The Mdantsane Way

Amazing Recycled Shacks Of Mdantsane! A Photographic Journey Through The Township

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:38:00 +0000

The Nguni, Cattle Of Africa! A Mighty Tribe

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Every Child Has A Father, Present Or Absent

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:34:00 +0000

This article, written by Zizipho Vazia a 2^nd year Walter Sisulu University journalism student, looks at the widespread hardship of children not knowing, who their father is and their mothers not allowing them any way of finding their father.

Every Child Has a Father, Present Or Absent - Image Chocolat Negro

Not knowing your father or never seeing him is one of the hardest things a child can experience. You have no idea whether he is aware of your existence and well-being and you are still being told you are better off without him. Nkcubeko Tchotyana, a 16-year old boy raised by his single mother, is faced with a challenge experienced by a lot of youngsters – the misfortune of not knowing who his father is and his mother not allowing him any way of finding his father.

This has become a serious problem for Nkcubeko as it negatively affects his school performance, social and personal life. He has episodes of irrationally lashing out at his mother and grandmother using vulgarlanguage especially when talking about parenthood.

Not knowing your father is one of the hardest things a child can experience

He has already decided to attend initiation school in December. This he will do with or without his father and without his mother’s consent.

Dr Thulani Vazi, a clinical psychologist at the Elizabeth Donkin Psychiatric Hospital in Port Elizabeth, said: “It is very common for a child of this age and especially a male to feel this way.”

Vazi recently had to deal with a patient who set his mother alight with paraffin because she didn't want to tell him who his father is.
“These cases are serious and highly dangerous. Once these kids are deprived of the information about their fathers, they become animals. It doesn't matter whether the child will love or hate his dad, the mother just mustn't blind him from knowing if his dad is alive and make sure that the child knows about him,” said Vazi.

Nandipha Gaushe, a social worker at Khayelethemba in Mdantsane said: “Every child has a father, present or absent."

The ill-treatment of the mothers by these children is triggered by lies building up every time the father figure is questioned at home. Then the name calling, wrecking of home appliances, physical abuse and possibly drug and alcohol abuse begins.

As much as a father doesn’t have to be present when a boy is going for circumcision, every boy yearns for the day when his father gives him the blessings and ancestral guidance for the ceremony to take place.
Nkcubeko said: “I always imagined I’d have my father alongside when I’d have to go to initiation school and as much as I make it seem like something that doesn’t bother me, in actual fact it does. Because now I have developed strong feelings of hate towards someone I have no idea even exists.”
“When my mother talks about my father she refers to him as inja (dog), saying that I shouldn’t worry about him being in my life because we are doing a great job together without him.”

The Importance Of Reading In Mzansi

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 07:34:00 +0000

Just like muscles the brain benefits from a good workout! Image Chocolat Negro

We are glad to be able to publish an article written by 2^nd year Walter Sisulu University journalism student Chuma Mxo. This article highlights the importance of reading and how it increases your vocabulary and improves spelling.

Just like muscles, the brain benefits from a good workout. When you read you have more time to comprehend, think and gain insight. When you watch a movie or listen to a tape the mind does not pause to reflect unless you press pause.

The benefits of reading are keeping your memory sharp, your learning capacity moves quickly and your mind basically opens up.

Reading tells us about our past. Image by Chocolat Negro

A lot of young people don’t know how important reading is. As a result when they leave high school and enter universities they are at a disadvantage because of their poor marks in English.

If they are fortunate enough to get accepted, either they can’t write and read properly or even speak English fluently. Even aspiring journalists find no interest in reading, whereas it should be part of their lives to help them with their writing skills.

Reading in Africa: Young people underestimate the importance of reading and are generally not interested. Even aspiring journalists find no interest in reading. But, it is never too late to start a good habit. Photographer:Chuma Mxo

Dr Alan Weimann, former head of the Department of Media Studies at Walter Sisulu University, says: “I always tell my students that if they want to be good journalists I cannot see how they can cope without reading. When you are not exposed to reading activities you lack broad general knowledge. Reading online is not as effective as reading print.”

He said to understand and be able to assist the students you’ve got to go back and see where the problem originates. If pupils were not taught to read properly in primary school the foundation was not laid and this resulted in a deficit of language proficiency. To improve these pupils should make a conscious effort to read.

The power of reading is potent and strong, Image Chocolat Negro

A literate mind is a more complex one, there’s a richness that reading gives. It increases your vocabulary and improves spelling. It also forces you to look at words that we might not have seen or heard. When you read you become more familiar with texts and you become so much better in picking up errors.

Thabo Mongoato, who started reading at a very young age, says; “It is difficult for me to remember a time when I did not have a book to read. I grew up in a home that was full of all types of books, magazines, newspapers and all sorts of novels. This had a profound influence in my formation years and gave me an edge in life and most importantly my school work.”

Image Chocolat Negro

Thabo adds: “Reading helped me to obtain good grades; I gained valuable knowledge, I had answers to things that my classmates could not begin to understand. Reading has opened worlds and opportunities that are still closed to those who find reading tedious.”

Thanks to the technology you can find good articles on the Internet. It’s easy to read a quote or an article for a few minutes and then stop and continue with what you were doing.

Dr Sheryl Maastricht, an educational psychologist, says: “Parents should read to their children from a very young age. When kids grow up in an environment where reading is a daily routine they get used to it and grow with it. When kids see their parents reading and enjoying it they also grow to love reading. Parents should also restrict their children from watching too much television as this distracts them from their books.”

But when you invest in reading a good book you end up at least a few hours reflecting on its content as you read. Hence, it is likely to stay with you for a longer time and have a positive influence on you.

Iamge Chocolat Negro

According to Mr Sive Mlamleli, a teacher in reading, said he has encountered some difficulties when dealing with learners who have poor grammar.

“As a teacher, I have found that children who have poor reading habits are poor readers, spellers, and writers themselves; and their grammar is atrocious! They speak well enough but that’s neither here nor there.”

Mlamleli adds: “Many of the children who do not cultivate the habit of reading cannot visualise words, hence, they become poor spellers, and their vocabulary is very limited. But it is such a struggle to get them to be interested in reading.” Don’t underestimate the power of reading it is strong and potent. It is never too late to start a good habit.

The Xhosa Culture - A Grandfather Looks Back

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 06:20:00 +0000

The Xhosa Culture is a structure, that gives you a firm stand in life

A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with a Xhosa Elder in Mdantsane. The conversation with the old man, who did not want his name mentioned or his picture to appear on our site (he said, he is too old for something like this) lasted nearly three hours, and was of an openness and spirituality that I have seldom experienced with a complete stranger.

The grandfather's words - as I call him - were simple but full of deep meaning and wisdom. He was not shy of talking. He was approachable.

"Whatever I say and you want to write, you can write. How would I know in anyway what you write?", he said to me.

Nothing like the talk of the politicians, that we hear on TV everyday in the news, talk that last for minutes without saying or meaning something. Anyway, that is not what I wanted to talk about today.

I did not take notes or record the conversation, it was entirely unexpected and to recapitulate it and to bring his words to these pages is not easy, but so worth it.

Our rituals involve a certain simplicity but demand strict respect.

The grandfather - my conversational partner was in his eighties and has experienced "a whole lotta life". Some of us can only wish for that.

"The Xhosa Culture", he said and looked at me, "is a thing, that is easy to explain. Don't let anyone tell you, that it is difficult to describe our way of life! It is not! At least the Xhosa Culture, that I know, that I was taught by my parents and that I grew up with is an easy thing."

"Why is it so easy?"

"Because everything is defined, it is a structure, it is a structure like an old mat woven with great skill according to a pattern that has evolved over centuries, that gives you direction and a firm stand in life. The rules and regulations, our Xhosa costumes are like the arms that embrace you during your whole life as a Xhosa man or woman.

If you followed, what you have been taught, the knowledge your parents handed down to you, you could not fail in life. Because this knowledge made once sense in our environment and in our heritage."

The knowledge that was handed down from our parents made sense in our environment and in our heritage

What are the things you remember from your childhood, let me say the memories that got etched in your mind? By the way, how come you speak so well English? For such and old grandfather, I mean?

I wanted to learn the white man's language. To speak another person's language gives you power.

As a child I remember, that each homestead was an economic unit with its own land. My father was the head of the home, a role that he took incredibly serious, that was his life. My father had several wives and his wealth, the richness of our family was measured in cattle. Problems in the village or in the area were solved at the Chief's council. As a boy I was sometimes allowed to watch the men from a distance.

This was our system, this is what I saw everyday and it was the way it had to be. This was so full of sense to me at the time.

Each homestead was an economic unit

And later?

There are different phases in your life and of cause each one comes with a responsibility. I was a boy then, and life did not pose too many challenges. There was a lot of piece in my father's homestead except for some of the wives quarreling. But this was a problem my father was able to solve with ease.

Then I grew up and became a man, I had many own children. I became a father.

But your life did not repeat itself in the same way like your father's life did, right?

Yes that is true, my life was very different than that of my father and my grandfather. When I was a parent myself I experienced 40 years of Apartheid when Xhosa speaking tribes became confined to the homelands and then to the independent states of the Transkei and Ciskei.

The chiefs became administrators for the White government. But the areas designated for the Xhosa people could not really support all the people living there. Like many other men of my generation I became a migrant worker, seeking work in the city and coming home to his family once a year for vacation. This was a drastic difference between my father's life and my life.

The absence of a man from his family for an extended period of time always changes things for the good. A man who is not present can not rule, harmonize or solve the affairs and problems of his family. He will be a migrant in life as well.

Now, that your life was so different from your fathers life did you still stick with the costumes of your Xhosa culture, your system, that you call the structure and that gives a man a firm stand in life?

Oh yes, I did. I tried. That was what allowed me to keep my family together and to live in the spirit of my forefathers. Many other choose not to do so, or may be it was an involuntary process for them. When people give up their traditions it is not always a conscious thing. But for me I tried for follow in my father's footsteps. But I did not make everybody happy of cause.

What do you mean by that?

My children, some of my children revolutionized against me.( he laughed)

Are all your children still alive?

I had nine children. I still have five. Four are late. My children have children now. Am a grandfather and great grandfather.

Today, how is your life today as a grandfather and Xhosa elder?

I am an old man who has a long life behind him. The concept of the Elders is fading away. I am not sure if I am an elder. I am just an old man. It is a long while since somebody has asked me for advice or considered my opinion as important for his decisions. In fact this talk with you is the longest talk I had in a while.

But as a grandfather could you not pass on knowledge of the olden days to your children and grandchildren?

As a grandfather I lived actually through astonishing times. When I was an old man, I was allowed to vote for the first time in 1994 when South Africa became a democratic country thanks to Nelson Mandela and his fellows.

The new South Africa is something that made me wonder. It was a good feeling and I really did not believe that the rulers of the country would still change. I have been used to the Apartheid system for so many years, that it seemed unlikely anything else would still appear in my life time. But you have to learn freedom as well.

I have been used to the Apartheid system for so many years, that it seemed unlikely anything else would still appear in my life time. But you have to learn freedom as well.

Is life now more easier and more just for you in the new South Africa? And other old people?

No, not easier, Democracy brought new opportunities and freedom for all the people in South Africa. Some of us did experience better living conditions. But many still fight a battle for survival. You are only really free when you are free of worries that concern your survival.

I do live from a grant that the government gives me. And sometimes some of my children bring money and food. But some of them also ask me for money.

Some experienced better living conditions in South Africa

Can we talk about the costumes of the Xhosa culture, that make up the structure you talked about. What costumes you think are the most important ones?

Of cause the rituals.

But it is difficult to say which ones are the most important ones. The rituals "Isisiko" take place in every Xhosa household at moments that are important for the family. You know that. Still today it is like that. Usually this involves the slaughter of an ox or a goat in the kraal. Traditional beer is served to the guests.

Our rituals involve a certain simplicity but demand strict respect. If you forget or not commemorate a ritual when it should have been done, it will hinder or block you in your advancement to the next step in your life.

Like Abakwetha -the initiation of our young boys into men.

Is the ritual of Abakwetha still practised in the same way as when you were young?

You see this question people talk a lot about, also around me there are discussions. You can never say for sure because you only do this once. So what has changed since my time I do not know.But I know there was no alcohol involved in the bush shelters. We were told about manhood and adulthood and the manners you have to follow.

We did not eat meat and for sure we did not see a woman's face for the entire time.

I do not want to say what is wrong today but I have seen initates that were drunk. This in itself is a shame and an insult to the ritual.

What does the future hold for the young?

I do not want to be young again today. No matter under what rule you are born in your life there will be a certain amount of suffering and it is up to you if you take up the fight against it. But it helps if you know where you want to go to. It helps if you can imagine the course of your life. Many young ones can not.

Democracy brought new opportunities and freedom for all the people in South Africa. Some of us did experience better living conditions. But many still fight a battle for survival. You are only really free when you are free of worries that concern your survival.

And what does a future hold for a young woman in the Xhosa culture? Will she still be eager to marry young?

According to our traditions we do not marry members of our patent's or grandparent's clan's and tribes. Traditionally the bride moves to the groom's family. It is costum to seal the contract with the lobola, which is the bride price. A certain number of cattle is transferred from the groom's family to the bride's family. The number is negotiable. But today often money is paid instead. Young women do not like to be in polygamous relationships anymore and the wedding is conducted at the church. Sure there is a traditional wedding as well but the Xhosa people have definitely taken over Western costumes.

Many women move to the city to find a job and marriage is not their first priority anymore. Life is like that, if there are other options you will consider them.


If there are other options you will consider them....

In my time a girl enhanced her beauty by beadwork but I do think this has also changed a lot.


In my time a girl enhanced her beauty by bead work but I think a lot has changed old image of a Zulu girl

Singing The Gospel - Mdantsane's Born And Bred Star Khanyisa Sabuka Nkantsu

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 10:34:00 +0000

We are proud to introduce you today to Gospel star-Khanyisa Sabuka Nkantsu because Khanyisa can not only sing but she is an impressive lady and a genuine Mdantsane product!

The article was written by a 2^nd year WSU journalism student Annelisa Nkqubezelo.

Eastern Cape based gospel star Khanyisa Sabuka Nkantsu, born and bred in Mdantsane, continues inspiring many through her music. She now holds an honorary doctorate in music which she received from a Durban- based Bible College.
“As an artist it is very rewarding to know that people recognise your work and appreciate it.

I was very happy to receive this honour and this has motivated me to continue doing the best for my fans,” she said.
Her singing career began 35 years ago, at the age of seven. She sang in school choirs and dedicated her musical talent to the church. She is now one of the top gospel stars in the province.
Her career blossomed in 1995 when she became the lead vocalist of the once popular group Youth with Mission.
She went on achieving popularity across the country. She recorded her first solo album in 2003. She has now seven albums to her credit and has sold over 250 000 copies. She is a born again Christian who sings not only to entertain but to preach the gospel as well.

Khanyisa Nkantsu on stage – she is more than a gospel star. She is also a composer, a producer, an artist, a wife, a mother, a government employee and holds an honorary doctorate in music by a Durban-based Bible College. Image Anele Sabane

Besides her musical career she works in the Department of Social Development as a chief social worker. She graduated at Fort Hare University with social work honors. She continues to follow after her name “Khanyisa” which means bringing light. She brings hope to other people’s lives and lends a helping hand to local charities.
“I have been doing this job for the past 16 years and it is so rewarding to see a person smile just after you have finalised their social-grant application,” she said.
She lends a helping hand to local charities and has started a project where she visitsorphanage homes and delivers groceries. Khanyisa believes that God has blessed her to be a blessing to others.

For Khanyisa the road to the top has not been easy but she admits that her faith has kept her going. “Along the way I have met people who tried to discourage me but through believing in God I have been able to overcome all challenges,” she said.

Khanyisa comes from a religious background and both her parents are born-again Christians.
Her mother is the founder of the gospel group Christ Ambassadors. She has recorded her albums at YWB productions under the management of her brother Mzi Nkantsu.

Her brother Mzi Nkantsu said: “Khanyisa is a God-fearing woman; she is firm and stands for what she believes in. She is very involved in her ministry and her strong attitude helps her to have breakthroughs in life.”

Khanyisa is a composer, a producer, an artist, a wife, a mother and just an ordinary government employee. Regardless of her busy life she manages to create time for her family and ministers to her church and community.

She continues delivering the best for her fans. Her latest album “Amandla Ovuko”, which means power of resurrection, has been well received by her fans.

Her fan Xoliswa Gubela said: “When I feel down and need upliftment, I sing along and dance to her music as it revives my spirit. I can’t wait for another album. She is one of my favourite local artists who makes me love Gospel music even more.” – WSU-SNA

The Significance Of Tattoos In The Xhosa Culture And Their Relation To Religion

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 07:04:00 +0000

In today's article we are sharing a young South African's view on tattoos and their meaning in the Xhosa culture.

Zintle Swana is a 2^nd year Walter Sisulu University journalism student and has done some research concerning the connection between tattoos and religion and the different views people have on this matter.

The connection between tattoos and religion has been a disputed matter for a long time. Some say tattoos are a barrier between the human spirit and God or the Ancestors, while some do not share the same sentiments.

Image from Most Wanted Fashion " Tattooing In Africa" by Muhammad Farhan Ali

The Bible says “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on your selves. I am your Lord” (Leviticus chapter 19 verse 28).

Tattoos are believed to be a contradiction to what the Bible says according to believers, and the Bible is the base of their Christianity.

The Ladies of God Committee from the Jehovah’s Kingdom Church in East London said: “Tattoos are walls that block a human from connecting with God spiritually because your body is God’s temple as one is made in his image. Tattoos are ungodly, they’re associated with Satanism and evil spirits, and it is disrespectful to God directly as he is the creator.”

Image from Most Wanted Fashion " Tattooing in Africa" by Muhammad Farhan Ali

According to the Design Boom website on the history of tattoos, the word tattoo is said to have two major derivations: from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means ‘striking something’ and the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means ‘to mark something’ and it is just ink beneath the skin.

In the Xhosa history, tattoos were called ‘imihombiso’ which means body decorations.

A 53-year-old Xhosa elder Monwabisi Mvava said: “These decorations were done 100 years ago when young women did not make use of clothing but imihombiso. This was done with no artificial inks but metal and traditional syrups to heal wounds.”

African Tattoos were traditional done using the technique of scarification, whereby a knife is used to create a design consisting of symbols. Ink, herbs and potions are rubbed into the cuts to heal the wounds and to create a distinct elevated pattern.

A Xhosa traditional healer in East London, who did not want his identity known for personal reasons, believes that in the culture of isiXhosa tattoos are not acceptable as it upsets the ancestors because tattoos are a western fashion, so to the ancestors it is as if a person is drifting away from their roots.

Tribal symbol scarification on a young woman's body

A long-time tattoo artist and owner of a tattoo shop in Vincent Park in East London, Tony Botha, believes that tattoos have got nothing to do with satanic practice.

“To me a tattoo is something that you fantasize about for a long time before you do it, I live tattoos. To have a tattoo does not mean you are satanic, if I am evil for doing that then why do people decorate the temple at church and paint the windows with different colours?” said Tony.

Large Back Tattoo Source African Tattoo, tattoobite.com

“Hitler killed millions of people but he did not have a tattoo and to my understanding killing is the most satanic thing you would ever do.”
In some religions tattoos are not recognized as anything that could change the society in any way and are not known as a sin.

Large African Acacia Tree Tattoo On The Back Of A Caucasian Male, Image Tattoobite.Com

Maggs Makhan said: “In my religion, Hinduism, tattoos really do not matter, whether or not you have them, it makes no difference. I believe it is a personal choice to have a tattoo and everyone has a personal reason why they have tattoos. There are those who hide them and there are those who reveal them. As humans we might not believe in the same thing but we cannot judge.”

Amateur tattoos are common among prisoners, sometimes done by gangsters for recognition.
But this is not where the story of tattoos began.

Tattoos are common amongst prisoners as a form of distinction but the origin of tattoos goes back hundreds of years, Image South African Prison Tattoos by Most Wanted Fashion

Solethu Mavumengwana said: “A tattoo is something I have always wanted. I have seven stars on my arm representing my seven siblings, since I hardly spend time with them. There is more to a tattoo than just a fancy picture on the body; it is a dedication for a lifetime.
Religion does play a role in the view people hold about tattoos and that is what made me think deeply about what I want to do.”

An African Woman's Face Tattoo On The Hip, Tattoobite.Com

He added: “I believe God knows our deepest intentions and my relationship with him is based upon values instilled in me by my parents and of my own understanding. If God is so forgiving and just, then why won’t he forgive me if this is such a bad thing? He accepts us with all our flaws.”- WSU-SNA

Eating U-Smileys (Sheep head) in Fort Jackson - Different Cultures, Different Dishes

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 07:58:00 +0000

Today's article was written by the young volunteer Jonas Krombach and describes his culinary journey through the world of traditional Xhosa food. Here we go!

One of my reasons to do a voluntary year in another country was, that I wanted to get in contact with other cultures. Cultures I did not know before, such as the Xhosa-culture.

When I got the confirmation, that I would be going to Mdantsane for a year as a volunteer for a German Development organization to work with an environmental youth club at a local High School, I started to read about the Xhosa People on the Internet.

I learned quickly, that food plays a big role in the Xhosa culture, but also in general in South Africa.

Jonas Favourite Fat Cake With Liver Filling!!!

Well, I tried to find more information about typical Xhosa-dishes, but all I could find out was that the South Africans love to braai( barbecue) that they adore biltong( dried meat) and that there is Indian food as well, such as the Bunny Chow.

But I found nothing about traditional Xhosa dishes such as Samp and Beans (Umngqusho), African Salad and Umfino - dishes that I know so well by now.

Theresa and Joans eating Umngusho, a traditional Xhosa Dish

Arriving in Mdantsane I settled down in my guest family’s home.

When Nolubabalo, one of my guest mothers, said that she was going to cook something for dinner, I was excited and curious at the same time. I can still remember our first dinner. The whole family sat down together at the table and we ate pap with cabbage, butternut and everybody got some chicken as well. What a warm welcome!

The Open Air U-Smileys Restaurant in Fort Jackson An Industrial Area Close To Mdantsane

And as time went by I had the chance to taste the full variety of Xhosa dishes. My favourite dish is Umngusho. It reminds me somehow of the German traditional "lentil soup“. For those who do not know lentil soup I have made a photographic comparison between the two.

Lentil Soup versus Samp and Beans

Never Short of a celebration especially when food is involved

There is another dish I really fell in love with. Or I should better say got addicted to it.

The Fat-Cake!!! ( Jonas, Jonas, Jonas......how come you did not pick up any weight?)

The Mamas at Inkwenkwezi High School (my former workplace) always sold it during the lunch break. There is a special relationship between the Fat Cake and me. I cannot describe it. But I just adore the Fat Cake!

Especially the Fat Cake filled with liver. Mhhhhh!

Cutting U-Smileys - Sheep Heads are called like this because when cooked in hot water for a long time they shrink and their face or what is left of it takes on a smiling expression! So it is said!

All the African/Xhosa dishes I have mentioned in this article so far are "nice dishes".

But there are a couple of dishes I did not manage to become accustomed to. I rather prefer to stay away from them.

Well there is The African Salad. My guest family always screamed with laughter when they saw how I grimaced my face while I ate the dish. The taste was just always to sour for me!

The Last smile, served on a black trash bag..........Sheep head is a popular dish in the Xhosa culture

I want to end the article with the words of my project coordinator, Melikaya.

On one of our last days in Mdantsane he said: "How can you leave South Africa without having tasted the Smiley!“

And he was right! How could we! And that is why we went with all the staff members to one of Mdantsane´s street kitchens and tasted uSmiley!!!

All I can say is that it was a unique experience I will never forget!

U Smiley

Orange Time in Mdantsane

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:57:00 +0000

Orange Time in Mdantsane

This is how you can get your daily dose of Vitamin C at Hi-Way in Mdantsane. Every year it is the same.....when the oranges are ripe and cheat..... the orange mountain appears!
Just the vendors are not always the same!

Paul Xiniwe - 19th Century Political Activist, Entrepreneur And The Man Who Opened The First Hotel For Africans In King Williams Town

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:39:00 +0000

The Eastern Cape is full of historical surprises.

Who was Paul Xiniwe?

Paul Xiniwe - owner of the Temperance Hotel in King Williams Town

Paul Xiniwe lived in the 19th century in the Eastern Cape.

He was born in 1857 and died in 1902.

Mr. Paul Xiniwe went to Lovedale in 1881 as an advanced student based on the recommendations of the Reverend Edward Solomon, of Bedford.

He had spent his youth in Bedford and had previously occupied positions on the railway as a timekeeper and later as a telegraph operator.

In January 1881 Paul started studying at the by now famous Lovedale College. The College has produced many African leaders and later freedom fighters over the years.

In the second year of his studies Paul obtained the seventy-fourth certificate of competency at the Elementary Teachers Examination.

He graduated from the Lovedale College like many other future leaders of South Africa and started to teach at the Edwards Memorial School in Port Elizabeth. His school was said to stand high in efficiency in the classification of schools of the district.

But Paul was destined to be more than a teacher in his life. After some years of teaching he had saved enough money, so he could resign as a teacher. He bought properties in the cities of East London, Port Elizabeth and King Williams Town, and opened merchant stores there. In the years to come he became a prominent business man in the Cape Province. He was interested in politics, a Christian in belief and he took a very keen interest in the welfare of the African people.

In 1884 he presented a paper at the Native Educational Society, in which he stressed that the time had come for Africans to become members in Parliament.

He was a memeber of Imbumba Yama Nyama and became later a leader of the South African Native Congress.

But even more astonishing is the fact that in 1984 he opened the Temperance Hotel at Market Square in King Williams Town. It was the first hotel for Africans in the Cape Province and the double storey building was acquired at the time it cost 2000 Pounds.

In a very short time the Temperance Hotel was known throughout the Cape Province.

In Imvo Zabantsundu (June 3 to November 21, 1961), Z. K. Matthews noted the following observations concerning Paul Xiniwe:

“One of the best known buildings in King William’s Town is the Temperance Hotel. For generations this hotel has been a home away from home for many thousands of Africans, who, for one reason or another have had occasion to pay a visit to King William’s Town. Some have spent a night or two there, others have had a meal or two there, while others have gone in there just to rest their feet after a round of busy shopping in the town. One wonders how many of those who have had the benefit of this place ever spare a thought of gratitude to Paul Xiniwe, who established this home for Africans many years ago.

Like so many of his contemporaries Paul Xiniwe was educated at Lovedale where he qualified as a primary school teacher. After he left Lovedale he entered the teaching profession and taught at various schools in the Eastern Cape.

Eventually he decided to give up teaching and to blaze a new trail for Africans in business. This he did at a time when the belief was still widely held that no African could run a business successfully. . . . But the Temperance Hotel was not merely a business place. It was a center of culture. Both Paul Xiniwe and his wife were capable musicians. In their younger days they had both been members of an African Choir which toured Europe and they always encouraged music in their home and in the district”.

(Z.K. Mathews from "Paul Xiniwe blazed new trail for Africans”, Imvo Zabantsundu, October 7, 1961).

By the way Imvo Zabantsundu ( Native Opinion) was a newspaper published by the brilliant 24 year old John Tengo Jabavu, another lovedale graduate. He had set up his own newspaper with white and black political allies and the first issue appeared on Monday the 3 November 1884 and its appearance was a landmark occasion in the political history of South Africa, heralding the birth of an independant black press, a major step in the struggle for racial equality in the still new colonial system

The African choir who toured Europe is an amazing story in itself.

The other members of the African choir were Johanna Jonkers, Josiah Semouse, Charlotte Manye (Maxeke). These young New Africans seem to have been inspired by the visit of the "New Negro Orpheus McAdoo and the Virginia Jubilee Singers" who visited South Africa in 1890 singing all forms of Negro Spirituals. In appropriating the Negro Spirituals, Charlotte Manye Maxeke and others were among the earliest who established a Black Atlantic connection between New Negro modernity and New African modernity (Pitzer College).

Paul Xiniwe A Man Of Great Influence And Power At His Time

Paul married Miss Ndwanya, the sister of Mr. Ndwanya, a law agent who was respected alike by the Europeans residing in the province and the "natives" at Middle-drift.

He became the father of five children, three sons and two daughters.

Unfortunately Mr. Paul Xiniwe died at an early age leaving a widow and five children to look after themselves.

According to the website Ancestry 24: "Mrs. Xiniwe who, with her husband, had been to Europe as a member of the African choir, was a lady of experience, tact, character and business acumen. Difficult though it was, she maintained her late husband’s property, and carried on the business and educated her children. This lady indeed commanded the respect of all who knew her, white and black. Paul Xiniwe was a man of his word. He swore he would never touch liquor. When he became very ill his doctor advised him to take a little brandy, but he made up his mind that he would not do so, although it was said brandy was the only thing that would save his life".

To illustrate a little bit the spirit of the time in which Paul Xiniwe lived we just have to look at the images and listen to the following facts.

King Williams town was a booming place with businesses mushrooming at every corner. But STILL It was unusual for an African man in the 19th century to become an entrepreneur and be successful with it, at the same time promoting his culture and the arts, all the while being actively involved in politics. But Paul Xiniwe somehow managed. The fact, that he was an extremely well educated, well groomed and easy to talk to man made him popular amongst the White settlers and business men as well.

By 1880 many of the large businesses, that dominated King Williams Town for the next two decades had already emerged. They were Malcher & Malcomess; Baker, Baker & Co; Whitaker & Dyer and J.W.Weir.

These business used traders as intermediaries in the rural areas and wholesalers were able to build up a large two-way trade by selling imported goods and purchasing skins, hides and wool for the export.

According to John Noble, who estimated conservatively the purchasing power of the Cape African's "at the low amount" of 400.000 pounds annually, 60.000 woolen blankets were sold in King Williams town in one year only, among other things like American ploughs, hoes, picks, sheets, axes, iron pots, ring beads, clothing, grain bags, flour, sugar, wire, knives, ochre, buckets and chains.

King Tanning, the image was taken in the 1930's

A Shop In King Williams Town in the 1930's

Paul Xiniwe was without doubt a great modernizer of his time, who managed to induce change (At least for him and some around him) with great skill in an environment, that was not open to change.

The streets of King Williams Town look very much different today, that in the last century. How much of that change can be attributed to a man like Paul Xiniwe. Business is now open to people of all color, but still it is difficult to be successful.

Preparing For Trade On The Streets Of King Williams Town

And while the houses and the cars, the clothes and the people change, while time moves on and the clock ticks away our time, and we think we are the ones who count now, nothing exists itself. Everything is linked and many have contributed to what is now.

A Historical Building in King Williams Town

King Williams Town Street Life

A Memorial in King Williams Town

Contemplating

The Sun Newspaper Building in King Williams Town

Public Holiday In The Transkei - A Story Without Words

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:02:00 +0000

A tiny piece of rural African life observed during two hours from the same spot.

Breathe the color!

Vava;s Tavern at Quolora By The Sea

Child Of Africa

Dog Of Africa -One Of The Most Faithful

Do Not Leave The Parcels Here Again! Whatever it was what the person did - he upset someone!

Unlock The Extra Cold Castle Lite And Save At The Same Time!

Breathe The Color - Vava's Tavern At Quolora By The Sea

In Africa Learning How To Take Care Of Your Siblings Starts The Day When You Are Born

My Home Is My Castle

Afternoon Freedom

Still a lot to unlock this afternoon......

Some Things Take Longer To Heal

Thirsty...... unlocking mother goat's milk

Safety In the Arms Of Her Baby Sister

Traditional Fencing In The Transkei

Africa's Beauty United In A Single Child

Local Design At Quolora By The Sea

Just Afternoon Life.....

If I could just get rid of this stick....

Coming Home

I am A VODACOM kid.....

A Lot To Tell

Bringing home the drinks - in a wheel barrow

Attending to the young ones

Studying in front of the trading store

Africa is a dancer

The Transkei

Give me your hand...

A Nguni Bull

The Ferryman

Roadworks Never Seem to Stop

A Rare Recording Of The Xhosa Sacred Singers - Ndiyakolwa on 78rpm Gallotone

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 07:51:00 +0000

Before we continue with the second part of our "Hugh Tracey And The International Library Of African Music" story, we bring you another rare recording of "The Xhosa Sacred Singers" - Ndiyakolwa produced and pressed on the Gallo label.
Here it is played on a President travel gramophone.

Mdantsane Cribs - Cool Modern Retro Properties

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:21:00 +0000

Townships in South Africa are generally associated with poverty, low cost housing or make-do housing, meaning shacks. The expression "Shanty Town" is used for informal settlements and impoverished living areas.

A shanty town also called a squatter settlement is a slum settlement, sometimes illegal or unauthorized, where the houses are made of plywood, corrugated iron, sheets of plastic, and cardboard boxes. Shanty towns, which are usually built on the periphery of cities, often do not have proper sanitation, water supply or aqueduct, electricity or telephone services.

And nobody who owns a little bit, has a little bit and still yearns for a little bit more in life, than he or she has right now, wants to live next to a "Shanty Town" in South Africa.

When buying a property in South Africa buyers are strongly influenced by the future development potential of the area surrounding the property like everywhere else, but here in South Africa special attention is paid to the possibility, that existing townships and informal settlements in the area might spread out and shanty towns might develop in the vicinity of the property on sale.

If this possibility exists the property in question is much more difficult to sell and looses market value.

The preconceived idea of a shanty town is not a good one!

A cool modern retro crib in Mdantsane

Shanty towns are mostly found in developing nations, or partially developed nations with unequal distribution of wealth. In extreme cases, shanty towns have populations approaching millions. According to the Wikipedia as of 2005, one billion people, one-seventh of the world's population, live in shanty towns.

This might be true but as always there is the other side of the medallion. And until you turn the medallion around you don't see it.

In Mdantsane you can find amazing modern upmarket houses, that the outside spectator would never associate with the classical, traditional definition of a township house.

NO more Shanty Town - An upmarket property in Mdanstane

The suburbs NU 9 and NU 17 in Mdantsane are the home of stylish modern luxury cribs like the mansion in the pictures, that is build in a modern retro style. The architecture of this double storey building incorporates a lot of glass and steel elements.

A double storey upmarket property in Mdantsane

We have been working on a couple of articles, which we would like to develop into an ongoing series "Mdantsane Cribs". We feel honored, that we have been invited by many families into their home and that they have shared their intimate living space and a meal with us for a couple of hours. This has given us an idea how beautiful, creative and diverse the Mdantsane homes are on the inside.

How much HOME they are!

No matter if the home we visited, was a shack, a middle class house or a small palace like the one in the images - we have seen amazing interiors, that have left us speechless. Fascination lies in the creativity used to create beauty and how much you make out of something.

Mdantsane Property With A Malibu Setting

The following facts might also surprise you. Houses in NU 17 fully fenced with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one lounge and kitchen fetch up to 550.000 Rand at present. These are normal houses, that are not the embodiment of luxury and extravagance. Just simple normal houses - like this one.

Property on Sale by Xoliswa Tini Properties in NU 17 in Mdantsane for 550.000 Rand

Xoliswa Tini Properties is another South African success story. Xoliswa Tini was one of the first black ladies to enter the property market in East London and to turn her business into a financial success. She was one of the first property agents to market the Mdantsane properties. Xoliswa Tini Properties just celebrated 10 years in business in June 2013.

Xoliswa said that it has not all been plain sailing during the past 10 years but she describes her business with the following metaphor : "We are like that little duck on the water. In sight is a calm duck swimming but unseen under the water the duck is paddling away."

Palm Trees Holding The Sun A Captive

Back to the modern retro crib of our today's article. The inside is as stylish as the outside.
A predominantly white interior with some furniture pieces in the accents colors mint green and burned orange is soothing and calming to the eye. No furniture overload here.

Contemporary interior design in an upmarket house in Mdantsane

Clean simple lines and open plan living dominate.

The bar area like the whole house has a retro feel.

Palm tree integrated into the foyer

The Dining Room Area tucked away between pillars

The TV lounge, black leather and white again

A Guest Room

And of course houses like this need maintenance and one employee will simply not do if do not want to clean and swipe the whole day!

Rally For The Mdantsane Way Magazine - Looking For Our First Supporter

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 07:01:00 +0000

We are looking for our first supporter in this rally

Hugh Tracey And The International Library Of AFRICAN MUSIC - For Future Generations

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:48:00 +0000

We have called Hugh Tracey legendary. And his legend will grow in the decades to come.

Hugh Tracey is the guardian of African music, a man who dedicated his entire life to the preservation, promotion and documentation of traditional African music for later generations. He did that at a time, when nobody else thought of it.

Hugh Tracey had such an exciting and fulfilled life, that just a couple of sentences will simply not do. To give you an idea who this man was and how he became this impressive figure known by African music lovers, we are looking at his early years from 1921 to 1947 today.

Hugh Tracey became The Guardian Of African Music. His images and his recordings of indigenous African music have been one of the first in Southern Africa

Hugh Tracey arrived in 1921 at the age of 18 in what was then called Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) from Devonshire in England.

This young man had come to work on his brother's tobacco plantation in the Gutu district, near Chivu. He came like many other white people to make a living and to find a new life in colonial Africa. But soon his interest and passion in African music lead him on an entirely different path.

Hugh Tracey's Recordings Of African Music are Amongst The First That Had Been Done On The African Continent

As early as 1929 Hugh Tracey took 14 young Karanga musicians 500 km South to Johannesburg to be recorded by Columbia, London.

These are the first recordings of Karanga music ever to be published!

Soon after that several of these recordings were played as opening music at the historic first concert of African American musicians at the Carnegie Hall in NYC.

Five of the original 16 recorded items remain in the ILAM archive (International Library Of African Music) of which Hugh Tracey became later the founder.

In 1931 Hugh was awarded a Carnegie fellowship grant to study the "indigenous music of Southern Rhodesia". From 1932 to July 1933 he recorded over 600 items in the field on plain aluminium discs with an early model of reporting gear.

Hugh Tracey recording Karanga musicians in a Cape Town studio in March 1933

In 1933 he traveled by train to Cape Town with 16 Karanga musicians to take advantage of a temporary visit of a team of professional recording engineers.

In 1934/35 Hugh Tracey began a professional broad casting career at the SABC in Cape Town.

From 1936 to 1947 he was the director of the SABC radio in Durban.

Hugh Tracey is the founder of ILAM - International Library Of African Music

Hugh tracey was never too shy to use his own money for what he was passionate about.

In 1940 Hugh Tracey started out on a self funded trip to discover Chopi Timbila Xylophone orchestras in Mozambique. He was so impressed with the size of the orchestras and dance troupes and the sophistication of the music, that he brought a group of six timbila players to Durban by boat to make quality recordings of their music.

He studied thoroughly the compositional and playing techniques of Chopi music, its instrument technology and its musical form in order to write his by now famous and very much respected book "Chopi Musicians" which was published in 1948 in the Portuguese language.

Hugh was fluent in Portueguese. "Chopi Musicians" was also published in English by the Oxford Press.

A Chopi Timbila Orchestra consisting of hundreds of players in Mozambique - Image by Hugh Tracey

The field trips that Hugh Tracey conducted were rather unusual for the time.

First of all, because generally the interest in indigenous African music amongst white people in Africa specifically and in the world was very low at the beginning of the 20 th. century. Why record African music? Who would listen to it?

African indigenous music was considered as simple, repetitive and disharmonious by many at a time when Victor Silvester And His Ballroom Orchestra rocked the world with his slow fox trots and quicksteps. A distinct contrast.

Secondly these recordings were not easy to do.

Indigenous African music was played were the people lived, in the villages of Africa, on the fields and in their homes. To record their music you had to come in close contact with them and being allowed to participate in their ceremonies and their rituals. Speak their language and overcome suspicion.

"Their Words Are Never Meant For The Ears Of Outsiders", Hugh Tracey

In 1948 Hugh Tracey wrote:

"The Songs of Africa only composed for the delectation the village, the district, or at most, the tribe are a kind of aural portraiture. They reveal African thought and character more clearly than other means....for discovering what they think and feel, what they consider important in their social and political life, their humour desires, regrets and despair. They are expressed in words never meant for the ears of outsiders."

(from his book Lalela Zulu - 100 Zulu lyrics).

A Chopi Player

Hugh Tracey On A Field Trip

Hugh Tracey's team had to travel to remote areas with recording equipment, that is exhibited in museums today.

The unavoidable colonial outfit of the time

Recording equipment similar to the one Hugh Tracey used

A stop watch used in recording

Hugh Tracey's typical field expedition from 1948 onwards consisted of three vehicles: a recording van, (with EMI, Lyrec and other lathes and recorders), a truck with a 220 Volt diesel generator trailer, and a caravan.

He had a minimum crew of four or more, including a sound engineer and two driver/field assistants Sam Shabalala and Daniel Mabuto.

His typical field expedition from 1948 onwards made use of three vehicles

Recording in the field throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa wherever the music was being performed was not a simple task. Tracey had to invent a specially costumized roof raised high enough so his recording engineer could stand in the recording van, and had to have an engine strong enough to pull a generator that weighed half a ton to provide the electricity required for recording.

The noisy generator had to be set up out of ear shot; this meant a long electrical cable had to be run from the generator to the truck where the sound engineer controlled the recording equipment.

Tracey;s recording technique was to always hold the microphone in his right hand, and his stopwatch in his left hand. With the microphone on a short boom he moved around among the musicians following the sounds to capture the essence of each performance with a good sound balance and thereby produce field recordings of exceptional quality.

As technology shrank so did the team. His last recordings of Princes Constance Magogo were made with no assistance with a battery powered Nagra III tape recorder.

Hugh Tracey At Work

And in the end: he shook black people's hands - this was not done at the time.

"He was one of the few white people in Johannesburg who would shake a black man's hand as a natural thing to do". (David Coplan).

Hugh Tracey Recording

Hugh continued to research Chopi music throughout his life and career and he produced two films on timbila xylophone construction techniques Chopi Music Parts 1 and 2 in 1955.

His son Andrew followed in his footsteps and extended his own research on Chopi Music to the nyanga panpipe tradition.


Hugh Tracey had a deep passion and fascination for Chopi music and in 1948 he published his book "Chopi Musicians, Their Music, Instruments And Poetry" in Portuguese And English

He produced two films about the construction of timbila xylophone techniques Chopi Music Parts 1 and 2 in 1955

Hugh Tracey and Andrew Tracey recording Hera Mbira players in Mozambique

But Hugh Tracey did not stop there.

Although most of his research took place in Southern Africa he ventured into other African regions with his field trips as far as DRC.

In 1948 he undertook field excursion to Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Northern Transvaal, Natal and South Africa.

In 1949 field excursions to Mozambique, Southern Congo, Malawi (Nyasaland) Southern Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia were conducted by him and his team.

The images we have published here originate from some of these trip and are the property of Hugh Tracey.

They have left a deep impression on us because they show the extent and the scope of Hugh Tracey's work and the legacy he has created for his life and left behind for others with the intent to enable them to understand African music.

He was one of the first people of the last century who had a deep understanding of African music.

He understood the value of indigenous African music and it is his recordings we are collecting today and playing for you in our magazine.

Young men of the Medje Chieftancy, Mekere people playing wooden trumpets in DRC

We know about Hugh's work since a long time but when we discovered the scope and the depth of research during a visit at the small East London museum, that was hosting an exhibition about him and his life's work, we decided that we would dress this content into a story and bring it you, our readers.

Africa is the cradle of mankind and African music is world heritage.

Zulu Chief Mohlutini (Centre) leading the dance near Mahlabatini, KwaZulu Natal

Balele Pygmies playing cylindrical drums and a slit drum

Traditional Dancers In The Witwatersrand Gold Mines

In 1947 the final break through for his work came when with the support of Gallo records owner Eric Gallo he established the African Music Research Unit in Roodeport, as part of Gallo's operations. From 1947 to 1953 Gallo Records pressed several hundred 78rpm shellac records, judged at the time to be the most commercially valuable of Hugh Tracey's recordings.

In 1948 Hugh Tracey established the African Music Society Newsletter which he ran until 1953!

In 1958 Hugh Tracey recorded the famous Zulu bow player Princess Constance Magogo Dinuzulu, the mother of chief Mangosutho Buthelezi.

The 1958 recordings are found on Tracey's LP "Music of Africa" series No.37

In 1958 Tracey recorded the "The Zulu Songs Princess Constance Magogo Dinuzulu"

Hugh Tracey recording the "Zulu Songs Of Princess Constance Magogo Dinuzulu" with only one Nagra III tape recorder

Hugh Tracey recording - as technology shrank so did his team!

Story to be continued tomorrow.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Launched A Branch In Mdanstane in April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:18:00 +0000

The following article was written by Nkosekhaya Hlitane a 2^nd year WSU journalism student. This article looks at the formation of a branch of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Mdantsane. JCI is a membership-based nonprofit organisation with branches in more than 100 countries.

Fort Hare University graduate Sophumelela Ketelo launched a local branch of the non-profit
Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Mdantsane in April.JCI is one of the biggest non-political and non-sectarian youth service organisations in the world. It has over 2000 allied branches in 115 countries.
This non-profit youth organisation aims at combating social problems such as drug abuse, school dropout rates, unemployment and poverty.
JCI plans to achieve its mission by working hand in hand with community councillors, the SAPS and the Department of Education.
“The reason I encouraged the formation of JCI in Mdantsane is because most people here live in appalling conditions. As JCI we intend to help people to make their everyday lives easier, better and more comfortable,” said Ketelo.
Ketelo added that JCI will make people’s lives easier, better and comfortable by involving the youth in the organisation and groom them to be desirable members of the community.

Ketelo joined JCI in 2009 in his first year at the University of Fort Hare’s Alice campus where he became the local secretary general.

“I believe that the youth should be the agents of change. We cannot sit back and do nothing while our community is in disarray,” said the charismatic 23-year-old leader.

Members of the public have been critical about the formation of the JCI branch.

Sonwabo Gagu, 21 from NU 6 said: “Nobody wants to board a sinking ship. The organisation does not have a unified structure working towards achieving the same goal.”

Mdumiseni Mbekwa, a resident of Slovo Park, an informal settlement in NU 6 accuses JCI of inefficiency and broken promises.

“The organisation is failing dismally to win the hearts of the people. They are dragging feet
when it comes to delivering the development programs they promised us,” he said.
Vice president Ntombi Fadi defended how the local JCI operates. “The people need to be patient with us. We do not have a spacious venue to hold meetings and that can accommodate a large group of people.” Meetings are currently held at the Ketelo house.

President Ketelo echoed Fadi’s comments saying that the organisation will be strong with time. “Rome was not built on a day. We are experiencing problems like any new organisation, we will overcome them.”

For more information on Junior Chamber International (JCI) visit www.jci.cc/guests/ and for branches in South Africa go to www.jci.cc/local/info/southafrica/chapterlocator.

The Xhosa Sacred Singers - Ndinike

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 16:02:00 +0000

Ndinike sung by the Xhosa Scared Singers was pressed in the 1940's on a silver and black 78 rpm Gallotone shellac record. Possibly the legendary Hugh Tracey has recorded this song. We do not know this for sure but the only other recording of the Xhosa Sacred Singers we could find was mentioned on "flatinternational" - The South African Audio Archive.

If you have not heard about Hugh Tracey, just keep his name in the back of your head. We are going to dedicate an article to him. Hugh Tracey, who has founded ILAM "The International Library Of African Music" situatued in Grahamstown, has had an extraordinary life and we do not know of anyone who has done more recordings of African music than him in years when African music had not yet captured the attention of other nations.

One word about our youtube channel. In short it is a channel dedicated to the music and stories of our favourite continent Africa, but not exclusively about Mdantsane.

You can find some interesting playlists like 78 rpm gramophone records, African music on vinyl and 78rpm and many more. And of course there are a lot of movies like the Mdantsane Tales and The Tales of Africa.

We will build this channel up over time and add more and more songs and movies.

Now enjoy the sound of one of the first Xhosa Choir Recordings.

Blue Seal Jive - Mafuta Amahlope

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 07:44:00 +0000

The second track on the Mafuta Amahlope 78rpm is "Blue Seal Jive".

Mafuta Amahlope - The Basin Tone Drifters - Who's That Girl With The Beautiful Skin.......

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 18:50:00 +0000

Today we have a great and rare piece of music for you. And we want you to read this article first, because we are pretty sure that you will enjoy the song even more after knowing what is the story behind it.

The following article was written and researched by: The Electric Jive http://electricjive.blogspot.com/2010/07/50s-south-african-jazz-punts-skin.html.

We thank them for digging into the background of this great piece of music. Every African music lover should check out their blog.

50s South African Jazz punts skin lighteners

The insidious impact of mass media in shaping our identities and preferences goes way back and more than skin deep! Take this 78rpm South African Jazz record from 1956, singing the praises of skin lighteners and Vaseline. “Who’s that girl” … “the best looking girl I ever did see” performed by the "Basin Tone Drifters" and sung in the style of the Manhattan Brothers in English and Zulu extols the virtues of Pond’s Vanishing Cream and Blue Seal Vaseline.

A further twist in this fascinating early advertising tale is that the composer is registered under the pseudonym “Mafutha Amahlope” – literally meaning “Fat Whitey”. At least the real author Christoffel Nicolaas Du Toit had some sense of humour? The U.S. Library of Congress Catalogue of Published Music also records that Melody Music of Johannesburg registered these two songs on 1st October 1956.

South Africa’s first commercial radio station, Springbok Radio, was launched on 1st May 1950. African language broadcasts to the metropolitan areas began in 1953. We wonder if these recordings were paid-for advertising jingles or passed off as Kwela jive harmony hits? There can be no doubt though, this record must be amongst the first examples of purpose-made music/advertising aimed at South Africa's black consumers.

Despite being banned in South Africa in 1986, skin lighteners are still used, and the broader debates around skin lightening, identity, beauty and aspirations continue. Going by a recent article in the Sowetan, these debates are changing though.

“More than ever South Africans are realising that black is beautiful. As a nation we have overcome the baasskap mentality that suggests that anything dark is ugly and therefore undesirable.

“Politically we are maturing and we are taking pride in who we are. This is filtering through to the modeling industry and the media,” Mazibuko says.

Sudanese Supermodel Alek Wek

Mazibuko observes that the curse of the darker skinned woman was broken by African model Alek Wek, (right) a Sudanese refugee who made her US modelling debut a few years ago. She has since become one of the most sought-after models in the business.

In addition to her magazine covers, Wek has modelled for scores of top designers, walked in major fashion shows all over Europe and the US opening shows for huge names such as Ralph Lauren.

Mazibuko adds that the Africanist ideals of people such as Thabo Mbeki and former Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah have influenced the way a lot of Black South Africans think about themselves.

Amalope Mafuta Who's That Girl Label

Amahlope Mafuta Blue Seal Jive Label

Now looking at 2013. Just this month Ponds has launched a new face cream called BP and the advert running every evening a dozen times on TV goes like this; " I want radiant and flawless skin in an instant"......., said by a stunning beautiful girl of very light skin tone.....

The Mdantsane Youth Gets Involved In A Coastal Clean Up

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 16:55:00 +0000

Sometimes cleaning up somebody else's mess can be fun. Hard to believe? It is!

But looking at these pictures there is no doubt, that the students from a Mdantsane High School in NU 6 did enjoy their day greatly, so that even the task of picking up waste along East London's beach front generally called the Esplanade became a ride in a park. It's all about company!

Mdantsane High School Learners Are Participating In A Coastal Clean Up Day

At the end of last year the environmental youth club of the Inkwenkwesi High School in Mdantsane participated in a voluntary coastal clean-up day. They made the journey from Mdantsane to East London's beach front via bus to help picking up waste and cleaning the rocks and the beach from the thrash, that has been dropped there by the East London citizens.

Littering has meanwhile become one of the biggest problems East London and its environment are facing. The streets of East London, including all suburbs, the townships Mdanstane and Duncan Village and the pristine beaches are showered with empty cans, plastic containers, paper etc.

We really mean it!

Hey come on, you might say now, "showered" is that not a drastic exaggeration? Sure you might find the occasional piece of glass or plastic but do you really mean showered?

Yes we do. If we take you on a beach walk, we will find (without making an effort) at least a dozen items, that can be considered trash without any doubt! If we take you on the same beach walk tomorrow, we will find ten more items. And we can repeat that day after day and the result will always be the same.

The importance of environmental education classes in schools and creches can not be overstressed. Theoretically environmental education should be taught at an early age but practically it does not happen in South African schools. This means there is hardly any consideration amongst the youth for the environment.

The Entry to the East London River Port - The One And Only River Port in South Africa

But East London's harbour and its coastline are indeed very special. East London lies on the Indian Ocean coast, between the Buffalo River and the Nahoon River and hosts South Africa's only river port.

A little bit of history for the ones who are interested (you others just look at the pictures meanwhile): Lieutenant John Bailie of the Royal Navy, one of the 1820 Settlers, surveyed the Buffalo River mouth and founded the town in 1836, with a memorial on Signal Hill commemorating the event.

The city formed around the only river port in South Africa and was originally known as Port Rex. This settlement on the West Bank was the nucleus of the town of East London, which was elevated to city status in 1914.

During the early to mid-19th century frontier wars between the British settlers and the local Xhosa inhabitants, East London served as a supply port to service the military headquarters at nearby King William’s Town, about thirty miles away. A British fort, Fort Glamorgan, was built on the West Bank in 1847, and annexed to the Cape Colony that same year.

This fort is one of a series of forts the British built, that include Fort Murray, Fort White, Fort Cox Fort Hare and Fort Beaufort, in the border area that became known as British Kaffraria.

Some Of East London's Conference Centers And Hotels Can Be Seen in The Back

With later development of the port came the settlement of permanent residents, including German settlers, most of whom were bachelors. These settlers were responsible for German names of some towns in the vicinity of East London such as Stutterheim and Berlin. Today, German surnames such as Gehring, Salzwedel and Peinke are still common in East London, but the descendants of the settlers rapidly became anglicised.

The existing port, in the mouth of the Buffalo River, adjoining the Indian Ocean, began operating in 1870.

Bags And Bags of Waste Are Picked Up By The Students In Only A Couple Of Hours

East London is today the host city of a large Mercedes Benz assembly line. Thousands of cars are produced in this city and are shipped with gigantic container ships to international destinations.

While some enjoyed the windy but beautiful day

Others Made Contact With The Ice Cold Waters Of The Eastern Cape

The Ride In The Bus To The Beach And Back To Mdantsane Was Of Course Something Else

At least one of the two is a little bit intimidated by the breaking waves

Others in Safe Distance Were Dedicating Time To The Art Of Best Presenting Oneself To The Rest Of The World

And A Picture To Remember This Day

There is no better feeling in the whole world, than to know somebody has really done something good and has contributed to make the world a little bit a better place.

A Hoegh Autoliner Container Ship carries a precious and very expensive load of Mercedes Benz luxury cars

The Waste Does Not Seem To End

And what you learn young you never forget!

Slippery When Wet

A Feeling Of Freedom

Beauty Made In South Africa

Just one afternoon's waste collection by a couple of young people

For the future to look bright it needs to be clean

The Sky Is The Limit

And for the vendors from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Congo and Ghana it was business as usual at the Esplanade!

The Beauty Of The Xhosa Language - A Poem And A Song

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 15:00:00 +0000

This short movie has a group of children performing a kindergarten poem and a song in the beautiful amaxhosa language.

Jonas Krombach Living In Nu 9 In Mdantsane - They Gave Me The Best Time Of My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:19:00 +0000

The House of Jonas Krombach's Guest Family in Mdantsane NU 9

Jonas Krombach is the other half of the twin volunteer team, that was sent to Mdantsane for a year to assist and coach an environmental youth club at a High School in Nu 6.
Well, they are not real biological twins but they became twins in spirit during the course of one year. We have spoken a lot about Theresa Ekpa's experiences, she made during her stay in Mdanstane. Ladies first and that is the only reason. But now it is Jonas's turn.

Jonas, Jonas, Jonas.... what we can we say!

This guy is the archetypal German man. He is straightforward, controlled, as punctual as it gets and hard working. Often he can also be full of sh......!

But he belongs to a new breed of Germans.

He is a wonderful representative of a new generation of open minded, exploring, very well educated, adventurous but all the way still careful young men, who are not afraid to show their emotions and who have made it their mission to transcend the boundaries, they were raised in and to see and understand as much as possible of this beautiful world we live in.

Over The Roof Tops In Mdnatsane

One year ago Jonas said to himself, after he had finished his abitur which is the German version of the matric: "I want to see and experience something completely and totally different from what I know."

And Jonas came to Mdanstane and he got a full dose of what he had asked for.

The Sisters Star And Nolubabalo - Jonas Krombach's Two Mothers in Mdantsane

Yebo! For our foreign readers one more time: yebo is something like a South African exclamation for OK!

Jonas came to live with two sisters, Star and Nolubabalo, who became his mothers in Mdanstane.

The first thing he was confronted with, was the fact, that family structures in Mdantsane differ very much from what is considered a classic family in Germany.

Of course, you can find the classical core family like everywhere else with a simple father-mother-and-children structure, but very often households are headed by women only. The are headed by grandmothers, sisters and even young children. The reasons for this are the high aids mortality rate in South Africa and the loss of the old South African moral family values in the black and white culture.

Star and Nolubabalo live together and raise the two children they have in their house in NU 9. No husband, no man. Just the women.


A typical dirt road in Mdantsane NU 9

And Now Jonas.

Jonas faced many challenges, like having to deal with electricity cuts or no lights at all, having to shower with a bucket and cold water. Yeah, and the occasional mice and other rodents making their way through his new home.

"But there was so much love", he said, "the love of Star and Nolubabalo and the two boys was simply unbelievable. I will miss them so much. It is hard to believe that someone can give so much love to a stranger who has just come to live in his house".

Jonas with his younger brother Lilitha

Jonas is a single child, he does not have any brothers or sisters in Germany and out of a sudden he was living in the second largest township in South Africa, had two mothers and two younger brothers and was sharing a small house with them.

He is passionate about handball and plays in Germany in a club. Handball is not a sport that is known and played a lot in South Africa. So everything familiar and known had been taken away from him!

You can call that a culture shock!

"But was that not exactly what you wanted, Jonas", we ask?

Yes it was!

"And I have grown so much through this intense life experience", he says.

This is the exact and best term to describe it - an intense life experience, that has the power to change you from the inside out in a relatively short time.

Between Houses in NU 9 In Mdantsane

But belonging to that new breed of young German men we mentioned before, there was no doubt, that he would cope and that he would enjoy his stay thoroughly including the fact, that he now had to share a small space and was not the only child in the house anymore.

We can only say, well done German man! Well done Jonas Krombach!

Jonas with his two younger brothers Lilitha and Lutho in the families home in NU 6

Jonas experienced strong contrast. Contrast of all sorts. Contrast between rich and poor in the Mdantsane township itself. Contrast between the German life and the South African township life. Contrast is not easy to understand, when confronted with it in a harsh way. There is a big difference between watching a "documentary" on television or being thrown into the documentary and being part of it in real life.

"It takes you one year before you really know and understand how life functions here in the township. In the beginning you are just an observer and you have to find your way. This can take a long time because you have to overcome your own insecurities to socialize with the people", he said.

Corrugated Iron Shacks In NU 6 In Mdantsane

Why is an intense life experience so good! Why are we advocating this and are talking so much about these young Germans?

Because it is the first step, the beginning of a long journey, helping you to transcend the boundaries in which you have been raised and which hold you back.

It is the first step, that makes it possible for you to keep the love for the place you were born and to treasure it, but to move on and free yourself from its limitations.

And it is so good because you drag others into it, like your parents, friends and lovers who get send on the same path by you, just by knowing you and following you.

And gradually it is the only way of freeing yourself and others of prejudice, racism and the fear of foreign cultures.

Jonas And His German Parents Who Came To Visit Mdantsane With His Mdanstane Guest Family

The moral of the story: Do something extreme to yourself and not to others!

Jonas Celebrating Birthday With His Mothers And Brothers In Mdantsane

All Images Jonas Krombach, Article by Chocolat

The Queue Sisters - True Zulu Jive found in Mdantsane

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:49:00 +0000

Our publisher Chocolat and her brother Chris collect African sounds on vinyl and shellac for the love of music - not profit. Africa is blessed with an incredible diverse heritage of music that must be passed on and appreciated again and again.

In The Mdantsane Way Mgazine we try to keep it local and focus on out of print South African, and other African music, that is very difficult to find. We make the sounds available on our youtube channel.

Today we are happy to present you one of (many of) Chocolat's beloved babies - true Zulu Jive found in Mdantsane. On our trips through the township we have been buying vinyl and shellac records as often as we could.

Khulumandoda by the Queue Sisters is a very rare species because it is not even 33 rpm pressing. It comes as a 78 rpm shellac record and is played here on one of Chocolat's President gramophones. You are listening to a very rare jive, that was pressed on the Gallo New Sound label in the late 1950's. We do not have an exact year.

Gallo, the leading record company in South Africa, introduced the New Sound label in 1958 as a marketing strategy to brand their more popular jive and kwela releases.

And the label has an interesting history. All about this label here. A blog that many South African music lovers will enjoy.
http://flatint.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-sound-label-lp-ep-discography.html

I Wish I Could Stay Longer - Interview With German GIZ Volunteer Theresa Ekpa

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:57:00 +0000

In a 26 minutes long and very personal interview, 19 year old German Development Volunteer Theresa Ekpa talks about the experiences she made during her one year stay - which has come close to an end - in the second biggest township of South Africa, Mdantsane. Theresa was part of a volunteer program of the GIZ (German Cooperation For Internationl Development) and lived with a guest family in Mdantsane.
She has come in contact with a multitude of new things, that have changed her thinking and the way she approaches life.

We have enjoyed her open, unpretentious and refreshing way of talking and as we have said before: this 19 year old young lady has some considerable presence for her age.

Theresa Ekpa - My Year In Mdantsane

noreply@blogger.com (Chocolat negro) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 08:38:00 +0000

Theresa Ekpa came to South Africa to spend a year in Mdantsane as a volunteer

It is with greatest pleasure, that I am sharing with you today my interview with German volunteer Theresa Ekpa. I have met Theresa a couple of month ago in Mdantsane while shooting our documentary movie at the Inkwenkwezi High School in Nu 6 in Mdantsane and this interview has been long on my list.

This talented, humble 19 year old young woman deserves some exposure.

The Beauty From Two Different Parts Of The World

Theresa is a sweet, thoughtful and very tall girl. She is also an incredibly beautiful girl, who has been blessed with the best two different continents have to offer.

Yeah! That is what we have always said! Girls and Boys do not stay at home, go and visit foreign places and fall in love with someone, who is not like you!

Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father she has all, what nature can give to someone. And more than that. Theresa's head is sitting straight on her shoulders and this young lady has the confidence of a 30 year old.

Theresa- My Year In Mdantsane Has Changed My Life And The Way I See Life

When we sat down in the lush, tropical gardens of Green Living activist Annegret Mostert, where half tame horn bills were watching us from a distance, waiting to be fed, we discovered, that Theresa is at ease in front of the camera, as she is in a simple conversation with you. We were able to record an one hour interview with her, that was a walk in a park compared to other interviews we have done. Theresa knows exactly what she wants to say and how she wants it to say.

There is great sensitivity in the way she formulates her sentences and when she asks you to give her a moment, to think about a question before answering, she gets this dreamy look in her eyes. Was I like this when I was 19? Hm, well......

Her calmness and self assurance can be may be attributed to the fact, that she grew up with two cultures and with the inborn understanding, that each culture deserves respect in this world.

This made her also a perfect candidate for a volunteer position in Mdantsane.

Hornbills were waiting to be fed in Annegret Mostert's Garden

After completing her German matric, Theresa followed her heart and looked for a volunteer position in another country.

She saw an opening for a volunteer position at a High School in the second biggest township of South Africa - Mdantsane, that was offered by the German Development Organisation GIZ (Gesellschaft Fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit). The position required of the succesful applicant to work and coach an environmental youth club at the High School Inkwenkwezi in collaboration with WESSA, a South African division of the WWF(Worl Wide Fund For Nature).
She applied and she got the position.

Theresa followed her heart and her roots to Africa and came to live in Mdantsane with a local guest family for one year. This is huge!

The Theresa Ekpa interview with Theresa in Annegret's dream garden was a walk in the park. And she sort of belonged there.

This is really huge!

For the ones, who do not know Mdantsane - still today Mdantsane is an exclusively black township. Browsing through government statistics, you will find that the graphs show a 3 % population of white people. White residents! But we wonder where are they?

And hey, with a population of close to 500.000 people according to government census, this would give us a number of 1500 white people living in Mdantsane?

We are coming to Mdantsane since five years and we have not met one single white person living in the township.

So for a young girl from Germany like Theresa, to come and live in a different culture, and to live like the local people do, take the taxis for transport or walk, eat the same things your guest family eats - that is a huge thing and a huge challenge. Let's hear what Theresa has to say!

Tell us a little bit about yourself? Why did you want to come to Mdantsane?

I am nineteen years old and I have been living my whole life in Germany. My father comes from Nigeria, he is a metallurgist and works now in England. He has lived for over thirty years in Europe in different countries. I have been to Nigeria only once, when I was eight years old. But I want to get to know Africa and the reason why I applied as a volunteer with the GIZ was, that I wanted to meet different people and get in touch with different cultures.

How to you see yourself today, coming from a multiracial background?

I definitely do not see myself as half German, half African. I am German, I live in Germany but I want to go and visit Nigeria again, my father's country, so that I can understand my African heritage better. The position in Mdantsane was a start to get in touch with the African continent. My father and my mother both are very proud, that I am doing this volunteer year in Africa.

What was your first impression of Mdantsane? Did you know about the history of townships in South Africa?

My first impression of Mdantsane was, that it is a place with incredible vibes. It is so colorful and energetic. Alone, to watch Hi-Way scenes during one day is incredible. I did my research before and when I found out, that Mdantsane is the second biggest township in South Africa, I was very surprised. I only knew about Soweto and when I read, that Mdantsane is second biggest I applied for the position. I did not want to be in a very small place.

How is it to live with a local guest family in Mdantsane?

It was very, very challenging. I think experiences are different with different families, but the problem probably was that my arrival had not been properly announced and when somebody comes to live with a family for one year and the family is not prepared for this, it can cause problems.

Did you encounter security problems in Mdantsane?

I was warned about the security issue before many times. And I am definitely more aware of my environment here in Mdantsane, than I am in Germany but in general I was safe so far. I have not encountered any bad or life threatening things. I just live my life like I would live it in Germany. I am also not too scared.

I was not too scared, I just live my life like in Germany

And Night Life? The famous Mdansane Night Life?

Unfortunately not! (A big sigh comes in our direction). My guest family was very strict and I was not allowed to go out at night. I would have loved more to dive into the music scene, go dancing, meet more people. I know that everybody goes to the Endaweni lounge but I have not been there. But it is on my list. I will go there one evening before I leave.

Any Boyfriends?

No, I feel not that I am ready for a boyfriend or a longer relationship. It will come at the right time.

Did you make friends?

Oh yes I did, I found genuine friends and I know that some of these friendships will endure time and that they will last even when I am gone.

What did you learn from your work as a volunteer?

It changed my life. I learned not to freak out always, to become calmer and develop more patience. I could see people live differently than we do in Germany and they are also happy and satisfied. The idea or objective of our volunteer programme is not so much to develop or help other people but to grow and develop our own character, so that we can take back what we learned to our own country and transform our country from the inside, by being less racist, less prejudiced. I do not think we are really capable of helping the people of Mdantsane, especially the youth, but we can inspire them as well, so that they will take steps in life. that they would have not taken otherwise without knowing us

Theresa's Love Affair With Tea

We are going to stop at this point. Today's interview was supposed to make you a little curious what else this courageous young woman has to say. We have prepared a long interview with her, that is going to be uploaded on youtube in the next days.

Thanks Theresa for your time and patience.