By Andisile Klaas, SAIAB Science Communicator The NRF-SAIAB (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity), in collaboration with Rhodes University’s Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), hosted a pop-up science exhibition for Makhanda residents outside the institution in Somerset Street on 4 August 2023. The exhibition was part of the institute’s initiative for National Science Week. Collections Technician, Zinzi Somana displaying some of the specimen from SAIAB’s fish collection. Photo: Andisile Klaas National Science Week is an annual initiative to exhibit and communicate awareness of science through communicating science to people outside the profession, this year’s science week took place…
Author: Grocott's Mail
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By Lepho Mantanga, Attorney at Rhodes University Law Clinic There are a number of legal avenues open to victims of domestic violence. One common approach is that the victim may visit their closest Magistrates’ Court (domestic violence division) to apply for a protection order against the perpetrator using Form 2, which may be obtained at the court or online. How to fill in Form 2: Relevant details of the parties The victim (now known as the applicant) must provide the full details of themselves and the perpetrator (now known as the respondent) in sections 1, 2 and 3 of Form…
By Nizole Qete Lonwabo Sandi’s entrepreneurial journey began with his passion for teaching maths to learners. The Makhanda-born and bred entrepreneur told Vutivi News that his story exemplified the power of determination and perseverance. He established L. Sandi Academy in 2021. It helps children in high school with mathematics and other subjects. “When I was in Grade 12, I liked helping learners in mathematics. In my first year at Rhodes University, I worked with Ikamva Youth, and that’s when I saw that learners loved my teaching style, and that’s when I decided to start L. Sandi,” he said. Sandi and…
Stay in the loop with the latest and join the MEW WhatsApp group! POP-UPS/ FESTIVALS/ EXHIBITIONS/REPEAT EVENTS4 – 6 AugustInternational Beer WeekendWe are going local and partnering with Featherstone Brewery to bring you a collection of three beer and slider pairings.@ Fork & Dagger, 49 African Street.18:00 Friday for a chance to meet the brewer.Contact: 0466223112Price: R200 __ THIS WEEK THURSDAY 3 AUGUST Donkey Castration dayThe Grahamstown Veterinary Clinic and the equine welfare organisation Blind Love will be castrating 10 donkeys. This will hopefully be the first of more sterilisation campaigns.@ Joza, near the Post Office in the open field09:00Contact: Philippa du…
By Bukamuso Sebata Rhodes University’s Eden Grove Blue Lecture Theatre was abuzz with excitement as scholars gathered to witness the inaugural address of Professor James Gambiza. The event, a prestigious milestone in an academic’s career, marks the conferral of full professor status on a scholar who has showcased exceptional scholarly contributions to their discipline. In his welcoming speech, Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela hailed Gambiza’s remarkable achievements and contributions throughout his academic journey. Gambiza holds various qualifications, including a PhD and MSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Zimbabwe and an MEd and a PGDipHE from Rhodes University.…
By Rhodes University Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape has honoured the late SEK Mqhayi, one of the greatest Xhosa writers in history. This comes as the institution celebrates 200 years of the written isiXhosa language. The author of the first extant novel in the Xhosa language, ‘Ityala Lamawele’ has been remembered for his stories, poems, and interest in culture. IsiXhosa is a Nguni language and one of the official languages of South Africa, spoken as a first language by approximately 10 million people and a second language by 11 million. It was first written down and published on the banks of…
By Steven Lang A quick analysis of the results of the Eskom Science Expo reveals some noteworthy insights. The most obvious conclusion we can reach is that geography counts. Schools in Makhanda dominated the competition because it was just a lot easier to get to the venue on the Rhodes campus. Although the Makhanda finals are supposed to serve a wide area in the region, many schools don’t have the resources to transport their pupils through terrible weather to a competition where they might not win anything. Staying with resources, it goes without saying that science usually requires equipment to…
By Steven Lang The hard work they put in over the last few weeks paid off big time at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in the Makhanda Regional finals on Saturday. Six pupils in grades nine to 11 won gold medals in the fiercely contested science competition. Eight projects received silver medals, and 14 were awarded bronze medals. Judges struggling to assess a project. Photo: Steven Lang A lot of preparation went into making the day a success. Some pupils had been working on their projects for weeks – painstakingly recording their observations, writing out methodologies, re-writing results and…
Jim Cambray recorded rainfall at Park Road for the week of 20-27 July 2023 of 14.2mm, and temperatures that ranged from a very cold 1°C to 20.5°C. Rainfall at Park Road for the week before (13-19 July) was 5.1mm and temperatures ranged from 6.5 to 21.5C for that week. Paul Maylam recorded 3.7mm at Cathcart St from 13-19 July.
By the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Social Phobia is also known as Social Anxiety Disorder. As an advocate for Mental Health, SADAG aims to provide understanding, compassion, and support for individuals affected by this often misunderstood condition. Social Phobia is a challenging Mental Health disorder characterised by an intense fear of social situations, leading individuals to experience overwhelming anxiety, self-consciousness, and a fear of judgment or embarrassment. These feelings can impact different aspects of one’s life, including relationships, work, and school. Clinical Psychologist, Dr Colinda Linde said “It’s not that you are scared of people as such,…