Author: Rod Amner

Molweni / hello 🌻 The Makhanda Circle of Unity Food Security Cluster (FSC) has been working to bring the issue of food security to the attention of decision-makers this year to support vulnerable communities. This is especially important in the lead-up to the next five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for Makana. We’ve developed an online ‘Food Security poll’ to consult with the community on this which will remain open until 30 April. If you have a moment now, we’d like to invite all Makana residents to participate in it using the link below: 📣 https://pollunit.com/polls/6zsqdf57rqjataoccz190a It’s a critical time -…

Rhodes University and its UK trust are set to establish a premier, high-value Ally Weakley Memorial Scholarship ahead of the 30th anniversary of the death of the legendary sportsman, teacher, and lawyer, Alastair Weakley. One of Rhodes University’s most legendary sportspeople, Ally as he was popularly known, lost his life in a senseless, tragic, and seemingly random political killing in April 1993 at Sinangwana, in the former Transkei. He died at the hands of five people wielding automatic rifles only three days after the assassination of the popular South African Communist Party leader, Chris Hani. Both men were born in the…

By KEVIN RAE and ELIZABETH VILJOEN, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) The Easter weekend is fast approaching and is traditionally when many holidaymakers pack their bags and head off to the coasts and remote parts of the country. With many folks travelling long distances, either to or from the coast, a question foremost in many people’s minds is “What weather can I expect on the way to my holiday destination?” or “Will it be rainy or windy for my seaside holiday?” The South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts rain for the weekend in many provinces, but it will clear…

By STAFF REPORTER Stop-go traffic control operations will be in place on the N2 Section 13 between Makhanda and the Fish River until mid-June 2022. The road will be under stop-go control on two sections – a 5.5 km stretch after the Coombs turnoff and a second 3.5 km at Frasers Camp – where works are being carried out on one half of the road. This includes the period over the Easter weekend between 15 April to 18 April 2022 and the public holidays on Wednesday, 27 April and Monday, 2 May 2022, according to an official SA National Roads…

By ROD AMNER Power to most parts of Sunnyside was abruptly cut at 8.05 am on Monday, 11 April, after a civil contractor digging for sewage pipes instead damaged high voltage cables in Maynard Street. Ward 8 councillor Cary Clark said she had requested the name of the contractor responsible. She also said that Makana did not have credible, up-to-date ‘as built’ drawing to indicate where the power lines are. In a recent interview with Grocott’s Mail, Makana Municipality Manager Moppe confirmed that the municipality did not have these drawings, which document where municipal assets – like water pipelines, sewers,…

By LOYISO DYONGMAN Poor communication with residents and stakeholders, three consecutive disclaimers from the Auditor General, water supply challenges, illegal dumping, the state of the road network, sewer spillages and court cases against the municipality. These were some of the “issues of concern” raised in a meeting between the political and administrative leadership of the Makana Local Municipality and the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM ) at the Settler’s Monument last Tuesday, 5 April. The discussions centred on ways the district municipality could assist the embattled local municipality. Makana media and communications officer Anele Mjekula said the meeting unpacked the…

By CHESLEY DANIELS St Mark’s from Alicedale maintained their unbeaten record in the EPRU Sedru Regional with a clinical 40-7 bonus-point win over Swallows at St Aidens on Saturday. The wet and rainy weather conditions didn’t make playing easy, and it was no surprise to see numerous handling errors. Log leaders St Mark’s continue their winning streak in the competition while the struggling Swallows are still win-less. But the game was played in a fantastic spirit as both teams further cemented their friendship with ties that spanned back years. Both teams were never shy to run the ball despite the…

By CHESLEY DANIELS Klipfontein United 1st maintained their unbeaten record in the EPRU Sedru Regional League by thrashing Nemato Tigers in a 62-5 bonus-point win in Bushmans on Saturday. There were perfect conditions for rugby as Klipfontein United took on Nemato Tigers in their league encounter in front of a large local crowd. It was also an ideal start to the game as Klipfontein disrupted the breakdowns and secured a penalty on the opposition’s ten-metre line, resulting in a brilliant break from John Hutchison from the scrum as Klipfontein’s number 8 drew in two players and passed to Dylan Graaf, who…

By CHESLEY DANIELS Despatch Oostelikes gave Trying Stars 1st XV a huge fright in their backyard at the Wentzel Park Sports Ground in Alexandria on Saturday. Stars narrowly defeated Oostelikes 20-18 after leading 12-10 at the changeover. Stars, who are still unbeaten in the EPRU Grand Challenge Group C, moved to second place on the log after occupying it since the start of the competition. Brumbies are now the new log leaders while Oostelikes moved down to fourth position. The game kicked off at a great pace and intensity as both teams are known for their attacking prowess and ability…

By CHESLEY DANIELS Old Collegians travelled to Alicedale last Saturday to take on Rosebuds in their EPRU Sedru Regional League fixture. OC 1st fought extremely hard for their 17-12 win. OC recorded its second win in the competition while Rosebuds suffered its third consecutive defeat and still need to register a win. Rosebuds went into the encounter without several key players, including their inspirational captain Nico Kock. They started with uncontested scrums for the first 20 mins but went back to normal as the game went down to its full 80 minutes. It was, however, not a one-sided affair as…