By Asemahle Vumsindo The People’s Republic of China has announced a major funding commitment to support South Africa’s HIV response, pledging $3.49 million (approximately R60 million) through a two-year partnership facilitated by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Jay Kruuse, Director of the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM), welcomed the Chinese funding, noting it “will contribute somewhat towards addressing funding shortfalls to combat HIV in South Africa.” Kruuse explained that the primary reason for the shortfall was a freeze and subsequent reduction in foreign aid, which stemmed from the foreign policy decisions of the incoming United States administration.…
Author: Asemahle Vumsindo
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By Asemahle Vumsindo Local soccer, rugby, and netball teams in Makana Municipality received a major boost following a sports equipment and attire handover on Tuesday. The initiative, from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), saw Ministry representatives Chade Kramer, admin secretary in the Minister’s Office, and Gareth Brown, private and appointed secretary to the Minister, distribute much-needed resources directly to grassroots beneficiaries. The event, hosted in Makhanda, focused on strengthening local participation and development in key sporting codes. Kramer and Brown handed over comprehensive sports kits, high-quality training balls, and durable gym bags, directly addressing the common challenge…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Makhanda residents are facing long waiting to periods to fix disruptions to essential services, more especially water and electricity outages, as Makana Municipality workers engage in what has been described as a “go-slow” protest. The workers are refusing to work overtime hours due to a breakdown in trust, following a history of delayed payments for previously worked overtime. Defining overtime In a typical workplace, overtime is defined as the time an employee works beyond their normal contracted hours. In the context of the municipality’s essential services, this typically includes after-hours (before 8am and after 4.30pm), weekends, and…
By Asemahle Vumsindo When Rhodes University’s recent graduate Terri Harris set out to study Makhanda’s water management system, she wasn’t just conducting academic research; she was probing a question many in the small Eastern Cape town ask daily: why isn’t the water coming? Acknowledging the immense frustration felt by the community. she was motivated to understand the systemic reasons why access to a basic human right was failing. Harris’ master’s thesis, “A constant state of failure: characterisation of the water management system of a small South African town”, offers a revealing look into the complex reasons behind Makhanda’s fragile water…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Makhanda local Anrico Quiens has completed his monumental 1 000km cycling challenge, conquering nearly two weeks of physical pain and severe sleep deprivation, all in the name of raising awareness for mental health and funds for local soup kitchens and cancer charities. Quiens, who finished the gruelling endurance ride last Friday, initiated the challenge from a deeply personal place, aiming to prove that mental resilience can triumph over difficult times, especially when battling mental health struggles. His gruelling 13-day journey involved cycling the punishing route from Makhanda to Bedford, Cookhouse, Somerset East, Pearston, Graaf-Reinet, Aberdeen, Willowmore, Uniondale,…
By Asemahle Vumsindo The Makhanda Community Soup Kitchen Initiative officially launched this week, establishing a crucial lifeline for vulnerable families in the area. Driven by the Masifundise Community Family Care and Development Centre and strongly supported by fibertime, the programme integrates immediate food security with vital long-term community support in the poor communities within Makhanda. Tackling poverty and hunger The launch comes in direct response to the severe socio-economic conditions facing these vulnerable communities. Speaking at the event, Lungile Mxube, Executive Chairperson of the Masifundise Community Family Care and Development Centre, explained the critical motivation behind the project. ”We’re doing…
jBy Asemahle Vumsindo Water levels at Howieson’s Poort Dam have dropped significantly in recent weeks, raising fresh concerns about Makhanda’s water supply as the dry months continue. Local water activist Peter Sturrock had previously expressed deep concern about delays in transferring water from the high-level Settlers Dam. Observations suggested that officials were failing to move water, despite Settlers Dam having a high volume and only one pump being operational. Fortunately, good news has reached the western side of Makhanda as the municipality has finally started pumping water into Howieson’s Poort Dam. However, this relief is temporary, as the municipality also…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Residents across Ward 4 report experiencing repeated high-voltage electricity surges that have damaged household appliances. Multiple residents say power instability has been ongoing for years, but recent surges have caused equipment failures. One resident described the damage to their household: “We have had this issue for years. My main TV and washing machine broke on the same day, where the TV just went black without warning.” The resident said other appliances have also been affected: “Our fridge leaks ever since this problem started, and I’ve had to replace my eye-level oven as well. The geyser we have…
By Asemahle Vumsindo and Donne-Leigh Pienaar Reports from students who reached out to Grocott’s Mail about being charged consultation fees have triggered an investigation, revealing that Settlers Hospital uses a tiered pricing structure based on an interpretation of the official Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) mandated by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. This specific application of the policy means a student’s access to affordable healthcare is currently determined by their financial aid status, which the hospital uses as a proxy for income assessment rather than a proper, individual evaluation of their actual financial means. Hospital confirms grant-based tiered charging…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Aspire Psychosocial & Educational Support Services for Vulnerable Children (APESSERV) remains a vital lifeline for vulnerable learners in the Makhanda townships, but its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Nompumelelo Hall in Joza, highlighted significant resource and staffing constraints that threaten its ability to meet the growing demand for specialised support. The report, delivered by Director and Founder Zimasa Burns-Ncamashe, showcased numerous successes in 2024/2025, including the launch of a successful Careers Day, a Dignity Restoration Initiative (Uniform and Underwear Drives), and the continued provision of essential services in partnership with Tantyi Primary School. 2024/2025 programme highlights…