By Luvuyo Mjekula Controversy is set to intensify in the Makana Municipal Council after Makana Citizens Forum (MCF) councillors the Electoral Court recently ordered to be removed from the Council because they were unlawfully elected, have applied to take the matter on appeal. Lungisa Sixaba, Milo Geelbooi, Thandisizwe Matebese, Zonwabele Mantla and Amanda Deke, joined by Gloria Soxujwa and Mahlubandile Khuhlane, have applied to the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein for leave to appeal the 13 May judgment against the five. The court reviewed and set aside the decision by the now late Ayanda Kota and MCF PR councillor Sixaba to…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By Luvuyo Mjekula Two multimillion rand projects to rehabilitate roads and infrastructure have started in Makhanda, and the Makana Municipality is excited the projects are finally being rolled out after delays. The M Street and Albert Road rehabilitation project, with a budget of R28m, has officially started, said a statement from the municipality this week. “The old tar has been removed and work continues in Albert Road [in Fingo Village],” said the statement from spokesperson, Anele Mjekula. He said the team that will be installing the paving blocks would follow as soon as the surface had been prepared accordingly. “This…
By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling Epru Grand Challenge Top 12 fixture at Lavender Valley Sports Ground on Saturday, Declan Muller’s last-minute penalty secured a narrow 14-12 win for Brumbies 1st XV over Hankey Villagers. Trailing 6-12 at halftime, Brumbies staged a remarkable second-half comeback. The win saw the home side Brumbies move to the top four on the overall log standings. Brumbies were very lucky to escape a defeat in front of their faithful as they turned it into a hard-fought, narrow win at the death. Despite playing with 14 men for most of the game, Brumbies came from…
There are only five days left before the 50th National Arts Festival in Makhanda and excitement is beginning to gain momentum among locals. Grocott’s Mail reporter Ayabonga Kosi hit the streets and caught up with some well-known local personalities. These are their thoughts. Nandipha Twani, 34 The excitement has faded over time. Back in the day as soon as you entered town you would see the stalls, the people, the food, and even celebrities walking around. Everything from clothing to shows was affordable, accessible, and of great quality. It may be better for someone attending for the first time.…
By Staff Reporter Nearly 100 houses were severely damaged by the recent heavy rains and wind in Makhanda, according to a statement from Makana Municipality. “Makana Municipality has recently experienced devastating disasters in its area of jurisdiction due to severe damages caused by storms on 1 and 2 June 2024,” said municipal spokesperson Anele Mjekula. According to Mjekula, the disaster severely affected road infrastructure and housing, particularly impacting mud and corrugated houses. These would need the intervention and the assistance of the Department of Human Settlements, he said. Mjekula says the Makana Municipality has been struggling with infrastructure issues for…
By Steven Lang What do Taylor Swift and Jacob Zuma have in huge overflowing barrels while John Steenhuisen is lucky to scrape off the bottom of his teacup? Well, both Zuma and Swift can sing, and although I’ve never heard Steenhuisen do it publicly, he can probably do it in the shower – but that is not what we are looking for. We’re searching for the essence of what makes Swift and Zuma so popular – and Steenhuisen, not so much. Swift is a gifted performer and songwriter who sings about the anxieties of young women – nothing new there.…
Njengoko iYunivesithi iRhodes iqhuba umbhiyozo wayo weminyaka engama-120 (obizwa ngokuba yi-RU120), omnye umamkeli wesidanga sokunika imbeko sobuGqirhalwazi kule Yunivesithi, nowayesakuba ngumfundi weendaba ku-SABC nolitshantliziyo kwezenkcubeko uGqirhalwazi uNoxolo Grootboom, uvakalise ilizwi lakhe kwimpumelelo yeli phulo. Emva kokupapashwa kwezibhengezo ze-RU120 ezithe zayimpumelelo koonomathotholo, oomabonakude, kwiibhodi zezaziso (billboards) kunye nemiqondiso kwisititshi seGautrain nezinye, ilizwi likaGqirhalwazi uGrootboom liza kuvakala kwintengiso yesiXhosa kanomathotholo ye-RU120 eza kusasazwa kuzwelonke ngeyeSilimela (June). Phambi kokuqaliswa kwemibhiyozo uSekela-Ngqonyela (Vice-Chancellor) weYunivesithi iRhodes, uNjingalwazi uSizwe Mabizela, ukhuphe ikhwelo malunga ne-RU120 esithi linika “ithuba lokucingisisa ngobuchule kwaye sihlaziye ukukhula, uphuhliso nozinzo olusekelezwe kwizigqibo nezicwangciso zethu nokusebenza kwethu kunye nabaxhasi bethu.” Loo njongo igxininisa…
By The Division of Communications & Advancement As Rhodes University continues the year-long celebration of its 120th anniversary (affectionately referred to as RU120), one of the university’s revered Honorary Doctorate recipients, former SABC newsreader and cultural icon Dr Noxolo Grootboom, has lent her voice to the campaign’s success – literally. Following the successful release of RU120 advertisements on radio, television, billboards, and signage at the Gautrain, among others, Dr Grootboom’s voice will now feature in the isiXhosa RU120 radio advert, which is being aired in June. At the start of the anniversary celebrations, Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sizwe Mabizela, issued…
By Ephreeda Banda On the 4th of June 2024, Rhodes University warmly welcomed a cohort of aspiring scholars from St Andrew’s College and The Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) for a day brimming with discovery and engagement. This event stood as a testament to Rhodes University’s enduring dedication to forging meaningful partnerships with neighbouring schools and its unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher education. Rhodes University has worked closely with schools in its surrounding areas for years, recognising the importance of nurturing talent and providing opportunities for academic advancement. The visitation day on June 4th marked a significant milestone…
By Orla Quinlan, Director of Global Engagement As the semester ends, we bid farewell to our semester-abroad students from Boston College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS), and Pädagogische Hochschule Bern (PH Bern). Leon Schneuwly from PH Bern shared his favourite aspect of Rhodes University: “I loved the residence experience. In Switzerland, we live at home and commute to campus for classes. This was a whole new experience for me.” He celebrated with a farewell braai alongside the friends he made in his residence. Marissa Mastracco (HWS), who joined the women’s soccer team and travelled throughout the Eastern Cape, remarked,…