By Asemahle Vumsindo Water levels at Howiesons Poort Dam have dropped significantly in recent weeks, raising concerns about Makhanda’s water supply as the dry months continue. Local water activist Peter Sturrock expressed concern about the delay in transferring water from Settlers Dam to Howiesons Poort. “I’m worried that if they don’t start pumping the water now it will be too late, as it takes time for the water levels to rise,” he said. Sturrock explained that this delay is mainly because Settlers Dam currently has only one operational pump, which limits the rate at which water can be transferred to…
Author: Asemahle Vumsindo
Read More
By Asemahle Vumsindo Former ANC insider and now EFF member of Parliament Carl Niehaus has formally accused the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) of severe mismanagement and neglect following the emergence of video footage that revealed crumbling and unsanitary ablution facilities at the 6 South African Infantry (6SAI) Battalion army base in Makhanda. Niehaus, who serves on the portfolio committee on defence, initiated the public conflict by posting the shocking footage. He stated that he took no pleasure in sharing the terrible video. Still, he insisted it was time to expose the senior generals and reveal the “abuse” being…
By Asemahle Vumsindo The Makana Winds of Change Community Trust, which holds 26% of shares in the Waainek Wind Farm project, reaffirmed its commitment to socio-economic development in Makhanda and surrounding communities during its recent annual general meeting at the BB Zondani Community Hall. The Waainek Wind Farm, a 23.6 MW facility comprising eight Vestas turbines, has been fully operational since January 2016. The Trust’s stake in the project allows it to channel resources toward transformative community initiatives in line with its mission to address unemployment, education gaps, and social challenges. The Trust’s programmes target beneficiaries across all age groups.…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Makana Municipality has reported improvements in the repair of water leaks across town, according to discussions at Monday’s infrastructure portfolio meeting. Residents have noticed a steady uptick in leak repairs, including some that had been reported for years. Chris Qwane, the current water manager, has prioritised addressing water leaks and stabilising the bulk water supply. He said that freeing up resources from water leak repairs will now allow the municipality to focus more on the backlog of sewage issues. Makana’s sewage system has long been neglected, plagued by tree roots and debris. To tackle this, the municipality…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Makana Municipality has taken its formal steps towards allowing residents and businesses with rooftop solar panels to feed excess power back into the grid, but only if they register and comply with new rules. The municipality’s Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee on 18 September 2025 considered a report from the deputy director: electrical services, recommending the adoption of net billing rules. These rules will now be tabled before the full council for approval. What net billing means Net billing is a system that allows so called “prosumer” households or businesses that both consume and generate electricity to be…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Makhanda local Anrico Quiens is gearing up for a 1 000km cycling challenge to raise awareness about mental health and cancer, inspired by his own struggles and those of his loved ones. The 238km he is preparing for is part of his training plan, which has seen him steadily increase his distances over the past weeks, from 40km, to 150km, and now to over 200km. His planned route will take him from Makhanda to Fort Beaufort, then to Adelaide, back to Fort Beaufort, and finally returning to Makhanda. Quiens said the initiative comes from a deeply personal…
By Asemahle Vumsindo Residents of Ward 5 in Makhanda received much-needed services on Friday 19 September when government departments, civil society, and private partners gathered at Extension 9 Community Hall in Joza for an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP). The Initiative, led by SASSA, the Department of Social Development, Health, and the National Development Agency, forms part of government’s efforts to fight poverty and improve access to essential services in some of Makana’s poorest communities, including Extensions 3, 8, 9, the Transit Camp, and Enkanini informal settlement. Long queues of residents waited to access services ranging from birth registration…
By Grocott’s Mail Reporter More than three years after the killing of well-known Makana municipal official and community leader Jeff Budaza, questions remain about his unsolved murder. Budaza, who was the Manager for Parks and Recreation, was widely remembered as a unifier and a firm opponent of corruption in the municipality. Budaza was shot and killed outside his home on 25 May 2022 and was laid to rest in June 2022, leaving behind a legacy of community services, accessibility, and integrity. Police confirm case closed as ‘undetected’ Despite the public outcry following his death, the South African Police Service (SAPS)…
By Asemahle Vumsindo The Makhanda Community Policing Forum executive led by chairperson Andrew Kirk stepped down after completing its five-year term. The executive has spoken public about a breakdown in relations with the South African Police Service at the Makhanda station, describing the relationship with the station leadership as “hostile and toxic”. They claimed that following an incident in August 2024 Station Commander Colonel Mbulelo Pika ordered the entire CPF executive out of the police station disrupting CPF activities and undermining years of partnership efforts. According to the CPF’s resignation report, tensions began during the annual general meeting in August…
By Asemahle Vumsindo The Sakhuluntu Cultural Group, a long-standing community initiative in Ward 5, Extension 9, fights for survival as it seeks to provide young people with positive alternatives to drugs, alcohol, and crime. Founded in 1998 by Vuyo Booi, Sakhuluntu was established on the belief that creative expression through traditional Xhosa dance, music, poetry, drama, and visual arts can help build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging among young people in under-resourced communities. “Most of the time, the youth of today don’t know where to turn or what to do. We are here to show them a sense…