Author: Philanathi Mapisa

By Phila-Nathi Mapisa The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says their probe into Makana Municipality’s affairs under proclamation.  207 is still underway. The SIU’s investigators conducted a search and seizure operation at the municipal offices in 2024, which had been anticipated to wrap up around August 2025. However, they confirmed that the process is taking longer than expected. “During the planning of the investigation, we anticipate a finishing time. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, causing the investigation to extend beyond the expected duration,” Kaizer Kganyago, SIU spokesperson, told Grocott’s Mail. Kganyago explained that investigations often lead to new matters being identified,…

Photos and caption by Zintle Nojoko Jabulile Majola’s sold-out show at The Black Power Station left Makhanda with timeless energy. From the moment Majola stepped on stage, the audience was drawn to his magnetic presence, with a soul-stirring voice echoing, people felt transported on a shared journey. The Isitifeketi Road Show had attendees eagerly flocking to the venue until the limited capacity was reached.  A palpable energy was maintained throughout the night, and the audience’s love was shown. “The audience tonight was both engaging and energetic throughout the night. I cannot wait to see what other cities have in store…

Busisiwe Madikezela-Theu Daily Dispatch My first real understanding of imbokodo (grindstone/rock) arrived at a male dialogue I attended years ago. One of the guest speakers, addressing male initiation graduates, said this: “Abafazi are not imbokodo. They became imbokodo by necessity when they had to fight at a time their men were being systematically silenced.” Traditionally, he continued, abafazi (women) were known as imbali (flowers), valued and protected, while a girl’s father and brothers were the imbokodo, the ones meant to anchor, shield, and enforce consequences. If you, as a man, touched a girl inappropriately or harmed her, you met the wrath of imbokodo — those men. That framing jolted me: it repositions imbokodo not…

Rhodes University’s Faculty of Law will officially name its building in honour of one of its most distinguished alumni and the revered outgoing Chancellor, the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati. “This occasion signifies a commitment to recognising visionary leaders and inspiring future generations who will uphold the rule of law across South Africa,” says Judge Gerald Bloem, the university’s council chairperson. “Justice Mpati’s life and career embody the core values our institution promotes: integrity, excellence, and social justice. His jurisprudence consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to constitutional values, like equality and human dignity.” Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, added, “Justice…

Anelisiwe Valuvalu was in Grade 11 at Kuyasa Combined School when a field trip offered new hope to the girls of her community. On that day in 2022, she and her fellow Interact club members learnt of reusable sanitary towels made from pineapple leaf fibres in the nearby town of Bathurst. Could it be, Valuvalu thought as she sat in the audience at Port Alfred High School, that the solution to the long-standing problem of township girls not having access to feminine hygiene products lay only 12km away? She wasted no time in finding out. After the presentation, she approached…

Term three began with a team of committed primary school teachers from the US who travelled to Makhanda to assist with the Holy Cross School Reading camp. The trip was facilitated by Love Must Act, a philanthropic non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports projects around the world, including a training facility for eye-care nurses in Gaza and Holy Cross School. The team of teachers spent most of their time at the Holy Cross Camp at Assegaai Trails, but also had the opportunity to visit Grahamstown Primary School and spend three days at Holy Cross observing and teaching. The visit was extremely…

29 July 2025 | By Steve Kretzmann [Ground UP] It was six days into the 51st annual National Arts Festival (NAF) in July this year, and yet there were no lights to welcome visitors entering the small city of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) after sunset. Only the occasional shop front cast patches of light along High Street between Rhodes University’s Drostdy Arch and the landmark Anglican Cathedral. It was not a temporary power outage, but a situation that would persist for the rest of the 11-day festival. Municipal reports indicate this was mostly due to cable theft. Historically, the main thoroughfares would be filled…

By Tokologo Lekoma Rhodes University hosted a thought-provoking Social Media Dialogue on Monday, 21 July 2025, “What is social about social media?” Thumamna Sibhozo and Lorah Dzimwasha, the evening’s facilitators, introduced the event enthusiastically. Students, staff, and guests were encouraged to question each of their positions in creating a conducive space for open communication on and offline.  It was announced that the evening’s goals were to:  Motivate students to use social media for growth, learning, and teamwork Emphasise employment prospects and online hazards in educational settings Encourage participants to share their experiences, pose questions, and use the internet more thoughtfully.…

THE KING OF BROKEN THINGS: Theatre Venue: Victoria Theatre Next performance: Sunday 6 July 10:00 Review By Phila-Nathi Mapisa “Broken things when fixed are just like unbroken things.” I can’t unhear this. Cara Roberts put me through a lot in The King of Broken Things. She plays one of the kings of broken things, a frantic young boy-child surrounded by apparently useless items. The other king is his all-knowing, imaginative, calm-to-his-storm father. This fixer of all things broken has a glass-half-full approach when things fall apart. He can fix anything, even a broken promise — which (by the way) is…

By Phila-Nathi Mapisa I walked into the kitchen and immediately a “No! That’s not for tonight!” left my ears ringing – the sous chef prepped the wrong dish. After what felt like hours in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, the Chef’s eyes made their way to me, “And who are you?” Nervous, I chuckled and announced my over-rehearsed introduction, “I’m Phila-Nathi, a reporter with Cue, I’m interviewing Eunice and Agnus, the dishwashers.” After slight negotiation, we agreed I’d come back at 5pm. I did. The romance had been initiated. Walking in the dark with the entrance lit by candles, I was absorbed. I poked my…