By Prof SIOUX MCKENNA, director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies at Rhodes University Many universities expend vast sums of money to improve their place on the rankings. And they make strategic decisions that favour rankings placement over transformation. Yale and Harvard have both announced that they are withdrawing from the US News & World Report university rankings. Harvard Law School Dean, John Manning, said it had become “impossible to reconcile our principles and commitments with the methodology and incentives”. “[The rankings provide] perverse incentives that influence schools’ decisions in ways that undercut student choice and harm the interests of…
Author: Rod Amner
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By ROD AMNER and LINDA MKAZA, Grocott’s Mail co-editors Last month, the eight Postgraduate Diploma students who reported for Grocott’s Mail from February-October this year submitted their bulging portfolios and reflective essays, took their bows, and left the building. It was hard to say goodbye. Not simply because they worked steadfastly to bring Makhandans stories of interest and import for an almost unbroken run of over 35 weeks (including their ‘vacation’ during the National Arts Festival). But, because they proved to be a group of curious, thoughtful, diligent, proud, kind and funny young Southern Africans who had built strong connections…
By STAFF REPORTER The upcoming Makana Tourism AGM on Thursday, 24 November, will plan for the anticipated expansion of post-pandemic tourism and lay foundations for more resilience and sustainability in tackling future challenges. Makana Tourism’s Prudence Mini said pandemic patterns showed that consumers rushed out after each coronavirus wave, eager to splurge on flights, hotels, and entertainment. The same is anticipated as the pandemic recedes. “Travel experts have seen a change in spending patterns post-pandemic. After being stuck indoors for so long, people find that there is no time like the present to travel! It’s now or never,” Mini said.…
Riebeek East residents came out in numbers to participate in the indigent registration launch on Tuesday, 22 November 2022. Makana Municipality is updating its indigent register, a process that will end on 8 March 2023. On Wednesday, 23 November, the campaign heads to Hoogenoeg, starting at 9 am and finishing at 3 pm. On Monday, 28 and Tuesday, 29 November, it will move to Noluthando Hall in Ward 2 from 9 am to 3 pm. Only households with a combined income less than or equivalent to two SASSA old age pensions (2 x R1 980 per month = R3960) qualify…
History has shown that share prices do not only go up. It is entirely normal for prices to decline in value, just as it is normal for them to go up. As we experience the seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, so do share prices on stock exchanges around the world rise, fall, rise and then correct again, almost always to higher levels than before. We are currently experiencing a period when investment performance is disappointing. History has shown that this will change – it always has! When markets are in decline, it is tempting for investors to try…
Global leaders have praised President Cyril Ramaphosa for South Africa’s efforts to prevent and avert the worst effects of human-induced climate change as part of its Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, write ETHAN VAN DIEMEN and SHARM EL-SHEIKH for The Daily Maverick’s Burning Planet. After speaking at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which is taking place from November 6 to 18 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, President Cyril Ramaphosa has been praised by world leaders for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), which is designed to accelerate the move away from coal in a way that…
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…
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…