By Phila-Nathi Mapisa A closed-door meeting intended to resolve escalating tensions at Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School erupted into chaos on Sunday, leaving students traumatised and stakeholders more divided than ever. The meeting, hosted by the Department of Education, was meant to address ongoing conflict at the school, including the recent replacement of principal Mzwandile Kleyi. Only parents of current learners and staff were permitted to attend, as they are considered immediate stakeholders. A register was taken at the entrance, and members of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) were allowed in to fulfil their duty of reporting back to their peers. However,…
Author: Philanathi Mapisa
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By Phila-Nathi Mapisa The house that served as a lifeline for many schoolchildren in the immediate eThembeni community is now in ashes. Limise Gagayi, founder of the beloved Meal After School initiative, lost her home on Monday in a devastating fire that has shaken the eThembeni and Joza township communities. Her husband, Masixole Gagayi, was home when the fire started. “I was cutting grass in the yard when I heard glass breaking,” he recalled. “I looked inside but didn’t see anything wrong and continued as I was. Moments later, a neighbourhood child came running, screaming, ‘Kuyatsha!’” By the time he…
This Freedom Day, Makhanda is alive with voices, rhythm, and reflection. Join us as we honour the hard-won right to speak, sing, create, and question. Tomorrow (26 April) the Rhodes University Chamber Choir will perform Songs of Freedom and Praise at the RU Chapel. The concert begins at 6pm and features a selection of choral works that speak to spiritual and political liberation. The programme includes African spirituals, sacred music, and liberation songs. Tickets are R50 for students and R80 for adults if booked in advance, and R60 or R100 at the door. Freedom Day itself (Sunday 27 April) will…
By Lindokuhle Fuba Siphosethu Zono, a media practitioner born and raised in Joza, is back in his hometown after spending time in East London. Zono, who did his schooling at Graeme College, is a photographer, media practitioner and audiovisual specialist. He views photography as only one aspect of his work. Initially, he was not inspired to pursue this path; instead, he felt compelled to find work after losing his job during Covid-19. It was out of necessity — his inspiration comes from hunger, as he needed to find a way to support himself. He started Sizo Media in 2020. Sizo Media…
By Garikai Chaunza In partnership with the Global Engagement Division, the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS) recently hosted a Postdoctoral Networking Meeting, bringing together postdoctoral fellows to explore academic and research development opportunities. The event, held on March 26, marked the conclusion of the Annual Postgraduate Orientation Programme, aimed at supporting postdoctoral scholars in their academic journey. In his opening remarks, CPGS director, Professor Sybert Mutereko, introduced the Postdoc Framework, which is currently under development, and invited feedback from attendees to ensure it meets their needs. He also highlighted key programs supporting early-career researchers. “Rhodes University is your platform to…
By Phila-Nathi Mapisa Cable theft continues to be a significant issue in Makhanda, leaving residents frustrated and in the dark—pun intended. A recent incident on 14 March 2025 saw multiple electricity cables stolen, causing widespread outages in several parts of the town. While police have opened a case and are investigating, no arrests have been made. The community is calling for stricter sentencing to deter cable theft. Recommendations have been made to enforce a minimum three-year sentence for first-time offenders. Harry Porthen, who monitors service delivery for Ward 4, believes the municipality and security companies should step up their efforts…
By Dideka Njemla and Charlotte Mokonyane Under the fairy lights that adorned Kingswood College’s High-Performance Centre, a night of dedication unfolded as pupils poured their hearts into every note of their live performance. Grocott’s Mail rose to the challenge and participated in the trivia questions that kept everyone engaged. The competition comprised three rounds in which students outdid themselves in performing classic musical pieces that had many humming along in unison. The ambience at the charming venue was a fusion of community spirit and entertainment, with music students dressed for the occasion and attendees dancing the night away. Elaborating on…
By Phila-Nathi Mapisa and Dideka Njemla The literary world has come to a standstill. We are in mourning. A giant has fallen. Athol Fugard, born on 11 June 1932, died on 8 March 2025, leaving a legacy that will echo through the generations. Fugard was a playwright, novelist, actor, director, and teacher. His works reflected the realities of South Africans, capturing identity, oppression, and resilience with raw honesty. He was a master of his craft, a storyteller who understood that sometimes the most political act is simply telling the truth. Rhodes University honoured Fugard in 1983 with a doctorate in…
By Phila-Nathi Mapisa A fierce storm swept through the eNkanini informal settlement in Joza, Makhanda, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in its wake on Monday, 22 April. The strong winds, which lasted only three hours, destroyed homes, flooded streets, and uprooted lives. At least 135 people were affected, with many left homeless and seeking shelter with relatives or in makeshift arrangements. The community has been struggling to get assistance from the municipality, with promises of aid yet to materialise. Some people were at work when Mother Nature unleashed its wrath and came home to collapsed houses, while others…
By Phila-Nathi MapisaThe Eluxolweni Child and Youth Care Centre lit up with excitement as the Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (Popcru) organised a special event aimed to unite the community through sports on Thursday, 21 March. Led by Popcru’s local gender co-ordinator Sindi Lumkwana-Jaca, the initiative aimed to show the learners that school isn’t just about books and uniforms – it’s also about staying active and healthy.”The objective was to change the way the community is thinking or conveying the message of back to school,” Lumkwana-Jaca explained. “The community always thinks that back to school refers to giving out…