By Khanyisa Khenese Makhanda’s eight-year-old author, Ezekiel Jewell, takes part in this year’s 50th National Arts Festival. The author sells copies of his book “A Collection of Short Stories” at Amazwi Museum for R100.00. The National Arts Festival held in Makhanda annually features established artists, new and emerging talents and a network of producers, writers and creators who make and present works on South Africa’s stage. As part of this week’s extraordinary line-up at the Amazwi Museum, Ezekiel brings his storytelling book to book readers from 26 to 28 June. The thrilled and excited young author was also invited on…
Author: Khanyisa Khenese
Read More
By Khanyisa Khenese A young Makhanda author, Ezekiel Jewell (8), received his first officially published book titled “A Collection of Short Stories” on 1 June. The young author also attended the Joy of Books Festival in East London. Reading books for fun at the age of five years, and receiving a book from his mother that she received when she was in grade 1, inspired the eight-year-old and grade 2 learner at the prestigious Kingwood College, to illustrate and write his book at a tender age. The book narrates the story of a flower that was never blown away, even…
By Sibongiseni Maphumulo As a final push to garner support for the ANC ahead of the 2024 general elections, provincial and regional leaders of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the ANC, gathered in Makhanda at the weekend. Cosatu’s provincial secretary, Mkhawuleli “Gurah” Maleki and ANC Sarah Baartman regional treasurer, Athi Diniso mobilised support for the ruling party at the Makana Municipality Town Hall. There was a palpable sense of solidarity and determination among attendees. Workers from various sectors voiced their concerns and aspirations, finding reassurance in Cosatu’s commitment to fighting for their rights. The speeches were…
By Khanyisa Khenese, Luvuyo Mjekula and Nothando Tshuma The moment South Africans had been waiting for finally arrived on Monday, 27 May, with thousands casting special votes across the country. In Makhanda, it was no different, as voting stations opened at 9am on Monday and again on Tuesday, 28 May, for special voters. Officials of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) were also hard at work conducting home visits across Makhanda. For the 2024 election, South Africa registered 1 million more voters, and 1.7 million people were approved for special votes. Moreover, 653,000 of the special votes are done by…
By Khanyisa Khenese The water crisis in Makhanda seems far from over, from wastage due to pipe bursts and leaking pipes and valves to almost empty reservoirs and clean water mixing with raw sewage, causing contamination and illness. In recent developments, the Community Water Testing Laboratory at the Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC) has detected high levels of E.coli from a tap water sample taken at a home along Blackbeard Street in Makhanda. On 3 May, RUBIC in collaboration with PSAM and Action for Accountability (A4A) did a community water testing drive. The test was repeated and similar results…
By Khanyisa Khenese and Singisa Mdungwana Last Saturday, 20 April, St. Mary’s DCC organised yet another memorable Family Fun Day. Parents and their children were warmly welcomed to join the festivities, where laughter filled the air as they bonded over various sports activities, ranging from netball and mini cricket to indigenous games, all enjoyed under the gentle sun at Lavender Valley Sportsfield. St Mary’s DCC has become a vital organ in the community by tirelessly implementing initiatives and programmes to provide psychosocial and educational support to at least 160 beneficiaries and their families. These programmes include homework support, Life Skills…
By Khanyisa Khenese and Sindisiwe Tshona Last week, on Friday, 5 April 2024, Rhodes University concluded its five autumn graduation ceremonies by honouring two prominent people – Thandabantu August and Professor Irvy Gledhill. The university recognised five remarkable people during its graduation season, and this year’s recipients are Ambassador Barbara Masekela, Professor Sylvia Tamale, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Thandabantu August and Professor Irvy Gledhill. During Friday’s morning session convocation, August was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) (honoris causa) for his courage, resilience, tenacity, and tireless efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of many young people in…
By Khanyisa Khenese and Nosiphiwo Nyangana Well-known South African Anglican cleric, theologian, social and climate justice and education activist Archbishop Thabo Makgoba was among eminent individuals awarded honorary doctorates by Rhodes University last week. Makgoba is currently serving as the South African Anglican Archbishop of South Africa in Cape Town. The university honoured Makgoba with an honorary doctorate in Law (LLD) (Honoris causa), acknowledging his notable role as a voice of reason and a conscience of society where he has been a steadfast advocate against corruption and the abuse of power, as well as his unwavering commitment to justice in…
By Khanyisa Khenese Celebrating 120 years of academic excellence, Rhodes University kicked off its first of six Autumn graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, 3 April. The university celebrated, capped the class of 2023 and awarded honorary doctorates to two women whose actions and advocacy have made a lasting impact. A total of 2 035 students received their degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Of those, 1 361 are undergraduate bachelor’s degrees, while 719 are postgraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and postgraduate certificates. Vice-chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, said 65% of graduands are female students, adding, “Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi”. Among females that were conferred meritorious, two…
By Khanyisa Khenese Following a Grocott’s Mail report on two Makhanda schools hit hard by cable theft, electricity has since been restored at the schools and stolen cables have been replaced. The schools have confirmed that Eskom has finally attended to their power problems. Grocott’s Mail reported recently that after criminals stole cables, TEM Mrwetyana Senior Secondary School in Joza was forced to utilise a neighbour’s home for printing while children at Boyboy Mginywa Preschool in Xolani were learning in the dark for nearly three months due to a power outage as a result of cable theft. A few weeks…