By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA Dismissed Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) PR Councillor Anelisa Bentele says she would not recommend that any woman to work for the party as the only way to become successful is by sleeping with high-ranking party leaders. She said she was heartbroken but not surprised by her removal from the Makana Local Municipality Council. “EFF has no regard for its workers; it’s exploitative and abusive. I have worked in the EFF constituency office since 2019 and have never been paid a cent. I was expected to report to the office every day. I was a mere naive…
Author: Ovayo Milisa Novukela
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By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA The Rhodes University Mustangs (Men) and Phoenixes (Women) teams went to Kimberly this past weekend to compete in the University Sports South Africa Sevens Championship, hosted by Sol Plaatje University. It was the first time that both genders competed in the competition on the same weekend – 22 teams in the men’s section and 20 universities in the women’s. Day 1 The Mustangs were confident heading to the tournament with fantastic practice matches against The University of Fort Hare and Brumbies. Their first match was against the hosts, Sol Plaatje University. The Mustangs started like a…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA The Rhodes University Mustangs (men) and the newly-recreated Phoenixes (women) will both compete in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Sevens Tournament in Kimberley this weekend. Captain of the Rhodes University Phoenixes, Sinovuyo Solomon. Photo: Ovayo Milisa Novukela The Phoenixes have recently arisen from the ashes and began their training mid-July as most players were new to the rugby world. Rhodes University Phoenix Coach, Alton Jegels, has indicated that their preparation for the girls was a unique experience as a coach. “We had two months to get the girls ready. At first, it was tough as…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA The Rhodes University Internal Rugby League was back in action after a week’s break, when Troopers went up against Barbarians last Tuesday. Troopers went into the match leading the internal league log with six points, while the Barberians and Dream team were close behind with five points. The match was brutally physical as both teams competed for the ball. Photo: Ovayo Milisa Novukela This was the first match where all teams were allowed to use 15 players on each side. As a result, the Troopers had an explosive yet aggressive forward pa. In contrast, the Barbarians…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA Makana Municipality workers launched a go-slow on Monday, 5 September, partly because they allege the municipality has failed to fully pay their pensions, provident, funeral, and medical aid funds. Workers are also contesting the below-inflation three per cent wage increase allocated by the National Treasury. According to an anonymous source, workers want to find out “why our [pension, provident, funeral and medical aid] policies are lapsing when monthly contributions continue to be deducted from our wages”. “When the municipality pays policies to companies, they don’t pay directly to the individual’s policy; instead, the municipality pays large…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA On 24 September, Rhodes University will host the Makhanda Fun Run at the Rhodes University Great Fields. This will be the first annual event of its kind to celebrate Heritage Day in Makhanda. The event’s main organiser, who would like to remain anonymous, said the event would bring excitement and joy to the people of Makhanda. “This is a one-of-a-kind fun event that we plan to host annually to bring together friends and family,” he said. He promised food, a cash bar, a braai section and a jumping castle for the children. Given South Africa’s diverse…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA One sparkling essay = two desktop computers, one laptop, and two printers. One laptop and a printer for Siyamthanda Nobuntu for placing second in a provincial museum essay competition. And two computers and a printer for her school, Ntsika High School. A nervous Nobuntu said she kept on believing what her teacher taught her and coached her. Still, when she heard her name in second place, she couldn’t believe it. “I was so shocked and surprised when I heard my name because I was up against some of the biggest schools in the province,” she said.…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA The Rhodes University rugby and netball teams participated in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament held at the University of Pretoria over the vacation. The Rhodes University Stallions started their USSA campaign against Varsity College in a match that the boys had a massive point to prove. The Stallions scored the first try in the first ten minutes, courtesy of captain Simelela Mbanzi after a brilliant pass from the winger, Matt Royle. In the scrums, the Varsity College players showed dominance in the scrums and mauls with their massive and powerful pack. However, the Stallions…
OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA chatted with legendary actor Sir Jet Novuka and upcoming legend, director Siya Sityana, about their circuitous journeys to success and hope for the future. Jet Novuka (or Sir Jet Novuka to most!) grew up with multiple generations in a mud house in Ngangelizwe township in Mthatha. He describes the house as “fantastic”. “I didn’t feel [deprived] because they showed me so much love,” Sir Novuka said. Siya Sityana and Sir Jet Novuka in conversation with Cue/Grocott’s Mail at the Media Room at the Monument. Photo: Ovayo Milisa Novukela When he moved to Johannesburg at a young age,…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA and SIVE FAITH GINYA Should the National Arts Festival (NAF) stay in Makhanda? That was a question NAF chairperson Ayanda Mjekula once posed to the NAF Board as the city struggled to keep water flowing, the lights on and roads surfaced. But, Mjekula said at the NAF opening ceremony on Thursday he is slowly seeing change: “The mayor has made a massive political effort to improve the infrastructure of the city.” One of the performers who electrified the Guy Butler Auditorium at the Festival’s opening ceremony. Photo: Ovayo Milisa Novukela Mjekula said he was thrilled to…