Author: Chalotte Mokonyane

By Chalotte Mokonyane This week Makana Municipality commemorated the 206th anniversary of the Battle of Grahamstown, a significant event during the Fifth Xhosa War from 1818 to 1819. Executive Mayor Yandiswa Vara emphasised that 22 April is a pivotal date in Makhanda’s history, marking the eGgazini battle where approximately 10 000 heroes lost their lives in a struggle against White Settlers led by Colonel John Graham. These heroes fought valiantly for their land, as settlers encroached upon it, demonstrating their resistance and courage. Mayor Vara said the Makana Freedom Festival serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this…

By Chalotte Mokonyane Kingswood College will be hosting the 2025 Neil Aggett Memorial Lecture on 5 May at 9 am in its Chapel, reflecting on the powerful theme: “Standing up against injustice.” The keynote speaker is Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers. The annual lecture honours Kingswood alumnus Dr Neil Aggett, who attended the school from 1964 to 1970.  A physician who dedicated his life to serving in black hospitals during apartheid and a passionate trade union organiser, Aggett was detained without trial and tragically died in police custody on 5 February 1982. This…

In response to Grocott’s Mail, Makana Municipality has addressed the issues surrounding the dysfunctional and dilapidated Traffic Department building. Spokesperson Anele Mjekula confirmed that the structure is old and in dire need of repairs, which are part of the ongoing Small Town Revitalisation Project led by the Office of the Premier. Mjekula noted that the municipality initiated a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for repairs last December. Still, the process yielded no responses, leading to a re-advertisement in March, which closed on April 1. The municipality is now actively following the Supply Chain Processes to lease a more suitable building for…

By Chalotte Mokonyane The protracted closure of the Makhanda Traffic Department in Knight Street has infuriated local motorists and had a negative impact on driving schools in the city. The Department of Employment and Labour Department shut down the building in November 2024 after inspectors found it unsafe for workers. Serious roof leakages had led to water damage, and there was no electricity in the building. Motorists have been forced to travel to Port Alfred to take tests and renew driving licenses and disks. One resident complained that they had spent a whole day driving to and from Port Alfred…

by Chalotte Mokonyane Dr Ntsiki Biko, who has spent decades dedicated to uplifting her community, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her significant contributions by Rhodes University. Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University, Professor Siswe Mabizela, highlighted the profound honour the institution felt in robing Dr Biko, acknowledging her work as a community activist. “She gave hope to many people, instilling in them a sense of self-reliance and personal urgency. She is an amazing community builder, and she has gone about it quietly and dignifiedly,” said Professor Mabizela. He further emphasised that the event was a…

by Chalotte Mokonyane The spokesperson for the Deputy Minister of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Masilo Mokone, has requested an extension until April to respond to the demands raised during the water crisis march on 26 February 2025. The reason for this delay is that some of the demands fall under provincial jurisdiction, making it necessary to involve the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams. CoGTA is currently working to organise a meeting that accommodates both the Deputy Minister and the MEC, ensuring that they can address the concerns together. The department is…