Load shedding did not deter the newly-formed Makana Community Orchestra at their inaugural concert on Sunday, 13 November 2022, at the Cathedral of St Michael and St George. Musicians sat in the dimly-lit Cathedral with battery-powered lights shining on their sheet music. Just after noon, the historical building showed off its resounding acoustics as the Orchestra treated the substantial audience to a stunning 45-minute show, including film music, boisterous marches, some Haydn and a sax and clarinet quintet. The Orchestra comprises young and old community members from east and west of Makhanda and as far as Peddie, all playing alongside…
Author: Rod Amner
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By ROD AMNER Makhanda’s water supply was again interrupted on Tuesday, 22 November, after pumps tripped at the James Kleynhas Water Treatment Works on Monday night, affecting water transfer and the filling of reservoirs. The pumps were restarted early on Tuesday morning, but the water supplies from Tantyi, Botha’s Hill and the high-level reservoirs had to be closed. Meanwhile, Ward 4 councillor Geoff Embling reported on Tuesday that the air valve on the Howieson’s Poort line, which has been leaking for months, was now an abundant spray. A recent photo of the spraying water valve at Howieson’s Poort. Photo: Geoff…
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them. From For The Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon Makhanda schools, the SAPS and representatives of Makana Municipality, were out in force to pay their respects at an impressive Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, 13 November, held by the armed forces veterans organisation, the MOTHS (Memorable Order of Tin Hats). Remembrance Day marks the day World War One ended, at 11 am on the 11th day of the…
By CHESLEY DANIELS The Grahamstown Racing Pigeon Club recently held its Annual Prize Giving Ceremony at the Goldrush Conference Centre last Saturday. The prestigious event was well-attended by members, dignitaries, partners and the media. Members were rewarded and acknowledged for their hard work, dedication and performances for the past racing year. Some of the Eastern Province Pigeon Union (EPPU) members were also in attendance and witnessed the growth of this spectacular event since its inaugural Awards last year. This year’s event was more competitive, significant, and attractive. Andley Jeggels, the defending 2021 champion, relinquished his title to newly-crowned champion Ian…
By ROD AMNER Slowly, incrementally, an army of more than 2000 young Makhandans – funded by the Government and managed by the National Arts Festival, the Assumption Development Centre, Awarenet and Assitej – is rejuvenating our city. The workers of the Social Employment Funds are clearing stormwater drains, fixing potholes, filling tens of thousands of rubbish bags, fixing schools, planting gardens, recycling waste and working for social change in a range of local nonprofit organisations. In the wake of the Great Depression, from 1933-1939, US President Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal public works programmes provided support to improve the lives…
By ROD AMNER Makhandans responded with relief as the water supply stabilised this week – the first time in months. But, some high-lying areas – including the residential area in the 6SAI Battalion army base – are still high and dry. A resident at the army base told Grocott’s Mail on Wednesday that appeals from 6SAI’s leadership to the Makana Municipality had fallen on deaf ears. She said residents there had been without water for months. At the time of publication, Makana Municipality had not responded to Grocott’s Mail’s queries about the unavailability of water in the area. Makana Municipality…
By ROD AMNER A committee set up to ‘rationalise’ areas under the jurisdiction of South Africa’s high courts has recommended that the main seat of the Eastern Cape High Court, currently in Makhanda, be moved to Bhisho. Local lawyers have warned that this will limit the area of jurisdiction of the Makhanda division, drastically reducing the amount of work coming to our court. A similar proposal to move the main seat of the Eastern Cape High Court to Bhisho was made in 2009, but Makhanda waged a successful two-year battle against it. The campaign united the city with local government,…
By CHRIS TOTOBELA All roads led to Jawuka Hall in Port Alfred this past Saturday. Port Alfred-based Masibambisane Boxing club, under the guidance of Monwabisi Hans, celebrated their first anniversary with a boxing tournament. Kenton boxing club from Ndlambe Municipality, Masibambane BC, Mfuzo BC, Thembalethu BC and Golden Gloves BC, all from Makhanda, participated in the tournament. There were many exciting bouts from both male and female contests. There were morale-boosting incentives for all those who did well on the day in the form of trophies, medals and specially-made belts. According to one of the locally based officials, Bulelani Ndwayana,…
By CHRIS TOTOBELA The Makhanda football fraternity has been under a dark cloud following the death of another young and talented player, Luthando ‘Tower’ Booi, 26, tragically stabbed by his girlfriend. This came just a few days after another Vukani-based youngster Asivenathi Matika who played for Maru, was laid to rest. Booi, also known as Tilo in his Vukani community, started his football career at Coronation FC under the guidance of the late Bongani ‘Quiz’ Yose. In 2013 he joined Makana Pillars and made his mark as one of the most reliable centre-backs. In 2018 he moved to Grahamstown United…
Dear Editor, Serious questions must be asked of the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, who has given notice of his intent to expand the geographic area of the Amatola Water Board to cover the entire Eastern Cape. Minister Mchunu published his intention in a government gazette earlier this week, calling for comments within the next 60 days. Download the gazette here. Appointing the Amatola Water Board to service the entire Eastern Cape will be a guaranteed administrative and operational recipe for disaster. The decision will decimate the revenue streams of municipalities that would fall under the Board, making them…