By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Tuesday marked the first day of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign. This year, the Entangeni Adolescent Girls Movement launched a drama piece about sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescent girls. Hosted at Amazwi Museum, this event marked the first day of this year’s campaign. Various stakeholders were present, including teachers and principals from the participating schools, parents, GBVF Response Fund project manager Dr Tirhani Manganyi, Chairperson of the Euginia Nothemba Gxowa Foundation, Nomkitha Gysman, as well as Executive Mayor Yandiswa Vara, who gave a word of welcome.…
Author: Maleruo Leponesa
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By Thina Speelman and ‘Maleruo Leponesa Aspire did it again this year, hosting another successful underwear drive. Aspire provided learners with new underwear as part of their dignity campaign. The event took place at Tantyi Lower Primary School, the organisation succeeded in restoring dignity and confidence among the children it serves. The founder and director of Aspire, Zimasa Burns-Ncamashe, said that she started the organisation after witnessing the struggles faced by vulnerable learners at the school. Burns-Ncamashe indicated that she has one child but as a parent, she felt compelled to take action, knowing that there are kids out there…
By Imitha Nkwintya and ‘Maleruo Leponesa For generations the sound of the cathedral bells has been woven into the daily rhythm of Makhanda life; a timeless call to worship and a symbol of community. But for the past few years, those familiar chimes have been silent. Now, thanks to a dedicated restoration effort, the bells are set to ring once more. Makhanda’s cathedral is home to Africa’s first peal of bells, originally cast by John Warner & Sons in London in 1878. When the cathedral’s tower and spire were completed, it was the tallest building in South Africa. The original…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa In a groundbreaking initiative to address toxic masculinity, gender-based violence, and the socialisation of the boy child, the National Boys Parliament was launched last week at Stellenbosch University. The historic gathering brought together adolescent boys and young men from all nine provinces alongside high-level government officials, civil society leaders, and development partners to chart a new course for the future of South Africa’s young men. The launch was attended by key government figures, including Deputy President Paulus Mashatile, who emphasised the importance of this national dialogue. The Department of Social Development, represented by Deputy Minister Mogamad Ganief…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa In response to the growing dangers associated with end-of-year “Pens down” parties, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has launched a province-wide Anti-Pens Down Campaign aimed at curbing the culture of alcohol-fueled celebrations among learners completing their final exams. The campaign, which comes amid rising concern from parents, schools, and law enforcement, was prompted by escalating cases of Pens Down parties across the province — a trend that gained national attention following the Enyobeni Tavern incident. “The Anti-Pens Down Campaign has largely been triggered by the escalating cases of these parties. This new culture became even more…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa The Old Power Station will be buzzing with life this weekend as it hosts an open day and plant sale at its community nursery. The event will take place from 10am to 4pm tomorrow [saturday]. The once-industrial landmark has been transformed into a vibrant community hub offering a mix of creative, cultural, and green spaces. Visitors can browse the nursery, relax in a lush, organic setting, enjoy good food, or settle in with a book ; all part of what the organisers describe as “a space for everyone”. According to Tim Cooper, co-owner of the Old Power…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Matric exams officially started on Monday 20 October 2025. Grocott’s Mail touched base with a few matriculants from different schools to get the general feel around this significant moment and understand how they cope with the stress. Isenathi Bloko from Hoërskool PJ Olivier: Like any matric right now I feel very nervous but I feel like I’ll make it through with the right preparation and hard work. I feel most confident about Design (Art). At the moment, I find maths tricky. I am still working through some revision. Listening to music always calms me. I study for eight hours a…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Grocott’s Mail, in collaboration with Makana Tourism, has embarked on a journey to express and educate through the voices of experts, highlighting the relationship between tourism and heritage. Our recent publication about Fort Selwyn confirmed that historical sites deserve to be preserved. Grocott’s Mail had a conversation with Dominic Thorburn, a former member of the Aesthetics Committee during the 2010s, to learn from his experience about the importance of preserving historic landmarks. According to Thorburn: “It is very important to preserve our historic built environment and heritage sites because this directly affects the economy of Makana. One…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa and Malebo Pheme A powerful new theatre production by ASSITEJ South Africa is making waves across the country, using storytelling to help children better understand their rights to protection and justice. Nompilo aims to empower learners, particularly those aged 10 to 12, usually from Grades 5 to 6, to speak up in situations of sexual abuse, whether they are victims themselves or know someone who is. Through compelling narrative and metaphor, Nompilo guides young audiences through the emotional and legal challenges of reporting abuse and seeking justice. At the centre of the story is Nompilo, a brave young…
Located just off the N2 between Gqeberha and Makhanda, Seven Fountains Farm is a peaceful retreat, perfect for anyone wanting to take a break from the noise and pace of town. It’s only a 20-minute drive, yet it feels like stepping into a different world. Makana Tourism, with myself, Grocott’s Mail reporter Maleruo Leponesa, are currently on a mission to uncover hidden gems in Makana, sparking interest both locally and across South Africa. And that’s what took me to Seven Fountains Farm, a place I had heard about but never experienced until recently. It’s homely. It’s calm. It feels…