CULTURE, EMPOWERMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, POLITICS

Alchemy of Solitude director Viktoria I.V. King on the plurality of justice

“Do you want to ask questions or do you want to live?” International-award-winning film director, screenwriter, and producer Viktoria I.V. King poses this question throughout her newest upcoming film, Alchemy of Solitude, which she describes as an “autopsy of an activist”. Set in an alternate reality, where activists-turned-assassins are trying to end a race war, […]

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POETRY & PROSE, WORLD ISSUES

The Graveyard of Empires

Featured Image: Alizeh Ahmad We will win. We will win. We will win. We will win. “It is in our nature, in our blood” Sticks and stones will break my bones When stones are beaten into the skulls of children for 40 years. When sticks are stabbed into the sockets of men, women, and children. […]

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CULTURE, WORLD ISSUES

A Push(cart) to the Right Direction

Featured Image: Anjo Lapresca The school bus I rode to get home when I still had onsite classes was nearly a decade old. Hence, it was unsurprising to encounter more than a fair share of bumps in the road. One of the most notable instances involved the said bus being rendered immobile in a dusty, […]

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CULTURE, EMPOWERMENT, THE ARTS

An Artist’s Reframing of the Past

On first viewing, Jody Paulsen’s textile collages displayed against the bright yellow walls of the SMAC Gallery in Cape Town appear to be a joyful celebration of life. I am drawn towards them, wanting to touch the multiple layers of felt, recalling childhood games and crafts. On closer examination though, I recognise deeper references to […]

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CULTURE, LITERATURE, WORLD ISSUES

Part XXVIII: Use of Languages in the Republic

Featured Illustration: Lyn Risling *Note: This work was inspired by the history of language imperialism and the constitutions of countries including, but not limited to, India, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Emulating the style of several real constitutions, Levinthia’s constitution devotes long passages to explaining the importance of developing indigenous languages, despite maintaining the use of […]

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CULTURE, OPINION

Reflections on Heritage Day in South Africa

As I scrolled through posts on social media about the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG), I noticed that she wore her iconic white beaded collar in the majority of the images. Apparently, it’s a favourite in her collection of neckpieces, and came from South Africa, where it is made and worn […]

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