Author: Grocott's Mail

By Mo Senne, Senior Communications Officer, Rhodes University In a world where gender-based violence (GBV) shadows the lives of many, Rhodes University (RU) has stepped into the light, championing change with its #RURises campaign. Coinciding with #16DaysOfActivism, this initiative is a testament to the Institution’s unwavering commitment to tackling GBV head-on, not just in words, but in transformative action. #RURises, an embodiment of Rhodes University’s stance against GBV, sees the active participation of executive staff, including University leaders and faculty heads. This involvement is crucial, demonstrating that the fight against GBV is not just a student concern but a universal…

By Mathews Nthinya In the heart of social change, the documentary “Exhibit Black: Abavukeli”, produced by Siviwe Mxuma, Carmen Visser, Nqobile Makamu and Tlamelo Malebo, takes audiences on a profound exploration of the life and artistry of Sange Mpambani, an interdisciplinary artist whose carefully curated interventions serve as a catalyst for conversations surrounding coloniality, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Through a lens that captures the highs and lows of street performances, the film provides a compelling narrative of Sange’s unique approach to sparking reflection and dialogue in the most unexpected places. Sange Mpambani stands as a singular force in the realm…

By Staff Reporter A 66-year-old Somerset East man has been convicted on multiple counts of human trafficking and sexually assaulting children. Lukas Rudman was found guilty, in the Makhanda High Court this week, on three counts of trafficking in persons, one count of consensual sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16, one count of consensual violation of a child under the age of 16, one count of inspiring in a child the belief that she would be sexually assaulted and one count of sexual assault. According to a statement from Luxolo Tyali, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Eastern…

By Staff Reporter Statement issued by the Public Service Accountability Monitor, Rhodes University and Action for Accountability (A4A) Project (The Action for Accountability (A4A) project is a partnership between the PSAM, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF), and Accountability Lab South Africa (ALSA). The A4A is co-funded by the EU and Social Justice Initiative.). In a letter dated 8 November 2023, the Deputy Director General of Intergovernmental Relations at the National Treasury issued instructions for Makana Municipality to return a total of R60.7 million in unspent conditional grant funds for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years. According to the National Treasury,…

By Geoff Embling Howiesons Poort pump station was flooded on 21 November 2023. There was no operator on standby when a joint on the pump’s suction valve pushed out, causing the flooding. Over the past three years, Makana has experienced three pump station flooding incidents, two at James Kleynhans and one at Howiesons Poort. It is an extremely rare occurrence for a whole pump station to flood, but Makana municipality, widely known to be “gifted” for breaking infrastructure, is managing to make an annual habit of it. About seven years ago, Makana’s water management was handed over to MBB Consulting…

By Staff Reporter A Rotary gin-tasting evening was held Saturday night at  Hill Street Manor to raise funds for Polio vaccines. Makhanda residents participated in the event, and the evening raised nearly R4000 for Polio Vaccinations.

Stay in the loop with the latest and join the MEW WhatsApp group! POP-UPS/ FESTIVALS/ EXHIBITIONS/REPEAT EVENTS Wednesday, 29 November – Saturday, 2 December Grahamstown Christmas Market/Grahamstad Kersmark There are lots of stalls with unique items and food. Coffee shop: open every day, with wonderful treats! @ Hoërskool PJ Olivier – School Hall, Upper Robinson Street 10:00 – 19:00 on 29, 30 November & 1 December; 09:00 – 15:00 on 2 December Contact Details: 046 622 4539 Free entry __ THIS WEEK THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER U3A This Thursday is our last meeting till late January. Since we are now officially in the…

By Mathews Nthinya Shedding Light on Gadra’s Bridging Programme: In this impactful short documentary, filmmakers Carmen Visser, Yuvthi Misser, and Zyrte Gertse highlight Gadra’s bridging programme, a vital initiative aiding socially disadvantaged students in transitioning from high school to university. The focus is on creating awareness about how this program facilitates access to Rhodes University, particularly for those facing challenges in their academic journey. Lauren Hacksley, the dedicated programme coordinator for Gadra, emphasises her role as the go-to person for students, providing them with essential support. The bridging programme assists students in upgrading their national senior subjects post-matric, ensuring they…

By Mathews Nthinya Unveiling Cultural Significance in a Captivating Documentary: In their thought-provoking documentary, filmmakers Zyrte Getse, Grace Moya, and Thato-Baholo Mangoali delve into the cultural and personal symbolism of hair, exploring diverse narratives and shedding light on the impact of European ideologies on societal perceptions. The documentary engages various individuals, particularly in the South African context, to uncover the significance of hair in their lives. Coloured South Africans share experiences of societal pressure to have straight hair, associating their natural hair with identity and ancestral connections. One interviewee in the documentary reveals the oppressive nature of straightening her hair…