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

 

The Importance Of Reading In Mzansi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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 Mdantsane Youth Gets Involved In A Coastal Clean Up

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!