By Yanganani Gora A University of Mpumalanga academic who is also a presidential economic advisory council member delivered a thought-provoking analysis on post-apartheid inequality during a Department of Political and International Studies teach-in at Rhodes University on Monday. The four-day ‘Interrogating Inequality in Post-1994 South Africa’ event wraps at Africa’s Barratt 1 this afternoon (Friday). Four academics from various South African universities are guest speakers at the teach-in. Professor Vusi Gumede, the dean of the Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga, addressed the first gathering. In his address, which was themed Reflections on inequalities…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
By Luvuyo Mjekula The Makana Municipality has responded to allegations that there was no water to fight the fire that claimed the life of 75-year-old Mrhodes Nondlwana in Tantyi Location, Makhanda, about two weeks ago. A prominent community leader has claimed the elderly man’s life could have been spared had there been water in the area at the time. Archbishop Nkosinathi Ngesi of the Makhanda Concerned Residents (MCR) publicly blamed the tragedy on the unavailability of water. Ngesi said Nondlwana was “trapped in a fire and died in those flames. Unfortunately, the neighbours could not assist because they had no…
By Chris Totobela A dispute that delayed the conclusion of the Makana LFA Premier League season and frustrated football coaches for more than two months appears to have been resolved. Makana LFA administrators have set a date for the deciding play-off second leg match between Rhodes University and Riebeek City. In correspondence seen by Grocott’s Mail, the Makana LFA has instructed both teams to play the game this Sunday, 13 July, at JD Dlepu Stadium at 2pm. This follows a long wait that led to club chairmen and coaches taking the matter into their own hands after the local governing…
By Staff Reporter A total of 51 suspects were arrested for various offences during the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, police in the Eastern Cape have stated. The offences included drunk driving and contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The provincial SAPS deployed 105 officers, including members from various specialised units, “who ensured the safety of residents and visitors during this flagship event of the Eastern Cape”. Police said the integrated deployments assisted in maintaining heightened visibility and resource mobilisation in all hot-spot areas, including the high-profile activities. Through the 11 days of Festival, from Thursday 26 June…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR By Luvuyo Sizani The recent vandalism of the Gift of the Givers Foundation borehole situated in Ntsika Secondary School in Makhanda is a reprehensible act that has left the foundation and the community disturbed. This borehole was instrumental in providing relief during the severe drought that was experienced in the past, serving as a lifeline for many families. As the DA, we strongly condemn this senseless act of vandalism and urge the authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice. The destruction of critical infrastructure not only disrupts essential services but also undermines the well-being…
By Nomfundo Mbatha and Siyamthanda Ndinisa In a remarkable tribute to dedication, passion, and behind-the-scenes excellence, a newly discovered fish species has been named after Makhanda resident Vuyani Hanisi a longtime employee of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB). The fish, Glossogobius hanisii, is a member of the goby family (Gobiidae), found off the east coast of South Africa, and its name will now forever honour the quiet but vital contribution of a man who has helped preserve one of the largest fish collections in the southern hemisphere. Born and raised in Makhanda, Hanisi’s legacy will live on…
By Ross Marriner According to research conducted by Allan Gray, millennials – those individuals born between the early 1980s and early 2000s – tend to focus on saving for short-term goals but often overlook the importance of long-term financial planning, particularly for their retirement. They tend to be more debt-averse when it comes to credit cards and large purchases like homes or cars. This caution is evident in lower rates of homeownership and delayed milestones like marriage and starting families, often tied to financial readiness rather than cultural expectations. When investigating the reasons for this trend, researchers identified a number…
By Luvuyo Mjekula Makhanda religious leaders and other community members on Monday held a prayer session at the home of a 75-year-old L Street resident who died in a fire on Friday, 27 June. Archbishop Nkosinathi Ngesi had, on behalf of the Makhanda Concerned Residents (MCR) urged community members to gather at the home of Mrhodes Nondlwana to “pass our condolences and prayers during this difficult period”. According to Ngesi, Nondlwana was “trapped in a fire and died in those flames. Unfortunately the neighbours could not assist because they had no water.” Police spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, said at about…
By Chris Totobela Recently crowned the best player and top goal scorer in the June 16 Women’s Soccer Tournament played over the Youth Day long weekend, 17-year-old Sosindangaye Nondlwana has been touted as a star in the making. Nwabisa Tyelbooi, a top player in her heyday, and now an executive member of African Connection Women’s Football Club, says Nondlwana will go far as a footballer if she remains humble and hardworking. Grocott’s Mail sat down with the Diski queen, as Nondlwana is popularly known in Makhanda, for a final Youth Month feature focusing on talented young footballers who are making…
By Chris Totobela Football coaches in Makhanda are up in arms as the delay in announcing Makana LFA league champions drags on. It has been more than a month since Riebeek City and Rhodes University played the first leg of a two-legged championship play-off in Makhanda. City won that encounter 3-0, but failed to avail a full team for the second leg, resulting in a walkover awarded to Rhodes University. However, instead of resolving the matter on the day, LFA administrators reportedly left with the trophy, leaving players and coaches bemused. Riebeek City’s head coach, Luthando Peter, confirmed this. He…
