By Ayabonga Kosi The Democratic Alliance (DA) held a gathering with its constituents on Thursday, featuring the esteemed mayor of uMgeni Municipality, Christopher Pappas, as a guest speaker, alongside provincial head Andrew Whitfield. The goal of the day was to promote the party and show how the DA can bring change to Makhanda much like Pappas did with his municipality in the KZN. Touching on the matter would be Pappas himself as he eloquently drew parallels between his municipality and Makana. He spoke on how for 27 years, uMngeni was run by the ANC and how with patience, they were…
Author: Ayabonga Kosi
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By Ayabonga Kosi Xolile Madinda, or as people in town know him, Ta X, is a well-known creative staple of Makhanda. Along with being co-founder of one of the well-known hip-hop groups, Def Boys, he is also the founder of the Black Power Station, a place which he hopes will be a hub for creativity and expression in Makhanda. He has recently been invited to perform at the University of Oxford’s event named The Gathering Place: Africa. A visionary, activist performer, and entrepreneur, Ta X’s goal is to create an international creative community where all can come and be themselves.…
By Ayabonga Kosi A tale of resilience, community, and family. Janine Harris’ journey from seeker of safety to co-owner of a fine dining establishment embodies the essence of a transformative narrative. Arriving in Makhanda in 2005 from Johannesburg, Janine’s motivations were simple yet profound. She and her husband embarked on a quest for a safer haven to nurture and raise their daughter. She said, “We wanted her to grow up in a healthy lifestyle and environment.” “By the time she was still playing dressing up, her friends were going to malls,” she added. Understanding the pressure big cities may have…
By Ayabonga Kosi On Tuesday, March 19, Makhanda witnessed a sea of pink as community members gathered for the annual Pink Walk to raise cancer awareness. For many, including myself, the event held a profound significance, as cancer has touched our lives in various ways. As a journalist tasked with covering the event, I found myself immersed in an environment where shared experiences bonded us all. Like countless others in attendance, I, too, have been affected by this relentless disease. My journey with cancer began at the tender age of six when I lost my father, Mongezi Enoch Kosi, to…
By Ayabonga Kosi In a poignant display of solidarity and support, the streets of Makhanda were filled with a sea of pink on Tuesday, 19 March as community members of all ages rallied together for the Pink Walk for CANSA, sponsored by Pick n Pay in partnership with The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). This event, which began in 2019, marked its triumphant return after a hiatus enforced by the pandemic, with the latest walk drawing a remarkable turnout. The inaugural Pink Walk, held at Victoria Girls High School in 2019, paved the way for a vital annual event…
By Ayabonga Kosi In a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and the power of literature, the PUKU Festival, founded by South African writer and activist Elinor Sisulu, recently took centre stage in towns across the Sarah Baartman region. The festival, dedicated to commemorating World Mother Tongue Day and paying homage to the literary contributions of Dr Sindiwe Magona, unfolded with a resounding call for the importance of reading, particularly in one’s mother tongue. Addressing a young, captivated audience, various speakers highlighted the importance of children finding a love for reading and storytelling. Eager to assist in this regard, initiatives like…
By Ayabonga Kosi The ongoing legal saga involving the alleged ring leaders of the Mthatha-based Public Assets Community Based Tenants and Owners Association (PACTOA) remained unresolved after three judges of the Makhanda high court reserved judgment on an appeal application on Monday, February 12. According to court papers, members of PACTOA, Bongani Cikolo, Sicelo Nkqayi, 49 and Zamikhaya Songca, 39, were apprehended on 10 October 2022 by the Gqeberha-based Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Hawks, facing charges of fraud or alternatively theft. The legal battle emanates from the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court’s dismissal of the trio’s initial bail application…