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05 September 2019 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Thabo Kessah
New Era Editorial Team
New Era editorial team comprising the Editor-in-Chief, Prudence Mkhari, flanked by editors, Mosia Rasekwane (left) and Monti Mosebi (right).

Qwaqwa Campus has a new student newsletter. According to the Editor-in-Chief, Prudence Mkhari, New Era aims to project content that is written from a student’s perspective. 

“We want students to easily relate to the content as opposed to being written by a staff member. It focuses on student-life events and the university as a whole. The content ranges from student life to university events and milestones. In essence, it is the voice of the students and the watchdog of the campus,” says Prudence.

She says response to the newspaper has been good, considering that they have had only two issues plus an SRC election special that carried candidates’ manifestos. “We are constantly being asked when the next issue is coming out. A lot of students have even come forth with stories that they would like us to cover in the next issue,” she added.

Some of the comments about the very first edition includes this one by Rosie Senoko, final-year BA student: “Congratulations on your publication. One would swear that you have written many pieces, not aware it was your first! All the best to you and your team.” A BSocSci final-year student, Sibonginkosi Ngcongwane, wrote: “Great job! Well done!”
It has not been an entirely smooth sailing process for the paper. “There is still room for improvement in terms of writing and editing, because almost no-one on the team has writing experience. So, additional training is still required. Meeting deadlines is also another area that needs major improvement,” says Prudence.

The team comprises 14 students who write a variety of pieces, from news to sports and from opinion to lifestyle, while some provide technical support such as editing and photography. 

Going forward, the plan is to digitise the newspaper and make it accessible to a broader online market. To advertise, send an email to newera@ufs4life.ac.za 

News Archive

Two Kovsies crowned at Miss Deaf SA
2014-10-16


Back, from the left are: Gert en Narda Els (founders of Miss Deaf SA), Elrie du Toit (second princess), Martie Collen (organiser of Miss Deaf SA), Hermina Christi Greeff (first princess), Marissa Smith (Miss Deaf Africa 2014).
Front: Elzane van den Bergh.

The new Deaf Miss South Africa was announced – and Elzane van den Bergh, a Kovsie student, was crowned the winner. Elzane, a final-year BEd Foundation Phase student, also won the title for Best Talent at this swanky event.

Another Kovsie student, Elrie du Toit, was selected as second princess. She was also among the top five for the Best Talent title. Elrie is currently studying to become a social worker.

Twelve finalists from all over South Africa, all deaf or hard of hearing, took part.

On the competition at Miss Deaf South Africa, Elzane’s thoughts are that the judges had a very difficult choice to make. “Each talented girl had some special characteristic that stood out,” she relates.

“I really wanted to do something like this as it would help to make a bigger difference in the community and motivate people to accept themselves for who they are, because we are all uniquely created.”

Elzane’s focus is on teaching basic sign language to hearing parents with deaf babies. She also believes that hearing people should be made more aware of the deaf culture and language. This will eventually lead to deafness no longer being perceived as a disability.

Hard work and preparations are now lying ahead for Miss Deaf World, which will be held in Prague during June next year.

“Never allow any disability or obstacle to stand in the way of your dreams,” says Elzane. “Stick it out and don’t doubt in your abilities for one second, because you were born to be a winner. Be proud of yourself, no matter what.”

 

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