By Chesley Daniels In a dominant display, Alicedale United crushed Humansdorp Protea Angels 75-5 on Saturday at Rhodes Prospect Field, securing their spot in the Sarah Baartman Women’s Rugby League finals. Alicedale United wasted no time, with flyhalf Brigette Coetzee scoring the opening try and converting it effortlessly. Inside centre Lervine Elbrug soon followed, extending United’s lead to 14-0. Coetzee continued to wreak havoc, scoring two more tries and converting both, taking United to 21-0. Just before halftime, left wing Ntombozuko Kondile broke through the defense, scoring in the corner. Coetzee’s conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving United 26-0 up at…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling GCB 1st League derby fixture, Willows Cricket Club defied the odds to claim a remarkable 1-wicket bonus point victory over Makana Sona. Fielding an under-strength 10-man team, Willows demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, and determination to outshine their opponents. Makana Sona, batting first, struggled to build momentum and was bowled out for a modest 108 runs in just 22 overs. The top scorers for Makana Sona were Lonwabo Haya-Klaas Cricket Academy (17) and Phumelela (16). Willows’ bowling attack was led by Ruwayne Wayno Brooks, who claimed 4/30 in 8 overs. Alanzo Gysman (3/13, 4 overs)…
By Chris Totobela Makhanda’s ermeging star of the ring, Bongi Mbangeli, has done it again. The hardworking mother of one who also holds a black belt in karate, was once again voted the best referee in a boxing tournament held in Kariega last weekend. The Best of the Best Boxing Tournament was organised by former Eastern Cape Amateur Boxing Organisation (Ecabo) president Mazizandile Vumazonke and is not only about boxing, but is also used to train officials in different aspects of the sport. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, Mbangeli could not hide her excitement. “Everything is happening so fast and I…
By Chris Totobela Makhanda’s only professional aerobics instructor who has shared the stage with the best instructors in the country, is hosting an exciting event on Saturday. Makhanda Aerobicsmania is taking place at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre starting at 8am and will go on until afternoon. Instructors from all over the country have already touched down and will share their skills with the public. This event will focus on Zumba, Hi-Lo, Box and Functional, just to mention a few. Event organiser Vuyokazi Smile, affectionately known as Vuvu, was pleased with the preparations. “Everything is ready for Saturday and professional…
By Chris Totobela Mfuzo Boxing Club is hosting a boxing tournament this Saturday at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre. This forms part of the club’s 29th anniversary celebrations and teams from all over the province are expected to take part. Hotspurs from Gqeberha, Thubalethu from Kariega, Sisonke from eMonti, Acemates from eQonce, Masibambisane from eCawa, hosts Mfuzo Boxing Blub, Golden Gloves Boxing Club and many other local clubs, will be flying Makhanda’s flag very high in the tournament. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail ahead of the event, Mfuzo BC’s chairman Mfuzo Dyirha confirmed their readiness. “We are ready for this weekend…
By Mbali Tanana and Luvuyo Mjekula The Makhanda High Court heard for the first time since the arrest of Nomsa Seyisi on charges of trying to kill her cousin Zukiswa Frans and killing her partner Thembinkosi Wambi last year, how the alleged brutal killing took place from Frans who has lived to tell her story. Seyisi, 46, is charged with murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. According to the indictment, on 25 August 2023, she, acting in the furtherance of a common purpose or conspiracy, killed Thembinkosi Wambi, 41. Seyisi also allegedly attempted to kill Frans by shooting…
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…