By Phila-Nathi Mapisa Luyanda Sakata, chairperson of Grahamstown Anti-Crime group, walked out of the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court a free man on Tuesday after the court delivered a Section 174 verdict, finding insufficient evidence to proceed with murder charges against him. The case brings closure to a harrowing 19-month ordeal that saw the community activist spend three months behind bars for a crime he maintains he never committed – the murder of a man he says he had never even seen before. A shocking arrest “I was so shocked when I faced murder charges of a person I had never even…
Author: Philanathi Mapisa
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By Qalukwenza Sibiya With matric final exams fast approaching, the Council of Umalusi has outlined its readiness to oversee what will be one of the largest examination cycles in South Africa’s history, with over one million candidates registered across four assessment bodies. At a recent briefing, Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi addressed key concerns and measures being implemented to ensure the integrity and smooth running of the 2025 Matric examinations. Online schools remain unregulated Dr Rakometsi expressed concern about the lack of a regulatory framework for online schools, which were introduced in 2019 during the pandemic. He said that while…
By Mbukani Mthethwa The University Staff Sport and Wellness of South Africa Games (USSWSA) held at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) brought together staff and students from 20 universities across South Africa, including Rhodes University, in a celebration of sport, teamwork and unity. It was an enjoyable experience filled with thrilling moments. Once again, Gqeberha came alive with the sound of cheering crowds, bouncing balls, and shared laughter. Many sports took place, including netball, supa-pool, football and volleyball. This brought thrilling experiences to all university students, as it was a sign of unity, setting boundaries, and strengthening bonds between institutions. Rhodes…
Kingswood College has announced its 2026 prefect appointments, with Megan Fletcher named Head of School (Girl) and Sandi Peter as Head of School (Boy). Alyssa Govender will serve as Deputy Head of School (Girl) and Corey Harris as Deputy Head of School (Boy). House heads include Athimna Bengu (Kirkby), Arthur Rousseau (Jagger), Chris Ferraris (Gane), Karen Makuke (Jacques), Ross Thompson (Chubb), Emihle Mbunge (Wesley), and Lefa Ziga (Wood). Additional prefects appointed are Rikus Pieterse, Chloe Conyers, Lilitha Qwede, Madison Edwards, Kiana Sabadia, Rogan Goliath, Megan Sheard, David Loudon, Caitlin Steymann, James Mackenzie, Erin Taggart, Casey Williamson, Robert Mildenhall, and Mihlali…
By Phila-Nathi Mapisa A Scholar Transport strike that affected learners in Makana has been resolved following a meeting between Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) yesterday. Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, confirmed that the meeting went well. “We agreed that the strike is over and we’ve reached a resolution,” he said. Songezo Mpanda, spokesperson for Santaco Eastern Cape, confirmed that the Scholar Transport services are operating today. He said they expect to receive payments next week and have made arrangements for regular meetings with the MEC of Transport, Xolile Nqatha,…
By Phila-Nathi Mapisa Learners in Makana have been affected by a scholar transport strike that began Monday, according to Maarsdorp Cannon, the district official responsible for scholar transport. Cannon confirmed that the strike, which continued into Tuesday, is the result of the Department of Transport’s failure to pay for services rendered to taxi associations. He said he is still waiting to hear back from school principals to determine the full extent of the impact, but confirmed that learners have definitely been affected. “We are trying to find a way to work around this situation,” Cannon said. He added that he…
By Luvuyo Mjekula Campaigning for the upcoming Ward 10 by-election is underway earnestly in Makhanda as political parties seek to fill the position left vacant after the passing of ANC councillor Zodwa Cetu last month. Grocott’s Mail understands the by-election is scheduled for 26 November. ANC and DA teams have been out and about in Makhanda in recent days, conducting door-to-door campaigning in Fingo Village, Tantyi and other areas in the ward. The parties have also been active on social media. On its Facebook page, the DA in Makana stated: “Our teams (councillors and aspirant candidates) were out in Fingo…
By Sive Rihanna Dasha The Makana roaming livestock situation is not merely a nuisance but constitutes a matter of legal accountability and governance. Two municipal by-laws regulate livestock management and impoundment, while the Constitution requires the municipality to protect residents’ safety, health, and property. In addition, the South African Animals Amendment Act No. 42 of 1993 states that the owner of any animal, as a result of negligence, causing injury to another person, might be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for up to two years. Weak enforcement of these laws and the…
By Kamvaletu Booi Nyaluza High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with a glamorous farewell event at Settlers Monument recently. The evening featured guest and former learner, Nosicelo Dongwana, who has worked as a producer for the Nal’ibali reading campaign and as a lecturer at Varsity College in Gqeberha. In her message to the matriculants, Dongwana acknowledged the challenges of being a student and urged them to “always keep their eyes on the prize” as they prepare for the transition to university life. MC Sibalwethu Mapolisa, who teaches English and Life Orientation at Nyaluza, highlighted the school’s recent academic achievement. Nyaluza’s pass…
By Anita Mbali Mvane Alan Weyer delivered a talk at Red Café last week exploring the deep human history of southern Africa, tracing the migration and evolution of early humans and the development of societies and cultures in the region. “Over the years, I’ve looked at a few things which I think I can put into perspective for where we are today, and in order to tell the story, we actually have to start a long time ago,” Weyer said. Africa: The cradle of humankind Africa is known as the cradle of humankind because that is where modern humans originated.…