By Ephreeda Banda At a recent event hosted by Rhodes University’s Law Faculty on 16 April 2024, Dr Nomalanga Mashinini, a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand specialising in image rights protection, discussed the challenges posed by deepfakes in maintaining electoral integrity. In her public lecture, Dr Mashinini suggested that deepfakes, which involve the use of artificial intelligence deep learning to create fake digital media, are a significant threat due to their potential to spread misinformation and disrupt democratic processes. Although Dr Mashinini did not advocate for specific new legislation targeting deepfakes, she emphasised the importance of examining…
Author: Linda Pona
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By Linda Pona The passing of 26-year-old Rhodes University Law student Thembelani Ncube on 1 January 2024, while trying to save a 12-year-old from drowning at Sonwabe Beach in Cape Town, is described by many as a shock and devastating loss. “He was a good friend, brother, tutor, and student to many Rhodes students and staff. We are saddened and hurt about his passing; we wish the world could have seen what a great person he would have been,” read the invitation to his memorial service, which was held last Friday, 22 February. A collection of photos projected on the…
By Linda Pona Two Eastcape Midlands College students, whose identity is known to Grocott’s Mail, briefly appeared in the Makhanda Magistrates court on Wednesday, 20 March, for a pending case of unlawful gathering, disturbing public peace, and intentionally blocking roads. The case is remanded till 16 April due to an incomplete investigation. The prosecutor for the case stated that there was outstanding video footage needed to help complete the investigation. Grocott’s Mail had previously reported that the students were arrested following student protests over unpaid NSFAS funding and disputes over accommodation. The two students are currently out on bail.
By Linda Pona At Nompumelelo Hall in Joza, entrepreneurs and youth were privy to a screening of “Intellectual Giants of the Eastern Cape”, a film which highlights the Eastern Cape’s Black intellectuals who lived through colonialism and apartheid. Despite their circumstances, these ‘giants’ impacted society and education. This was a perfect way to start a Thursday morning awards ceremony for youth and business people participating in the SEF project with The Learning Trust through the ADC in Joza. This is because the filmmaker and director of the film, Dr Alette Schoon, once stated that it is “made to inspire young…
By Linda Pona Eastcape Midlands College students packed the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court yesterday to support their peers arrested on Friday, 23 February, during protests over disputes with accommodation and unpaid NSFAS funds. Three students, whose identity is known to Grocott’s Mail, were arrested during the protest, but two appeared in the Makhanda Magistrates’ Court yesterday. The third student was reportedly released from police custody on Monday morning before the other two made a brief appearance in court. They were both released on warning and will appear in court again on 20 March 2024. The charge sheet states that the two…
By Linda Pona Despite an increase in their NSFAS allowance, Eastcape Midlands TVET College students claim that they will receive only R1300 of R6600 and the rest of the funds will go to their landlords. Alternatively, the remaining funds will be paid into the new college accommodation, the former Themba TB Clinic facility in Fingo Village. This is due to the NSFAS pilot system. From morning till late on Thursday afternoon, Eastcape Midlands College students blockaded the entrance to the Makhanda campus. They then marched into town to protest the new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) system. With the…
By Chris Totobela Makhanda football lovers have been dealt a considerable blow again as the New Year’s Cup organisers postponed the tournament. The sad news came shortly after the second edition of the Makana Music Festival took place at JD Dlepu Stadium, one of the venues earmarked for this year’s tournament on 16 December. According to New Year’s Cup CEO Luyanda Papu, this decision was made after both JD Dlepu and Foley’s Ground were deemed unplayable, as neither field could host any football match. “This tournament belongs to the people, and we decided to postpone this 8th edition until further…
Stay in the loop with the latest and join the MEW WhatsApp group! THIS WEEK FRIDAY, 15 DECEMBER Best of the 90’s Join DJ Monroe playing jams of the 90’s. @ SSS, 19b New Street 21:00 R20 __ SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER Parkrun 5km run or walk Family-friendly Dogs on leads are welcome @ The Bot Gardens, Lucas Avenue 07:45 for 08:00 Register online: https://www.parkrun.co.za/register/ Free entry 2nd Annual Makana Music Festival The second annual Makana Music Festival will be happening in Makhanda, featuring live Performances by Ringo, Tyler ICU, DJ Stokie, Dladla Mshunqisi, and DJ Ligwa with MC Mafa Bavuma. @ Dlepu…
Dear readers, The year is almost ending, the festive season is upon us, and it’s nearly time for us to take a publishing break. I want to take the time to thank you, our loyal readers, for your continued support on our various channels, whether through visiting our website, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter page to get the latest Makhanda news. I would also like to thank our advertisers for your continued support. I would also like to take this time to let the readers and advertisers know that this is the last GM Direct edition for the year, as our journalists are taking a…
By Linda Pona On Wednesday afternoon, 29 November, Knock Shop owner Craig Fourie was sitting at his desk, speaking to his accountant, when a fire broke out in the shop. According to Fourie, he and his staffer smelled smoke before seeing flames coming from the plastic covering mattresses near the second-hand and antique store’s back entrance. He says they got the fire extinguisher trying to put out the flames, but the fire kept igniting. “Eventually, I got my staff out, and my one staff member ran to the fire department, and they took about 5 minutes to get here,” says…