongile Xhantini (20) is a firstyear student who is a Tibetan Buddhist. Meditation is a crucial practice for Buddhists and the burning of incense sticks is an essential part of this. Unfortunately, due to the rules which clearly state that no fire hazards such as the lighting of candles or using matches or liquid lighters may be done within residences, Xhantini has not been able to fulfil this part of her meditation. I dont get how it is a fire hazard, says Xhantini, as incense has no burning flame and completely extinguishes once it is

finished. Kelly Goldstuck (22), who is Jewish, knew there was no big Jewish community in Grahamstown. However, she did not expect to not have access to a shul as the Grahamstown synagogue has been closed down. Goldstuck has had to purchase battery-operated candles an alternative for the real thing, which she lights every Friday night, as per her religion. It does kind of take the meaning away. You get a sense that something is missing although its better than having nothing, says Goldstuck. Rhodess Religion Policy is not intended to favour or preference one single religion, but rather aims to be all-encompassing. However, the institution privileges the safety of students over their need to fulfil all the tenets of their religion. I understand why the policy is in place but it would be nice to see some recognition from the University, said Goldstuck.

City of Saints
Dont ignore Shoot the Jew

n a recent protest by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) South Africa campaign on the Wits University campus, what was supposed to be an anti-Zionist protest against the illegal occupation of Palestine by the Israeli state turned abruptly to a clear example of anti-Semitism. Protesters gathered outside a performance by an Israeli jazz quartet began singing Dubul iBhunu, the controversial struggle song that translates as shoot the Boer. Within a few minutes the lyrics changed to Dubul iJuda or Shoot the Jew. With the exception of a single column in Daily Maverick by Rebecca Hodes, this issue has largely been devoid of any sort of proper analysis. The editorial staff at this paper, it should be stated, are largely against the Israeli occupation. This does not necessarily mean we are pro-Hamas or that we condone violence on either side of the conflict; we do not. However, there is a massive difference between anti-Zionism or anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism. The South African Constitution provides for the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion and freedom from persecution based on ones religious beliefs. Dubul iBhunu was never actually used as an incitement to kill Boers, except by Julius Malema and his cronies. It was used to identify the enemy: the apartheid state. If we apply the same thinking to the revised version, our enemies must be the Jews. All the Jews? By nature of which god they choose to pray to, does someone become our enemy necessarily? The answer is no and the Constitution protects all South Africans from this. The revision of the song is an incorrect conflation of all Jewish people with people who are pro-Israeli occupation. It is similar to saying all Muslims are automatically terrorists or all Catholic priests sexually abuse choir boys. It is simply a statistical improbability. This essentialist logic is dangerous and cannot be ignored. The struggles of the modern world require far more nuanced thinking.
Ashleigh Morris, Boitumelo Masihleho, Michaela Weiffenbach, Sarah Ward and Stuart Thembisile Lewis

The Rhodes University Chamber Choir performs regularly.

PICTURE: RUCC

Rhodes University Chamber Choir: 60 Years Of Song

Boitumelo Masihleho
Ndikhokhele Bawo ndikhokhele mmeli wam ezensizini zalomhlaba bawo [Lead me Lord, Im in this strange world] sang Sara Crowther , a second year English student, in a beautiful soprano at the Inauguration of the Student Representative Council (SRC) of 2014 held at Eden Grove on Wednesday night, 28th August. Dressed in their traditional allblack attire, Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) graced the Vice-Chancellors, the Dean of Students, previous SRC presidents, the SRC of 2013, those in the student forum and other honoured guests. One member of this lovely choir is Lerato Kortjass, a 19 year old woman from Pietermaritzburg, who joined the RUCC this year as a first year student, during the Societies Sign-Up held every year in the Great Hall. She had already made the decision four years ago, when the RUCC came to sing at her school, Epworth High. I was a part of the chamber choir at school and I knew after hearing them sing so beautifully, I had to be a part of the choir, says Kortjass. She joins the choir for rehearsal every Monday and Thursday night for two hours, conducted by Peter Breetzke and assisted by the head of the choir, Jessica Smith. Although it is really time consuming, it is a lot of fun. Peter and Jessica are really helpful and the choir has a very relaxed vibe where if you dont feel comfortable singing a solo, its okay and asking for help is never a problem, says Kortjass with a smile. After beginning in the 1950s, RUCC celebrated its 60th anniversary on the weekend of the 23 and 24 of August. Current members of the coir with alumni practised for two days and then performed at the beautiful Chapel of St. Mary and all the Angels, which is commonly known as the Rhodes Chapel. The chapel, which is in the middle of St Peters Lawns, was packed with a diverse group of people to celebrate the anniversary of the choir. The choir sang a variety of songs, which are all held in the RUCC folder, filled with choir books of different songs more along the classical and hymn-like genre. From small Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape to the sunny Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal is where RUCC will be doing a tour this coming September vacation. The final stop will be an old age home in Umhlanga, showing the choirs soft side, participating in some community engagement. With so many performance and tours, it is very clear that RUCC will only continue to grow its 60 year legacy from here on out.

Secular Humanist Forum coming to Rhodes in 2014

R
Stuart Thembisile Lewis
hodes University student William Walters has launched a new religious society on campus catering to secular humanists. Secular humanism is a philosophy that embraces reason and social justice and holds that each religious belief be weighed and tested by an individual before being accepted. Look, it really is just a nice kind of atheism, says Walters, who grew up as a Christian but rejected his religious beliefs when he met science. While many students have expressed excitement about the society, some more religious students are sceptical. His People Church cell leader Lucille Moleko said, The secular humanist thing sounds like a great idea, but Im worried it will become just a platform for anti-religious vitriol. Walters is aware of this possibility and wants to prevent it from happening. We want to stay as far away from dogma as possible and that includes political and atheist dogma, he says. It should be a safe space where people can come together and discuss their beliefs with one another.

It really is just a nice kind of atheism. - William Walters, Secular Humanist Forum founder.
The society, named the Rhodes Secular Humanist Forum, will launch next year. In the meantime, it exists only as a Facebook group of around 60 members who have already had numerous spirited debates around multiple issues. Currently, Walters is the head of wargaming at popular gaming society GameSoc and is confident in his ability to run this new society.

Walters grew up as a Catholic, but has since converted to atheism. PICTURE: Stuart Thembisile Lewis

City of Saints

God is bigger than just Sundays

Ashleigh Morris

soft breeze danced with the gentle, early morning rays, lightly enveloping the still sleepy Grahamstown. The roads were quiet except for the chirping of the birds in the trees and the laughter of a group of girls as they walked along the dappled pathway. Simphiwe Duze, a fourth year BCom student, was part of the group. Enjoying the beautiful morning, she laughed and chatted with her friends on her way to the His People church. Not far from her res, the girls had just come from breakfast, their usual Sunday morning routine. While Duze and her friends settled down for the service, back in res, second-year BA student, Ciske Uys, remained stubbornly asleep. It was not that Uys had over slept, or that she had chosen not to go to church today, it was that she had given up her faith altogether. Early in her first year, Uys used to be one of the girls walking to the His Peoples Sunday morning service. However, as the year progressed, Uys found herself distancing herself from both the church and her religion. I joined the His People Church, His Little People [for the children] and cell group [a weekly meeting in her residence]. I thought it would keep me on the straight and narrow, said Uys. In the end, the pressure to keep up to date with work and her commitments

to the church as well as making time to see and spend time with her friends became too much. I needed to be at church and prepare lessons for His Little People. I decided to drop my commitments to the church, she said. Uys is not the only Rhodes student to move away from her religion after leaving home. Senior Pastor from the His People, Tendai Chitsike, explained how he always sees a huge number of students who stop attending services. Its too much for them to live here [at Rhodes] and be Christian, he said, They feel intimidated, like they just cant do it. Born into a conservative Christian family in Zimbabwe, Chitsike recalled the surprise he felt when he arrived at Rhodes in 1997: I was in Smuts [an all-male residence] with my brother and, you know, we were drinking buddies and all that. But it was a shock to the system. He explained how throughout his degree he felt that Christianity was not something which was seen in a good light, despite the universitys liberal attitude. Socially and intellectually I felt bombarded. Christianity wasnt something which was welcomed. I got the impression it wasnt something that was important on campus, said Chitsike. Able to relate to the pressures of university, Chitsike explained that it is important to not only have a

strong group of friends, but to be able to connect every aspect of your life. One needs to connect work, friends and religion to see that God plays a huge part in all of it, he said. As a church, we get to connect with students and show them that God is bigger than just Sundays. One of those people who has realised this and embraced it is Duze. For her, religion is about making a conscious decision to want God in your life: Its about a personal relationship with God. For me, its been a journey of discovery, not only what I am, but who he makes me. According to her, being able to remain true to your religion all depends on why you call yourself religious in the first place. But getting to university does more than simply test the strength of your faith. For Ian Currie, a second year BA student, it allowed him to challenge his beliefs and finally find the right questions to ask. I havent dropped my religion, Ive altered it. Ive always followed the Catholic way, he says, adding that his subject choices enabled him to face the questions hed had for some time. The tendency to move from what you know to what you dont know is not easy to do at home. Philosophy gave me the coherence to questions that I always had in my head. It is tough balancing everything and being able to remain strong enough to keep standing amidst

Ciske Uys gave up her religion shortly after coming to Rhodes but feels the decision did little to change who she is. PICTURE: Ashleigh Morris
the tumbling ideas and beliefs. Chitsike says it takes courage to be able to admit that one is having difficulty holding onto their faith. People who actually speak about their problems are only the tip of the ice berg. About 90 per cent just quietly slip away, he said. In the end, he and Duze both agree it is about relationships and having the strength to keep pushing on.

Cathedral celebrates 160 years

Michaela Weiffenbach

The spire of St. George and St. Michael Cathedral. PICTURE: Michael Weiffenbach

ne of the iconic features of Grahamstown is the distinctive outline of the Rhodes University clock tower and the rising steeples of its many churches. Bearing in mind how small Grahamstown is, the nickname City of Saints is well deserved. However, Christianity isnt the only religion to leave its mark on the town. Grahamstown is home to over 50 different religious institutions, each of which contribute to the cultural melting pot of the historical town. One of the most photographed and widely known of all the religious establishes is the Cathedral of St George and St Michael. This landmark holds an immense amount of African history. The cathedral is located on Church Square, and has the tallest spire in South Africa over 53.6 meters tall. However, the current spire is not the original one. It was replaced when the original spire was deemed to be a danger, due to the instability caused by the combination of heavy materials and the spires height. This year Grahamstowns

unmistakable place of worship celebrates its 160 year anniversary. The idea behind the celebration is to show people that we are still here. We are still a part of Grahamstown. It is a place to meet, a safe place, for anyone who feels like coming. Says Nomonde Eunich Ncwadi, Cathedral caretaker. In 1814, Grahamstown which was intended to become a military outpost - was named after Colonel John Graham. The St George half of the Cathedral opened its doors to the public in 1830. The cathedral became the religious center of the community, a refuge and sanctuary for women and children during the amaXhosa Wars. In 1912, John Oldrid Scott designed the New Nave section of the Cathedral. It is Victorian neo-gothic in style, with a granite and sandstone exterior, plastered interior walls with marble pillars. In 1952, the building was at last finished with the building of the Lady Chapel that seats 500 people. The history of Grahamstown as a frontier post can be found at the lectern, pulpit, road screen and organ, recorded in memorial

The Church has been here, and will be here for times to still come. We want to remain a safe place, a home. - Nomonde Ncwadi, Cathedral Caretaker
tablets. Some of these tablets have been censored with small marble strips hiding the word kaffir. The organ is still the original instrument that was used during the first religious ceremonies. It was the first to house such a heavy organ and became the first Cathedral on the continent to ring the full 8 bells. These bells were cast in London, in 1878, from the original material of the 3 bells that hung in the first spire. One is also able to view a piece of the original wall, which was built in 1830. Ncwadi who is a repository for the long history of the Cathedral, is intimately familiar with the intricacies of the architecture and freely welcomes visitors. We are here for the people of Grahamstown. The Church has been here, and will be here for times to still come. We want to remain a safe place, a home.

City of Saints

Commem - inside our Methodist Church

When most people think of churches in Grahamstown, the first image that comes to mind is the towering spire of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George. The cathedral was consecrated in 1850 and became the heart of the Anglican worship in the City of Saints. The same year, barely 300 metres down the street, another church was opened. Commemoration Methodist Church, often affectionately shortened to Commem, sits in the cathedrals shadow but is as central to the history of Grahamstown as its neighbour. Commem was originally proposed as a replacement for the original Methodist chapel in Grahamstown and was designed by Grahamstown resident, the Reverend Thornley Smith. The church seats a congregation of between 1200 and 1400 people, which at the time was the entire population of the town. While there have been many alterations over the years, nothing goes to waste in Commem: the communion rail and kneeler in front of it were built from old pews and all the uprights in the church were made from the original rectangular communion rail.

1. Commems stern, five-towered stone faade first catches the eye when walking past but the churchs true beauty lies inside, with light pouring in from the stained glass windows. PICTURE: Ashleigh Morris

2. Invisible from below, generations of Kingswood College scholars have carved their names into the pews. PICTURE: Ashleigh Morris

3. For the first 120 odd years of its life, Commem acted as the official place of worship for many scholars from various local boarding schools. PICTURE: Stuart Thembisile Lewis

4. In 1872 a special constable was appointed to watch over the boys, according to church records, but this did little to dissuade the graffiti. PICTURE: Ashleigh Morris

5. The massive silver organ, which sits behind the pulpit, is six times the size of the original 219 piped instrument and is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the country. PICTURE: Ashleigh Morris