Author: Grocott's Mail Contributors

Navigate by Karin Schimke. Modjaji Books, 2017 Reviewer: Marike Beyers The title of Karin Schimke’s second collection of poetry, Navigate, points me to an awareness of how much I as a reader find my way between the poems by following echoes and patterns from other poems and other readings. The collection is divided into four sections, each starting with a poem-fragment-epigraph that introduces an emotion. These fragments mostly use images of speaking, of voice, expressing knowing-unknowing and vulnerability, with the last section suggesting a kind of homecoming: i knew no goodness till i’d trawled the sky of his forehead for…

The issue of Grahamstown’s name change has been ongoing since 2007 and it is therefore understandable that fatigue is setting in. This was reflected in the Grocott’s Mail’s inadequate coverage of the meeting of the South African Geographic Names Council (SAGNC) that was held in Grahamstown on 15 February. The meeting was only reported online and not in last week’s newspaper as expected, yet it’s a matter of considerable local importance. Grocott’s Mail Online reported that according to the Chairperson of the SAGNC, Johnny Mahlaba, the SAGNC decided on 16 February to recommend to the Minister of Arts & Culture…

By Nicholas Babaya Once again, the issue of renaming Grahamstown has arisen. There has much criticism of the proposed name change for various reasons. Arguments in favour in the name change generally follow South Africa’s transformation narrative. Conversely, arguments against the name change tend to focus upon the practical and logistical realities of Grahamstown and effect it would have on the economy (through name recognition), the Arts Festival, and the simple fact the municipality lacks the funds as well as a profound lack of consultation with the population of Grahamstown. With massive debt repayments to make, a name change for…

SPCA Tip of the Week It is very important to vaccinate your pet. There are airborne illnesses among dogs, like parvo and distemper which can lead to a quick and painful death in three to four days. To try and save an animal from this illness costs a fortune (starting at around R4 000). For more information or advice, please contact Grahamstown SPCA or any of the vets in town: Grahamstown Veterinary Practice on Fitzroy Street, Tel: 046 622 6743 Ikhala Veterinary Practice on Strowan Road, Tel: 046 622 3261 The State Vet on George Street, Tel: 046 622 7112…

There is no ‘away’ say activists who organised a funeral for e-waste on the Rhodes University campus. Carey Finn reports Strollers and students on the Drostdy Lawns at Rhodes University last Friday would have stumbled across a strangely dark scene. At 12pm, an unconventional funeral was held – not for a person, but for pieces of electronic waste. Old computers and their components, outdated satellite television decoders, a yellowing scanner and clunky fax machine were among the e-waste given a formal send-off. But there was nowhere to send them – and this was one of the central themes of the…

Compiled by Nick James Drought or not? Venture outside your air-conditioned office or lab. What do you see? A very green and lush landscape. So are we experiencing a drought or not? Grahamstown’s water supply dams (Settlers and Howisons Poort) are still very low. The level in Howisons Poort is fairly irrelevant as this dam is largely silted up and has water pumped into it from Settlers Dam, before that same water is pumped to the water works at Waainek. Despite recent ‘good’ rains, Settlers Dam is still at around 19%. Rainfall is measured at four points in, or near…

By ROSS MARRINER The swift change of leadership from Jacob Zuma to Cyril Ramaphosa as President of South Africa has brought about renewed hope and confidence in our country.  As a result, the rand has strengthened against major currencies.  After avoiding South African shares for quite some time, foreign investors are reported to be once again buying into South African companies. Many South African investors agonise over whether they should invest offshore and, if so, when the right time would be to do so.  The events over the last few weeks have made this decision increasingly significant.  Financial commentators often…

By RYAN HANCOCKS South Africa’s Ministry of Finance appears to be taking a hard line against the woeful position ex-President Jacob Zuma’s government left it in over the past years. Low economic growth of 1% in 2017 and a projected 1.5% in 2018 coupled with a continued strain on government debt (standing at 53.3% of GDP as of March 2018), reflect a worrying budget deficit of R204 billion for the tax year in 2018. In previous years, additional revenue was sought through increased taxation on higher income earners, but this has left the National Treasury without any place to turn…

FNB WSU outmuscled FNB Rhodes University at the packed Buffalo City Stadium, after losing their first game to FNB UWC in Cape Town last Monday, FNB WSU looked like a different team. Walter Sisulu University used the wind to their advantage in the first half when they took the lead via well worked try by their flyhalf Pholman Beauton. It was converted comfortably by Sinegugu Lituka. The FNB WSU All Blacks, as they are affectionately known by their followers, looked in control early on in the game, as they powered through to score in the 17th and 32nd minute. Both tries scored…

This document summarises the People’s State of Province address produced by the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM). It is a re-imagining of the State of Province Address reflecting what they think would be the key focus areas for the Province for effective service delivery. Local government COGTA must produce a feasible plan that clearly shows how our municipalities will become functional and capable. Municipalities still need support to ensure that they fill their vacancies in senior management within three months. Establish sustainable, expert-guided interventions to address drought throughout the Province. Prioritise intensive support for Municipalities in all these areas with…