Author: Luvuyo Mjekula

By Kamvalethu Mzayiya “We need service delivery.” These words from Lena May, a councillor of the Makana Citizens Front (MCF), were left ringing loudly in the ears of Makhanda residents who attended the party’s community meeting at the City Hall last week. The gathering looked to address the ongoing water crisis in Makhanda. Lungile Mxube, the head of the MCF, addressed the community in attendance about the ongoing struggles of the municipality, relating to corruption as well as the community’s water and sanitation crisis. In this address, Mxube relayed his concerns on the water issue, even going as far…

By Nandipha Twani A ceremony of appreciation was held for 94-year-old traditional instrumentalist Notiki Mdyogolo for her instrumental role in  helping Rhodes University Masters student Hlengiwe Tshitshi earn a distinction in with her thesis recently. Mdyogolo is well known for playing a traditional instrument that was used by the forefathers and she is the only one in Makhanda who plays it. Tshitshi, a 43-year-old from Riebeek East passed her thesis with the help of the elderly Mdyogolo and then  decided to surprise the frail great-grandmother with a ceremony to express her gratitude for her support. Hlengiwe’s research was about traditional…

By Staff Reporter Four local gymnasts recently represented Makhanda and the Eastern Cape at the Gymnastics SA Gym Games 2024, South Africa’s biggest gymnastics competition, with spectacular results. The competition was held in the Western Cape between 19 and 29 September. To qualify, the four Grahamstown Rhythmic Gymnastics’ (GRG) gymnasts had to compete in two Eastern Cape competitions and make the Top 11. On 22 and 23 September, they went on to compete in the nationals at the Western Cape Sports School and proudly represented the Eastern Cape. This was the third year GRG had qualified for nationals, and it…

By Iphendule Sigwebela In a heartwarming act of community engagement, students from St Mary’s Hall at Rhodes University donated three chess boards to Aspire Psychosocial and Educational Support Services for Vulnerable Children (APESSERV) in Makhanda on Tuesday. The donation, which enhances the organization’s resources, adds to the four chess boards APESSERV already had, bringing the total to seven, providing more opportunities for the children to engage in the strategic game. APESSERV, founded in 2018 by Zimasa Burns-Ncamashe, offers critical support to vulnerable learners in the Makhanda community. The organization provides a range of services, including counselling, psychosocial support, nutrition, laundry…

By Staff Reporter TOTS or Turn On The Subtitles – in South Africa – was launched recently, to drive awareness around a simple action that can scientifically improve children’s literacy levels. Turnonthesubtitles.org is working with local entertainment and sports stars to champion an ambitious plan to create the world’s largest literacy programme. The strategy is simple yet powerful: it encourages families to activate subtitles on their streaming platforms to help improve their children’s reading skills. By posting Instagram messages to their social channels Connie Ferguson, Bryan Habana, Proverb, Graeme Smith, Thobile Khumalo, and Ntando Kunene have joined international supporters of TOTS – Jack Black and Stephen Fry…

By Kate Cobbing St Andrew’s College is a kinder, safer and more inclusive place than it was five years ago. Tom’s leadership has helped to reinforce and advance the changes to culture and ethos that began in 2022, building on the legacy of his immediate predecessors. Tom has compassion and social maturity beyond his years, and this has resonated in his influence. While he has been a visible and effective leader in the big moments, his most impactful leadership has been through the influence that he has had in the background. His example of inclusion, care and empathy has subtly,…

By M Ladds Murray has been an exceptional leader in the Andrean Community, and this has been evident in the responsibilities and leadership positions that he has held; Deputy Head boy, Head of Upper house, Captain of Cricket first XI, Vice-captain of the Rugby first XV, Vice-captain of the Athletics team and Grade 8 mentor. In each of these roles, Murray has had a positive influence on those around him and he has demonstrated perseverance, commitment and dedication to bring out the best in all the areas he has served. As Head of Upper House, Murray has been instrumental in all…

By Scott Jackson It is a pleasure to write a short motivation for the work that Luca did as one of the coaches of the U14a rugby side this season. Luca put the disappointment of not being able to play the game himself behind him and found a way to remain involved with the St Andrew’s College Rugby Club. As a coach, he grew immensely as the season progressed. His passion for the team could not be faulted. Luca learned how to conduct himself emotionally when things were not necessarily going to plan and also to stay grounded when the…

By Onthuse Ramaipato As we navigate the challenges of our modern world, literature remains a powerful tool for self-reflection, empathy, and understanding. Through literature, we gain access to the writer’s lived experiences. Harry Owen, a literary legend whose works have impressed audiences for decades, is set to ignite our imaginations with his latest publication once again. Owen is a poet and a writer originally from the UK. He was appointed as an inaugural Poet Laureate for Cheshire in 2003. He then relocated to South Africa in 2008, to the Eastern Cape province. He is the author of nine books, and…

By Nomkhitha Minya and Maretha Potgieter  Alex has been an energetic and dedicated member of the Debating Society since Grade 8, showcasing his commitment and passion for debating over the past five years. Serving as the captain of the First Senior team since 2022, Alex has demonstrated exceptional leadership by recruiting numerous Grade 8 students and mentoring beginners, fostering a supportive and thriving debating community. Throughout his debating journey, Alex has participated in numerous tournaments, including the prestigious Rini Debate League. In 2022, he participated in the Round Square eSAI international debate, reflecting his versatility and skill. His achievements include…