By Karabo Matalajoe Tensions are unfolding around the Grahamstown Primary School project after the contractor, Siyabulela Moko responsible for ongoing infrastructure of the upgrades informed the employees of suspension of work due to non-payments for the project by the departments of Public Works and Education. This sudden stop has caused frustration among the workers and deep concern for the community members, who fear that the school will again be abandoned mid-construction, as has happened before. A community meeting was held at the power station behind the school on Sunday 16 November 2025 with workers and residents and led with by…
Author: Karabo Matalajoe
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In terms of section 6(3)(b) of the Public Protector Act, 1994, the Public Protector may refuse to investigate a matter if the person ostensibly prejudiced has not taken all reasonable steps to exhaust his or her legal remedies in connection with such matter. In this instance, the Investigation Team was of the view that the complainant had not fully exhausted the internal remedies or channels that he could reasonably be expected to use prior to lodging a complaint with the Public Protector. The Public Protector is an institution of last resort, and each matter is considered on its own merits.…
By Karabo Matalajoe The Office of the Public Protector (Eastern Cape) has formally declined to intervene in a complaint lodged against the Speaker of the Makana Local Municipality, Mabhuti Matyumza, regarding the lack of information and transparency on the municipality’s ward committees The complaint was submitted by Advocate Jock McConnachie, a resident of Makhanda, who says the Speaker failed to provide details on the composition and functioning of the ward committees. These committees are a legal requirement under municipal governance legislation and are intended to serve as a communication link between ward councillors and their communities. In 2024, Advocate McConnachie…
Possible subhead: Kingswood’s ‘Renaissance Traders’ claim top spot in national JSE investment challenge By Karabo Matalajoe Kingswood College’s young investors have made Makhanda proud after taking first place nationally in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge. The competition tests learners’ financial literacy and strategic thinking. The winning team, Renaissance Traders, competed in the Speculator Portfolio category, which requires participants to trade actively using a virtual portfolio of R1 million in real-time JSE-linked markets. A calculated approach Team leader Thomas Wilmot said their winning strategy combined patience, research, and bold decision-making. “We only put our portfolio to work in April…
By Karabo Matalajoe and Asemahle Vumsindo The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has strengthened its beneficiary review process to ensure that social grants reach only those who qualify for them. With more than 18 million South Africans depending on social grants each month, SASSA says the review system is part of a nationwide effort to prevent fraud, improve accountability, and safeguard public funds. Grocott’s Mail recently learned that the review process focuses on assessing whether beneficiaries meet the eligibility criteria of the grants for which they apply. This includes checking for changes in income, employment and household circumstances which…
By Karabo Matalajoe The quiet anticipation inside Rhodes University Law halls broke into applause as learners took to their seats to argue cases in a courtroom. The Sarah Baartman District hosted the first of its kind, a Moot Court Competition, serving as a landmark moment in the Education & Social Support Services Section- Learner Enrichment Programs-Heritage Unit. This Moot Court Program initiative is designed to expose learners to legal thinking, research, debate, and enhance their communication skills. Through Districts, the Eastern Cape Department of Education collaborates with Legal Professionals, the Faculty of Law in Higher Institutions of Learning, the South…
By Karabo Matalajoe and Malebo Pheme Young scientists across Makhanda came together to show that there is no age limit when it comes to being innovative at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. From primary school to high school learners, 74 young minds stood proudly beside their projects, explaining their work with the kind of excitement and confidence that gave many in the room a renewed sense of hope for the country’s future. Whether it was turning trash into gas, growing crops or testing how sound affects mussels, the energy from inside the venue was electric. The popular project…
By Karabo Matalajoe The Makana Democratic Alliance (DA) held a Public Meeting featuring Frontier Constituency Leader Jane Cowley, MPL, and Executive Mayor of Kouga Municipality, Hattingh Bornman, at the Graham Hotel this week. The speakers shared a detailed roadmap of how the DA plans to replicate Kouga’s success in restoring governance, infrastructure, and public trust in a town shadowed by neglect. The meeting brought together community members, activists and stakeholders to appraise Kouga’s shift from being the worst-run municipality in the Eastern Cape to an award-winning example of clean audits, water resilience and local economic growth. Bornman’s presentation drew parallels…
By Karabo Matalajoe A wave of community spirit swept through Saturday morning,19 July 2025, as Rhodes Sports and Grocott’s Mail successfully hosted its Mandela Day 6.7km charity run. The event brought together many runners and supporters committed to making a difference through movement and generosity. In true Mandela Day spirit, the event went beyond physical endurance to demonstrate the power of unity. Runners of all ages participated in this symbolic 6.7km distance. However, it was not just about the run; the event was crucial in its collection drive for the three local organisations: Meals After School, the SPCA, and Home…
by Karabo Matalajoe Xolani Matyedi and his family continue to endure harsh conditions that few would find liveable. Blind himself and living with his wife who is also blind and four young children aged 11, 8, 4 and 1 year and 3 months, Matyedi’s story is deeply shadowed by neglect and broken promises. The Matyedi original home in Extension 6 (iLangelihle) was destroyed by heavy rains and strong winds. Matyedi reached out to local government officials including the ward councillor, the chief whip and the executive major Yandiswa Vara. “I lodged a complaint last year before the elections about the…