By Nomkhitha Minya and Maretha Potgieter Alex has been an energetic and dedicated member of the Debating Society since Grade 8, showcasing his commitment and passion for debating over the past five years. Serving as the captain of the First Senior team since 2022, Alex has demonstrated exceptional leadership by recruiting numerous Grade 8 students and mentoring beginners, fostering a supportive and thriving debating community. Throughout his debating journey, Alex has participated in numerous tournaments, including the prestigious Rini Debate League. In 2022, he participated in the Round Square eSAI international debate, reflecting his versatility and skill. His achievements include…
Author: Luvuyo Mjekula
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By The Division of Communications & Advancement “Rocklands: On Becoming the First Generation of Black Psychologists in Post-Apartheid South Africa” by Professor Liezille Jean Jacobs offers an essential narrative, blending personal history with professional insight to underscore the challenges Black psychologists face in a transforming South Africa. This narrative reflects Jacobs’ triumphs and a broader commentary on the complexities of identity, race, and professional development in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Jacobs’ experiences mirror the struggles of many South Africans who had to navigate an educational and professional landscape shaped by the legacies of Apartheid. Yet, her reflections transform the work into…
By Siviwe Mxuma Rhodes University recently hosted the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Book Award Lecture, which honoured one of the institution’s most distinguished scholars, Associate Professor Siphokazi Magadla, from the Department of Political and International Studies. The event was a celebration of her book Guerrillas and Combative Mothers: Women of the Armed Struggle in South Africa, published by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press last year. This important work provides a thorough examination of women’s roles in South Africa’s armed struggles against Apartheid from 1961 to 1994. The evening was opened by Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who gave a glowing introduction to…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is celebrated globally every October to create awareness about breast cancer. Grocotts Mail reporters Sihle Nyamanda, Siphesihle Joji and Andisiwe Platjie went around town and asked local residents about what they understand about illness. Paddington Katuruza, 32, from Makhanda There is not a lot I know about breast cancer. I just know that it is very deadly and there is awareness around it. Treatment is accessible for a person who needs it, but if you can’t afford it, you won’t be treated. Elsie Bouwer, 36, from Hoogenoeg I don’t know much about breast…
By Staff Reporter Concerned about the state of service delivery, particularly the ongoing water struggles local residents continue to grapple with, the Makana Citizens Front (MCF) this week decided to seek answers from the powers that be, warning that the worst could be on the way. In a letter to municipal manager Pumelelo Kate, mayor Yandiswa Vara and the Human Rights Commission, the MCF sought an explanation regarding the Settlers Dam pumpstation, among other issues. The party argued that “the Settlers Dam pump maintenance failure and routine check is another root cause of the great water disaster and crisis impacting…
By Chris Totobela League debutants Joza Stars have been crowned the 2024 Makana LFA champions. They collected maximum points this past weekend starting with a 2-1 victory over Jacaranda Academy on Saturday before edging Mayfield by a single goal on Sunday. Joza Stars had a brilliant debut season, winning the championship on their first attempt, with five draws and only one defeat, finishing with a nine-point gap between them and runners-up Riebeek East Academy. Joza Stars’ manager and coach Siyabonga Zondani was pleased with his charges’ performance. “I’m happy with our boys’ performance and this is a result of hard…
By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling Score Energy Drink Epru Grand Challenge Bottom 12 encounter, St Marks Alicedale secured a crucial 27-17 bonus-point win over log leaders Kareedouw Tigers at the Alicedale Sports Ground on Saturday. Kareedouw Tigers, unbeaten at their fortress-like home ground, were humbled at the “House of Pain” in Alicedale. The visitors’ impressive season-long run at the top of the log was halted by a determined St Marks side. St Marks took control, leading 19-5 at halftime. The hosts’ powerful forwards, led by Brian Buys and Gushu Ntlanjeni, proved unstoppable. Buys scored two tries in the first…
By Chesley Daniels The long awaited Grahamstown Cricket Board (GCB) finally kicked off and saw some impressive and competitive cricket on display last weekend in the opening of the 2024/2025 cricket season. Willows and Cuylerville recorded impressive wins in the GCB 1st League while Station Hill, Swallows and Southwell were also on the winning side. GCB 1ST LEAGUE Rhodes vs Willows Willows once again proved its dominance over the students in recent years with a 129-run bonus point win at Great Field on Saturday. Willows batted first and after a slow start and losing a few wickets, it was left…
By Chesley Daniels In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Alicedale United Women’s Rugby Club successfully defended its title at the Annual Geneva Scholtz Tournament in Middelburg, solidifying its position as a dominant force in women’s rugby. Representing Sarah Baartman and Sedru, Alicedale United topped the Sarah Baartman Women’s Rugby League with an unblemished record, securing the Stream B trophy for the second consecutive year. Alicedale United’s unbeaten run in the tournament was marked by two convincing pool game victories and a 29-15 triumph over Zebras in the final. Alicedale United’s league campaign was characterized by a 79-0 thrashing…
By Siphesihle Joji and Andisiwe Plaatjie To close off Heritage Month on Monday, 30 September, the Albany Museum in Makhanda hosted a public lecture to celebrate the life of Makhanda kaNxele, the Xhosa chief who was involved in the Battle of Egazini. Titled “Celebrating the life of Makhanda: The cost of freedom”, the event involved a lecture delivered by Makana ward 2 councillor Ramie Xonxa. Local schoolchildren, teachers, principals, traditional leaders were also part of the event. There was also entertainment on offer at the event in the form of music. Xonxa, recognised as the promoter of indigenous knowledge and…