By Staff Reporter More than 70 primary school learners went to battle it out at the annual Yveslight Spelling Contest at the Princess Alice Hall in Makhanda recently. The competition, in its third year, comprised of writing letters in English and isiXhosa. Makhanda primary schools represented by the 77 learners at the annual spelling competition were George Dickerson, Samuel Ntlebi, Ntaba Maria, Graeme College, SDA and Archie Mbolekwa. The judges, Rhodes University Library representatives, were Lucky Xaba and Buleli Mpokela, who also worked alongside Lindy–Rae Knock of George Dickerson Primary School and local businesswoman, Nelisa Nkomombini of Nel’s Events. The…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By: The Division of Communication & Advancement The recent #RURises GBV Workshop hosted by the Office of Equity & Institutional Culture in collaboration with Not In My Name International highlighted the intricate and essential process of unlearning as a cornerstone for effective leadership and community transformation. This workshop aligned with the Student Representative Council’s Leadership Week from 5 – 9 August 2024. Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) requires a multifaceted approach that challenges not only existing behaviours but also redefines societal norms, particularly around masculinity. Unlearning entrenched behaviours is a formidable task for leaders aiming to instigate change. It demands a…
By The Division of Communication and Advancement Distinguished Professor Charlie Shackleton, holder of the SARChI Chair in Interdisciplinary Science in Land and Natural Resource Use for Sustainable Livelihoods at Rhodes University, has been awarded the prestigious A1 National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, the highest in the South African national system of research innovation. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi congratulated Dist Prof Shackleton on the “extraordinary academic feat that earned him unanimous recognition by local and international peers as a leading international researcher in his field.” She said the achievement was not just a…
By The Division of Communication and Advancement ‘Ubuntu’ is often used to describe a sense of shared responsibility and humanity, perhaps even virtues that underpin shared development. But when Rhodes University officially launched the Masakhe Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme (MESDP) recently, it was clear that Ubuntu is a lived experience grounded in vision. The strategic initiative aims to revitalise the local economy of Makhanda by investing in small businesses. The university-community partnership is led by Rhodes University’s Department of Administration, Finance, and Procurement in collaboration with Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE), Rhodes Business School, and the NPO Assumption Development Centre (ADC).…
By Luvuyo Mjekula The Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment deputy minister Narend Singh, has called for the swift prosecution of a motorist found in illegal possession of 640kg of dry abalone in Makhanda recently. The 41-year-old man was found in possession of 27 black plastic bags containing a total of 13 661 dry abalone after being chased down and arrested by the police’s Grahamstown Highway Patrol and Grahamstown Crime Prevention Unit members on 5 August. Sarah Baartman district police reported last week that at about 6pm on Monday, 5 August, members attached to the two police units were patrolling along…
By Linathi Nomntsetse On National Women’s Day (9 August), the Rhodes University Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) club, Rhodes University Taekwondo and the Rhodes Black Lawyers Association (BLA) hosted a self-defence class at Rhodes University Mixed Martial Arts Dojo to teach women how to defend themselves physically and legally. The legal aspect was important to clarify what constitutes lawful self-defence, as there often needs to be more clarity about when and how one can legally defend oneself. Thamsanqa Ndlovu, a member of the MMA club, alluded that “we wanted people not just to defend themselves physically, but to know how to…
By Chris Totobela In this week’s Women’s Month women-in-sport series, Grocott’s Mail introduces the only tug-of-war athlete in Makhanda – Sindiswa Nyamande. Nyamande joined the tug-of-war team unexpectedly. “I was in a running competition in the Free State in 2014 when I was approached by a group of ladies who went there for a tug-of-war competition but were short of one woman to complete their team. I decided to go and help them as I was still waiting for my race to begin a few hours later. I kind of liked the sport at first attempt and never looked back…
By Chris Totobela The annual Diski Queens 7s tournament took centre stage at the JP Dlepu Stadium in Makhanda at the weekend. The event took place on Women’s Day in Joza and saw scores of soccer fans from all walks of life converge to the sports ground in support of the tournament, which aimed to raise awareness on gender-based violence (GBV). As part of National Women’s Day celebrations, toiletries and hampers were donated to young girls in the community. Speaking on behalf of the hosts, African Connection Women Football Club executive member, Nwabisa Tyelbooi, said the tournament was a big…
By Chesley Daniels In a pulsating Score Energy Drink Epru Grand Challenge Top 12 fixture, Progress 1st XV narrowly outlasted a resilient Grahamstown Brumbies side, securing a hard-fought 19-12 victory at Rhodes University Prospect Field in Makhanda. Top rugby club Progress travelled to Makhanda as the overwhelming favourites after their comprehensive 33-3 bonus point win over Brumbies in the first round of the competition in Kariega. The hype was big on social media during the week leading up to the much anticipated contest, especially and most notably the return of Progress provincial players who made their return and the alleged…
By Chesley Daniels In a pulsating Score Energy Drink Epru Grand Challenge Bottom 12 encounter, St Marks Alicedale delivered a dominant 33-23 bonus point victory over Orlando Eagles at Alicedale Sports Ground on Saturday. Sive Litye’s phenomenal four-try haul spearheaded the home side’s triumph, avenging their first-round defeat. Eagles’ narrow 20-18 halftime lead was swiftly erased as St Marks unleashed a ferocious second-half assault. Litye’s relentless work rate and Brian Buys’ bulldozing runs left Eagles reeling. Franklin Sias’ precise kicking ensured St Marks capitalized on their dominance, securing a consecutive bonus point win. The physical battle saw both teams exchange…