By Luvuyo Mjekula Eastern Cape MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Zolile Williams, is scheduled to arrive in Makhanda today (Friday) as provincial interventions to deal with the town’s crippling water crisis start to kick in. Spokesperson Pheello Oliphant told Grocott’s Mail yesterday that while the purpose of the MEC’s visit is to address general local government issues, he would attend to “the pressing issue of Makhanda’s water crisis”. Oliphant said the MEC would meet with all the relevant stakeholders. An experienced civil engineer would also be brought in to provide his expertise. “Makana’s engineering capacity is very…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By Luvuyo Mjekula The Gift of the Givers Foundation spent six weeks and about R700 000 renovating two Makhanda public health facilities, making them a conducive working environment and friendly to visitors. The foundation’s founder, Imtiaz Sooliman, revealed in Makhanda on Wednesday that the cost of the renovations to the Anglo African Clinic in Huntley Street and Joza Clinic, came close to R700 000. Doors, windows, floors, ceiling, water leaks were repaired, walls were painted, new gutters and a 10 000-litre water tank were installed. The Joza Clinic has a new wheelchair ramp. “Whatever would make the clinics look better,…
By Chris Totobela This week Grocott’s Mail kicks off its Heritage Month feature, profiling sports heroes and heroines of yesteryear who excelled in different sporting codes. We open with one of Makhanda’s top rugby players, Clinton Gill, who has made a name for himself both locally and provincially. Gill started his rugby career in 1997 just after he matriculated. In 1999 he took it seriously and followed in the footsteps of his father, a top rugby player of his time. Gill played for Swallows and later went on to join the top Makhanda rugby side, Brumbies, where his rugby blossomed.…
By Staff Reporter Water remained closed to the entire Makhanda West on Wednesday morning due to repairs to a burst pipe in Queen Street and problems in the Waainek scheme, the Makana Municipality said in a notice to residents late on Tuesday night. “Even though there is some improvement in the supply of water, the Waainek Scheme on the Western side is still struggling to recharge and stabilise the water supply, which is resulting in some areas on the Western side not receiving water. This is also exacerbated by the burst pipe at Queen Street.” The burst pipe would be…
By Chris Totobela The King Lobengula Foundation and Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School are set to combine for a series of exciting sporting events and cultural activities in Makhanda this Heritage Month (September). On top of the list are the 5km Walk Marathon and Fun Run on 24 September. Sizwe Mda, the CEO of King Lobengula Foundation, told Grocott’s Mail about the upcoming events and activities. “We will kick off this Heritage Month of activities with a launch that will take place on 7 September at King Lobengula Museum at 11am. We will host football, rugby, netball and chess, starting on…
By Chris Totobela One of Makhanda’s top female referees is making waves in the world of boxing. Bongi Mbangeli tried out refereeing in 2023 and immediately fell in love with it. She has officiated in local, district and provincial tournaments and has enjoyed every minute of it. The multitalented Mbangeli has been trained in all officiating capacities such as judging and match-making as well. “This is challenging but I enjoy doing it as it keeps me on my toes all the time.” Mbangeli recently officiated in a SANDF tournament in the Free State province where Eastern Cape was represented by…
NguChris Totobela Kushiyanwa ngotyefezo ngoku kwisigaba sokuqala seMakana LFA. Athande ukunyuka umnqantsa amaqela angakhange azilungiselele kakuhle. NgoMgqibelo iqela elikhokelayo kwisigaba sokuqala iJoza Stars ibambene ngenqaku elinye macala neSantos logama yona iYoung Eagles ibethe iMayfield ngamanqaku amabini eqandeni, yaze yona iRiebeek East Academy, ethande ukungahleki nanye ehlekisayo mvanje, yabhaxabula iRising Stars ngamanqaku amathandathu kwelinye. Yona iCameroon ingcwabe iTantyi Eleven, ejonge intshinga ngamehlo abomvu, ngamanqaku asixhenxe eqandeni, logama IJacaranda Academy ibethe iVukani Anchors ngenqaku elinye eqandeni. NgeCawe iTantyi Eleven ibuyise isidima sayo ngethuba itywatyusha iBlack Stars ngamanqaku amathathu eqandeni, logama yona iCameroon iphinde yantywilisela iJacaranda Academy phantsi kwamanqaku amahlanu kwelinye yaze iVukani…
By Staff Reporter A significant meteorite fell in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province on Sunday, 25 August 2024, which sparked a collaborative scientific investigation involving several leading universities. The event, witnessed by residents across a vast area, has led to the recovery of a rare meteorite fragment, provisionally named the “Nqweba Meteorite” after the nearby town of its discovery. At 8:51 am on the day of the event, residents from regions as distant as the Garden Route, the Karoo, and provinces of the Western Cape and Free State observed a bright blue-white and orange streak of light in the sky.…
By Staff Reporter A Makhanda learner is one of two from the Sarah Baartman district to receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in China. Sivuyisiwe Mapela from Makhanda and Siyabulela Loro from Jeffrey’s Bay, are part of a scholarship program resulting from a partnership between the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) and Yuhang District in China. The learners are enrolled to complete their Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Hangzhou Normal University, and will be majoring in International Digital Trade and International Business. The tuition costs for the scholarship are covered by Hangzhou Normal University while the travel and living expenses…
By Chesley Daniels Trying Stars 1st XV suffered a comprehensive 20-31 bonus-point defeat against Progress in their second-round Score Epru Grand Challenge Top 12 encounter in Kariega on Saturday. Progress now sits in second place, just two points shy of log leaders Kruisfontein United, while Stars remain in fifth position, eyeing a top-four finish to secure a playoff spot. The intense and physical battle saw both teams play exciting running rugby, with Progress capitalizing on scoring opportunities and Stars missing out. Stars will host Central on Saturday, seeking a bonus-point win to move into the top four. In another match,…