By Professor Sioux McKenna In a recent University World News piece entitled ‘THE’ rankings: What happens to universities that leave?, Richard Holmes published an insightful response to an article by Times Higher Education staff which warned that universities refusing to participate in rankings would suffer reputational damage. Holmes notes that several universities are boycotting various rankings: Times Higher Education (THE) appears to be getting rather worried about leading universities such as Rhodes University (South Africa), the University of Zurich (Switzerland), Utrecht University (the Netherlands) and some of the Indian Institutes of Technology boycotting its World University Rankings (WUR) and not submitting data. Ascertaining the effects of refusing…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
By Lance Myburgh On 26 April 2024, Rhodes University students and academic staff gathered at Barratt Theatre Complex for the second in a series of sessions designed to create pathways to success for Rhodes University’s first years. As part of the Extended Orientation Programme, the discussions under the theme ‘Pathways to Success: Conversations with First-Year Students’ provided insights and practical strategies to equip and empower first-year students to thrive in academic pursuits. The event kickstarted with a warm welcome from Ms Thando Qeqe, the Programme Coordinator. In her welcoming remarks, she underscored the significance of recognising the event as a…
By Luvuyo Mjekula The tragic accident in “O” Street may have left a dark cloud over Makhanda in the past few days, but it has also evoked a spirit of compassion, unity and giving that has not been seen in a long time in the small Eastern Cape town. After the accident on Saturday, Makhandans from all walks of life cried, prayed and mourned. From church services to messages of condolence and support from all corners of Makhanda, the community reacted to the calamity. With the reaction, also came a remarkable spirit of giving. It was pure luck that Zibongile…
By Chesley Daniels The past weekend in Epru rugby competitions saw some impressive wins for Old Collegians, Rhodes, Kowie United and Klipfontein United against their counterparts at various grounds. The 2023 Sedru champs hosted a spirited OC side at their fortress home ground. OC lost twice against Swallows in last year’s Sedru Regional League and went in to the fixture as the underdogs. Both sides were promoted to the Adams Cup and were eager to kick the season opener of the league with a win. Swallows were the overwhelming favourites and went in to the fixture with some of their…
By Chesley Daniels St Marks Alicedale 1st XV recorded its first Epru SCORE Grand Challenge Bottom 12 win over archrivals Lily White from Makhanda in their second round fixture at the Alicedale Sports Ground on Saturday 4 May. The home side took a narrow 7-3 lead into the break. The all-important home ground win for the Bulls over Blues saw both teams now with one win and one defeat after round two. Lily White won their first round match against Aberdeen 22-17 last weekend while St Marks went down 5-26 against Adelaide Rangers. St Marks are in their first ever…
By Chesley Daniels Grahamstown Brumbies 1st XV recorded its first win in the top flight Eastern Province Rugby Union (Epru) SCORE Grand Challenge Top 12 competition against PE Harlequins. The Makhanda side produced an impressive performance to clinch a clinical 33-20 bonus point win at the Rhodes University Great Field on Saturday afternoon. The Stallions also took a commanding 23-10 lead at halftime and dominated matters after the break. The all-awaited derby between these two top clubs eventually surfaced on Saturday in front of thousands of supporters both from Makhanda, Gqeberha and Alexandria. There was much pre-match hype and banter…
When faced with the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one, it is difficult to deal with arrangements for the funeral and the deceased estate. Yet these have to be taken care of, and involve various important documentation which is explained below. How to obtain a death report? The death must be reported at the Department of Home Affairs by the family or next-of-kin as a first step towards preparation for the funeral or estate. A death report (BI 1680 form) confirming the death must be obtained. The following steps must be followed in obtaining the report: A doctor must…
The news of the tragic taxi accident that took place on Saturday, 5 May 2024, came as an enormous shock to the citizens of Makana and the Democratic Alliance. The DA in Makhanda is saddened by the news that six people, including a young boy, have lost their lives in the accident. Our sincere condolences go to the bereaved families and relatives who have lost their loves ones tragically. This loss not only affects these families, but the entire Makhanda at large. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and relatives of the deceased. May God give them courage…
Makana Local Municipality would like to express its sincere condolences to the families of the people who tragically lost their lives during a taxi accident in Makhanda on Saturday, 4 May 2024. The community is still trying to come to terms with the unfortunate accident. A minibus taxi plunged into a house in O Street, killing six people and damaging a property. The taxi was travelling down M Street when it crashed into the house after its brakes failed. The driver of the taxi, four passengers (including a municipal employee) and a teenage boy, who was hit by the taxi…
By Chris Totobela Makana LFA Premier League Stream A log leaders XI Attackers have been hard at training preparing for their upcoming play-offs. Attackers have been waiting for the team that will finish as the winners of the controversial Stream B. The stream made headlines recently when shocking scenes played out in the top two teams’ final matches, leaving football fans in disbelief. Both games had to be stopped after questions were raised when the scores in the two matches between Sophia Stars and Juventus as well as Rhodes University versus Lalibela Lions, reached “questionable” highs, leading to match-fixing suspicions.…