By Mbali Tanana After several failed attempts to get the Makana Local Municipality to comply with regulatory bodies in their bid to investigate maladministration and corruption at the embattled institution, the Hawks, accompanied by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) successfully raided the municipal offices last Friday, following the recently approved proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail during the raid, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said their abrupt visit was the last resort. “The proclamation was gazetted about two weeks ago, but this process started a long time ago where we got people here complaining to us and giving…
Author: Mbali Tanana
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By Mbali Tanana Troubled Makana Local Municipality has been identified as the only municipality in the Eastern Cape to receive a chunk of the R2bn conditional grant offered by the National Treasury to help capacitate embattled municipalities drowning in debt, to roll out smart meters as part of the Eskom debt relief programme. Local Government Budget Analysis director at National Treasury, Sadesh Ramjathan, responsible for the municipal Eskom debt and smart meter roll out project, said the grant, which should be utilised by the end of the national departments financial year, in February 2025, aims to help the municipality write…
By Staff Reporter St Andrew’s College 1st XI batted first against Graeme College on Somerset field on Saturday 12 October. After a bright start by William Beamish and Rhys Wiblin, a flurry of wickets saw the College XI in trouble at 90/6. Debutant Ethan Bradfield and seasoned campaigner Mitch Coventry then put together what turned out to be a match-winning partnership, taking their team to safety. Bradfield ended with a well-played 51 and Coventry ended on 46. A few big shots from Roman van Zyl saw College eventually bowled out for 213. Graeme College started well and put early pressure…
By Staff Reporter St Andrew’s College Basketball Club celebrated 25 years of basketball at the school this week. Over the years, basketball has grown tremendously at the school and has become a space where pupils find belonging, develop teamwork and become a family. Tim Barnard captivated the team and staff with a riveting history lesson on how basketball began at St Andrew’s College, highlighting the importance of playing not just to compete but for the sheer joy and fun of the sport. The school was honoured to have Barnard, the very teacher who introduced basketball to the school, alongside Tom…
By Staff Reporter In a thrilling final match of the Stayers Water Polo Tournament, the St Andrew’s College Blues delivered a strong performance, coming from behind twice to claim a 6-5 victory over Selborne College this week. This hard-fought win secured them 1st place in the tournament. Congratulations to the 1st Team Water Polo players on their remarkable achievement! Special Awards: Tournament Team Selections: Coel Trollip, Calum Emslie, Jacques du Toit Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Jacques du Toit Defender of the Tournament: Calum Emslie Player of the Tournament: Calum Emslie Coach of the Tournament: Grant Mackenzie
By Mbali Tanana In a bid to attract investors, create job opportunities and bolster local economic development, the embattled Makana Local Municipality has invited business and various industry stakeholders to form part of the newly developed Local Economic Development Forum as part of their turnaround strategy. The forum, comprising four pillars which have been identified as the key factors of the economy in the municipality; tourism and heritage, arts and creative, agriculture and agro-processing and SMME and informal trade, was launched at the Makana Council Chambers on Wednesday afternoon. Director for Local Economic Development and Planning, Natasha Khoahla, who was…
By Mbali Tanana and Luvuyo Mjekula Over 100 learners were treated to a lively book reading where book characters came alive at the launch of National Book week at St Mary’s Development and Care Centre this week. South Africa commemorates National Book Week from 5 to 11 September annually and uses this period to advocate for reading and booking awareness. Brendan Williams, a literacy programme co-ordinator at the care centre, had the St Mary’s Primary School children in stitches reading to them clad in a black tutu skirt, a black hat, waving a black wand to emulate a black witch. Williams said…