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…
Author: Khanyisa Khenese
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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…
By Khanyisa Khenese This year marks five years since the murder of Makhandan and UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019 at the Clareinch post office in Claremont. Following her rape and murder, there were nationwide protests against gender-based violence (GBV). On Monday morning, Kingswood College, which has partnered with the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation since 2020, held an annual commemorative lecture in memory of Uyinene. Though she was murdered in August, the memorial lectures are held around the time of her birthday, 20 April, to remember, celebrate and acknowledge her life. The lecture reflected on the person Uyinene was, as she…
By Khanyisa Khenese The Rhodes University Education Department, in collaboration with PUKU Children’s Literature Foundation, held a book reading and reviewing workshop for Bachelor of Education third-year Foundation Phase students at the department’s science lab last weekend, 15 – 16 March. The workshop sought to prepare and expose students to children’s literature as they are set to embark on teaching practice in term 3. In attendance, the workshop had the founder and executive director of PUKU, Elinor Sisulu; the Education advisor of PUKU Children’s Literature Foundation, Dr Anna Nkomo; head of the Department of Early Childhood Education, Associate Professor Ingrid…