By Siviwe Mxuma Earlier this month, Rhodes University hosted the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Senior Research Award Lecture, which recognises exceptional research contributions within the University. This award was presented to Professor Julie Coetzee from the Faculty of Science, a distinguished scholar who has made significant strides in the field of biological control, particularly in understanding the interactions between freshwater aquatic plants and insects. The evening’s proceedings were opened by Rhodes University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who praised Professor Coetzee’s remarkable contributions to both the University and the broader scientific community. He stated, “Professor Julie has been an employee of Rhodes…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
By Prudence Mini A select few guests received exclusive golden tickets, similar to the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, inviting them to 112 High Street to celebrate the launch of Makhanda’s newest event concept. Munch n Mingle, an event facility in Makhanda and the neighbouring areas, has been developed to hold a range of events. Its primary purpose is to provide a platform for business owners to monetize their endeavours through MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibits] sustainable revenue production, hence promoting Makhanda as a MICE destination and supporting the local economy. Attendees from all businesses were…
By Luvuyo Mjekula A Makhanda property owner says Makana Municipality’s negligence led to two park homes being gutted by a wildfire on Tuesday. The owner, who asked not to be named, said had Makana firefighters arrived in the area earlier, the two homes could have been saved. “We had no water – we were told that this is all due to the negligence of Makana Municipality not paying staff who are on strike,” she said. She said volunteer firefighters fought the fire. “We did not have any Makana firefighters, I did not see any. They were all volunteer firefighters and…
By Luvuyo Mjekula Senior leaders of Makana Municipality felt the wrath of frustrated and fed-up Makana residents during a protest by Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM) and Makana Citizens Front (MCF) members outside the City Hall earlier today. The residents demanded a clear plan to address the water crisis, an end to power cuts and a clear and transparent process on job allocations. Both mayor Yandiswa Vara and municipal manager Phumelelo Kate were on the receiving end of angry outbursts from the crowd of about 70 residents of Makhanda and surrounding towns such as Alicedale and Seven Fountains. The residents earlier…
By Luvuyo Mjekula Some residents in the area near PJ Olivier High School evacuated their homes earlier this week as fires fanned by strong winds threatened to reach the residences. A number of residents of Rockridge Road were seen rushing their children and dogs out of their homes and into their vehicles to protect them from the thick smoke. Grocott’s Mail spoke to a couple of the affected residents. “It’s very smoky, I’m just taking my baby out. There’s been no damage to the property, and we hope there will not be any.” Another resident said the fire started at…
By Luvuyo Mjekula and Khanyisa Khenese Following a Grocott’s Mail report on illegal gambling slot machines spreading like wildfire in Makhanda spaza shops, Joza police in partnership with the Eastern Cape Gambling Board as well as Border Security police, pounced on several spaza shops on Thursday. Sarah Baartman District police spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, confirmed that the multi-disciplinary compliance operation in Joza from 10am to 2pm was carried out by Joza Saps, Eastern Cape Gambling Board and Border police. McCarthy said the objective of the operation was to enforce and monitor compliance. “This compliance operation is part of ongoing efforts…
By Staff Reporter The multi-million rand project to upgrade the Oval Sports Ground facilities that has stalled for months, came under the microscope at Makana Municipality’s infrastructure committee meeting last week. A report released by Democratic Alliance councillor Geoff Embling this week revealed that at the meeting, municipal administration was asked why the budget for upgrading the Oval Sports Facilities in Lavender Valley had ballooned from R4.5 million to over R13 million. A further question was raised as to why R2.8 million had already been spent on the project, with little visible result other than a partially constructed, miserable-looking concrete…
By Olwetu Kota The St Mary`s Development Care Centre (DCC) and the Makanda Children`s Rights Coalition conducted an anti bullying campaign at Amasango Career school last week. The objective of the campaign was to see if children understood the impact of bullying in their lives and how in affects them at school, and in the community on a daily basis. The awareness also sought to encourage schools to create value-based systems that helped enable children to deal with violent situations the best way possible. The school’s involvement in raising awareness creates policies and procedures to deal with bullying, improving supervision…
By Siyamthanda Mnyiwana A Coca-Cola truck was involved in a car accident on the N2 near the spring in Makhanda on Sunday morning. Police said no one was injured in the crash but that some onlookers attempted to loot the load. Police further said they managed to catch some of the culprits. The statement from the police said: “Upon arrival at the scene, members [of the police] had to disperse a group of people that were looting the delivery. Police recovered some of the products and these were handed in at the Grahamstown police station as found recovered property.
By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling encounter at the Albany Sports Club, Swallows showcased their dominance and determination, defeating Steytlerville Barbarians 25-13 in the EPRU Adams Cup Competition. This triumph marks Swallows’ second consecutive win, solidifying their fifth position on the overall log. The match commenced with an intense rhythm, both teams vying for control. However, Swallows asserted their supremacy in the scrums, courtesy of Ethan Slang September’s formidable performance. His powerful and bulldozing runs left an indelible mark on the field. Despite a shaky start, Swallows gained momentum in the second half, but Barbarians’ defense remained resolute, denying Swallows…