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…
Author: Philanathi Mapisa
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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…
By Phila-Nathi Mapisa In the heart of Makhanda, an evening of camaraderie, competition, and charity unfolded at Kingswood College, drawing a vibrant crowd eager to support a noble cause. The college’s decision last year to morph its traditional fundraiser into a trivia night has since added a dynamic layer of interaction and enjoyment for its participants, fostering a unique blend of entertainment and philanthropy. The trivia night was brilliantly hosted by the well-loved commerce teacher, Charles Mzimane, who brought an infectious energy that resonated throughout the event. Known for his charismatic and enthusiastic demeanour, Mzimane joked, “I’m not to be…