Author: Rod Amner

By LOYISO DYONGMAN Enkanini informal settlement in Makhanda has finally been electrified after five years of protests. The informal settlement was formed in 2017 in Mayfield by former back-yarders around Makhanda. Earlier this year, residents intensified their protests. Some municipal vehicles and electrical poles were burnt, and roads were barricaded with rocks and burning tyres. They informed Municipal Manager Moppo Mene that promises of electricity made three years ago had been repeatedly broken. At the time of the protests, local activist Patricia May vowed the community would not rest until they achieved their goal. Last week May paid tribute to…

By the GROCOTT’S MAIL EDITORIAL BOARD On Sunday, 31 July, Makana Citizens Front (MCF) leader Ayanda Kota submitted his opinion piece, ‘What Grocott’s Mail gets wrong about the MCF’. In our view, the piece flirts dangerously with hate speech and defames the reputation of several local citizens. We nevertheless decided to publish the article in full. This is why. In the piece, Kota writes MCF black councillors endure racism from “white supremacists” in Makhanda. He then names three of these alleged supremacists. Under South African law, defamation is “any wrongful, intentional publication of words or behaviour relating to another person…

EDITOR’S NOTE: The names of three local citizens have been redacted from this article. You can read a full explanation here for the decision of Grocott’s Mail’s Steering Committee to publish this My Say with redactions. By AYANDA KOTA Ayanda Kota during an interview with Grocott’s Mail on Thursday, 21 April. Photo: Ovayo Milisa Novukela Media is essential as it is a cornerstone of democracy. It helps to bring forth diverse views and promote healthy debate whilst at the same time; it should constantly act in the interests of the majority of citizens. We must always guard and protect its…

By ROD AMNER At Thursday’s chaotic council meeting, outgoing Makana Municipal manager Moppo Mene’s contract was extended for three months after the municipality failed to advertise his post in time. The Makana Citizens Front (MCF) Proportional Representation councillors again voted with the ANC to extend the contract of the man they launched a mass protest against in 2021. The 363-page agenda for the meeting – containing crucial information about the municipality’s Financial Recovery Plan, annual financial report, and supply chain management report – was sent to councillors at the last minute, in breach of municipal bylaws. The opposition Democratic Alliance…

By UYANDA NTLOKO Julia Arbuckle, a Rhodes University Master’s student in Fine Art, has been awarded the Javier Rosón Prize for her work entitled “Root/Rot: The Family Bible. The work is based on and inspired by the artist’s family history, which is centred on the British colonisation of South Africa in 1820. The Javier Rosón Prize is awarded by the Ankaria Foundation to a young artist of promise under the age of 28, with the aspiration to create a platform to promote culture and art by supporting creators in Spain and other parts of the world at large. The prize is…

By CHESLEY DANIELS SEDRU Log Leaders St Marks Alicedale extended their lead in the overall log standings with a clinical but hard-fought 15-5 win over second-placed Klipfontein United in their EPRU SEDRU Regional League competition fixture. This much-anticipated contest took place at the Alicedale Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon. It was also apparent that the home side and log leaders took a decent 10-0 lead at halftime. This top-of-the-log clash occurred in wet and cold weather conditions, but both teams ensured some heated rugby action inside the four corners. This was also sweet revenge for St Mark’s after a 5-26…

By CHESLEY DANIELS PJ Olivier High School 1st XV came out guns-blazing in their return schools rugby fixture against Alexandria High 1st XV with a clinical 27-20 win on Wednesday. The match was played at the PJ Olivier School’s Sports Ground. The home side took a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime. PJ Rhinos took sweet revenge against their counterparts after losing narrowly 15-7 in their previous encounter played in Alexandria on 18 May. This much-anticipated clash lived up to expectations, as both teams entertained the large crowd. The home support gave the hosts a much-needed boost as the Rhinos played…

By SALENA FOURIE According to News24’s Crime Check stats, Eastern Cape towns dominate SA’s sexual offence list. Families of South Africa Makhanda (FAMSA) face head-on the consequences of gender-based violence (GBV) and other concerning social problems every working day. FAMSA social worker Sive Mafane said Makhanda’s biggest social issue is substance abuse, which in turn leads to GBV and domestic violence. “I found that alcohol is one of the main reasons behind GBV in communities,” she said. While FAMSA continues its work of healing relationships affected by this wide array of social issues, they are facing inconsistent funding from the…

By PHILIP MACHANICK Three months ago, the legitimately elected MCF councillors were unlawfully removed. Have things in Makana since improved? Ask yourself that – then read on. First, there is the state of infrastructure. The 2022 Blue Drop Progress Report shows Makana as having one of the worst-run water systems in the country. The Blue Drop Risk Rating (BDRR) is a measure of how accurately we know the quality of water. The higher the number, the less sure we can be that the water is any good. Makana overall has a BDRR of 89.1%, but this number is flattered by…

Thanks to Nita’s Makhanda Events for these listings. THURSDAY 28 JULY U3A”Time, fate and the mystery of truth” – Francis Williamson, recently retired professor of Philosophy.@ Grahamstown Bowling Club, Cnr. African Street & Cawood Street10.00-11.00Charge R5 Grahamstown Bridge Club@ Grahamstown Bowling Club, Cnr. African Street & Cawood Street13:15 for 13:30R10 non-members/ R5 membersSheila Hicks: 0834423322 FRIDAY 29 JULY Department of Political and International Studies Weekly Seminar”Knowledge and power in a South African University:”Speakers: Corrine Knowles, Nonmpumelelo Babeli, Athabile Ntlokwana, Zikhona Ntombolwana, and Zinathi Sobuza@ Politics Department, Rhodes University13:00 – 14:00Free entry Soft ReopeningDJ Kay Muzik – Amapiano & GqomDJ Tenbop…