A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO BHEKI MLANGENI – LEST WE FORGET

Bheki “Mabhekza” Mlangeni - Image: Andreas Vlachakis

This week, 35 years ago, my brother, friend and dependable comrade, Bheki “Mabhekza” Mlangeni, got his young life cut short by a parcel bomb. The explosive(s) that were packed into what was referred to as a “Walkman” (cassette player) detonated the minute Cde Mabhekza switched on the device upon wearing its headphones. The explosion shattered […]

OPEN MIC, OPEN MIND: A MASTERCLASS WITH LEFIFI TLADI

There are evenings that unfold as planned. Carefully curated events with clear start times, smooth transitions, and a sense of control that leaves everyone reassured. And then there are evenings that refuse containment. Where the very act of gathering becomes part ritual, part rebellion, and part revelation. The recent evening at MOMO Gallery, in honour […]

REMEMBERING STRUGGLE HERO MUNTU KA MYEZA – THE SPIRIT OF THE MARTYR LIVES ON

On this solemn day, we raise our fists, bow our hearts, and lower our voices in honour of Muntu ka Myeza – the courageous, articulate, and sagacious torchbearer of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), who, on 3 July 1990, transcended the limits of this world and ascended to the highest realm of existence. He was […]

SA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY OF MOLEFE PHETO, THE MUCH LOVED AZANIAN “BULL FROM MORULENG”

Today, June 11, marks the celebration of a true giant of the anti-apartheid Struggle, Molefe Pheto, as he turns 90. The highly esteemed, affable nonagenarian is a renowned South African musician, teacher, and activist. Born on June 11, 1935, in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg, Pheto has had a remarkable life dedicated to waging an anti-racist struggle […]

A TRIBUTE TO PROF NGUGI WA THIONG’O

“Keepers of African memory must do for their languages what all others in history have done for theirs“, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o, at the 2003 Steve Biko Annual Memorial Lecture in Cape Town, South Africa. Of the many encounters I’ve had with Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o, personally and through reading his transformative books, his Steve […]

ACTIVITIES LINED UP TO HONOUR CDE PHETHO, THE AZANIAN “BULL FROM MORULENG” 

On Wednesday June 11 2025, mentors and mentees in the cultural sphere, are expected to descend on the residence of internationally acclaimed cultural icon Molefe Pheto at Bangadile Farm, in Magalies, to celebrate the illustrious life of the living legend turning 90 years of age. The June 11, 2025 event in Magalies will be the […]