By Malikhanye Mankayi From 20 to 22 August, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) organised a three-day workshop focused on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and other pressing social issues. The workshop aimed to break down the concept of GBV and provide tools to combat such societal ills. Rooted in the Red Cross principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality and Independence, the workshop also highlighted the importance of gender protection and inclusion. Discussions emphasised the emotional strength of women and men, as well as the physical differences between genders. Volunteers, many from local communities and facing unemployment, were tasked with presenting…
Author: Malikhanye Mankayi
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By Malikhanye Mankayi Asakhe Cuntsulana is a distinguished South African musician and educator with a deep passion for cultural exchange and the preservation of African indigenous music. Born and raised in a community where music and heritage are intertwined, Asakhe has always been drawn to the powerful role that music plays in storytelling and cultural identity. Funded by a Norwegian-based company from 2018 until the completion of his studies, Asakhe has had the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between African and European musical traditions. This journey began during their undergraduate years and continues to shape their artistic and educational…
By Malikhanye Mankayi In a powerful conclusion of Mandela Month, a transformative workshop was held at the Indoor Sports Centre in Joza Location on Tuesday morning. The event, organised by the non-profit organization Father A Nation in collaboration with the #No Excuse campaign, aimed to address pressing social issues by promoting ‘positive masculinity’. Father A Nation, a registered Public Benefit Organisation, has been a loyal advocate against gender-based violence, crime, and fatherlessness in South Africa. The workshop represented another step in their ongoing mission to restore and equip men as constructive nation-builders. The session focused on empowering men to reflect…
By Malikhanye Mankayi In a moving display of communal support and solidarity, the government, taxi industry and the Makhanda Ministers Fraternal, joined hands on Wednesday to host a prayer service for the families of victims of the recent “O” Street taxi tragedy as well as the wider community. The dignified gathering commenced at the site of the accident on “O” Street, then proceeded to Shaw Memorial Methodist Church where Archbishop Sizwe Nkosinathi Ngesi led a poignant candlelight prayer, as he solemnly read out the six deceased’s names. Qondile Bill, representing the taxi industry, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the industry’s responsibility…
By Malikhanye Mankayi In a heartfelt gathering at Brookshaw Home in Makhanda, colleagues and friends came together to honour the memory of the late Ntomboxolo Kom, who was brutally raped and murdered recently. The memorial service on Monday was a poignant moment for all who knew and worked alongside Kom, as they celebrated her life and shared cherished memories. Different speakers, representing various faces of Kom’s professional life, took to the podium to pay tribute to her and offer condolences to her family and friends. Estie Westcott, speaking on behalf of the Brookshaw Home management, expressed her deepest condolences: “I would…
By Malikhanye Mankayi This year marks ten years of existence for the St Mary’s DCC Scouts, and on 22 February, children, staff and community members celebrated Baden Powell Day. This day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scouts movement. Baden Powell is an organization that funds the Scout movement. The Scout movement is for children in school. The purpose of that day was to induct two new adult scout members. Makhanda resident Nosipho Moyikwa, who was welcomed to the Scout Group as an assistant, was excited throughout her induction. She shared her experience with…
By Malikhanye Mankayi With elections coming up and voter registration taking place this coming weekend between 3 – 4 February, Grocott’s Mail asked Makhanda residents if they have registered to vote and their views on the importance of elections. Sifiso Goodman Mthethwa, a 23-year-old Rhodes Student, said, “One of the reasons I believe it’s more important to vote is that it not only a constitutional right, basically it enables a collective to have a say in what goes when it comes to making high decisions because there’s a lot of us and sometimes ittoughult of each and of us every…
By Malikhanye Mankayi Residents of Extension 8 and Transit Camp township have expressed their frustration with the Makana Municipality’s failure to resolve their sewage situation, which they have been facing for many years since 1998. Extension 8 resident Boniswa Stamper says, “We have this sewage problem which is affecting us very badly for years. We have been sending complaints about this drainage system to the municipality offices”. She said, “In addition to the sewage we are dealing with, the sewage gets inside the house when we breathe under this condition, which puts our health at risk.” Mvuyisile Mini, another Extension…
By Malikhanye Mankayi Makana Municipality mayor Yandiswa Vara celebrated her birthday on 22 January by giving back to needy learners of Archie Mbolekwa Primary School in Makhanda. Supported by insurance giant Old Mutual and local business Lutifusion, Vara’s initiative saw foundation learners receiving school uniforms and toiletry packs as schools recently reopened after the December holidays. The event also coincided with the 2024 back-to-school campaign. Vara said the initiative aimed to show support to needy learners and encourage them to take education seriously. “We have come here to say we have gone above and beyond the cake. We want to…
By Malikhanye Mankayi On Thursday, 30 November 2023, Action SA, through the political party’s secretary Buhle Mdoko, gave Makhanda youth a platform to boost their self-esteem and self-sufficiency in the first Mr and Miss Makhanda beauty pageant at Amazwi South African Museum of Literature in Makhanda. Present at the event were various members of the community, ActionSA provincial chairperson Athol Trollip, Miss Teenager South Africa pageant finalist, and Makhanda resident Elam Magula. “This show will continue to happen annually since now we are facing depression, cyberbullying and criticism of body shape, so I created this initiative so that young minds…