Author: Selenathi Botha

By Selenathi Botha It seems living in an unhealthy environment has become a norm for the people of Makhanda. Local residents have been complaining and reporting the issues they are facing continuously to the authorities with little to no assistance. Their problems are not limited to the frustrating on-and-off water supply but other unresolved challenges of water leaks, sewage spilling through their yards and burst pipes – all catalysts for an unpleasant, unhealthy environment. A concerned citizen, who is a retired engineer, Peter Sturrock, raised the alarm at the conditions people, particularly in the township, have to live in. He…

By Selenathi Botha “Love is patient, love is kind.” On 14 February, Valentine’s Day, at Noluthando Hall, with an opening prayer, Rev Lithemba Busakwe emphasised love and showing love, especially as it connects one to God. To show love to their fellow female classmates, boys from different schools in Makhanda, including Khutliso Daniels Secondary School, T.E.M Mrwetyana Secondary School and Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School, were invited to participate in the Sophumelela Youth Development Programme, to get educated on how to protect the dignity of a female learner during her menstrual cycle. The learners were also given toiletries during the event.…

By Selenathi Botha Port Alfred is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places where anyone can unwind and enjoy activities without worries. One such place that offers gorgeous scenery and guarantees special guest treatment is Halyards Hotel & Spa. The company has been operating for a long time and is well known. The business provides tranquil riverside accommodation. It also offers activities such as boat cruises and Spa treatments. It also features a bar, pool deck, and a gorgeous sight of the marina. One of their traditions is to offer lunch specials; every Sunday, they have a buffet special,…

By Selenathi Botha Remarkably, some people still say they will not vote just because there is no change. But will not registering to vote make a difference? On 7 February 2024, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which deals with youth development, worked with Rhodes University SRC members to encourage students (youth) to register to vote. They aim to make sure that young people are involved in the democracy that they want to see. The invasion was a success as some of the students registered to vote. Simphiwe Mkwanazi, a Rhodes student, said: “I have never voted before, which is…

By Selenathi Botha What a joyful and inspiring way to start the 2024 academic year – with prayer. An opening prayer was recently held in Makhanda to mark the start of the new academic year. Organisers hoped to carry the momentum of the 2023 Eastern Cape matric class into the new year. The class of 2023 increased its pass rate to more than 80%, making it one of the most progressed provinces in years, a remarkable achievement considering the lacklustre performance of the province in years gone by. The Sophumelela Youth Development Programme facilitated the opening prayer through a local…

By Selenathi Botha Every child dreams of going to school and passing grade 12. Some get tired along the way, while some hang in there so that they can achieve their goals. Matric is a vital grade where it gets to determine where or what you are going to do in life. It opens the door for you and other opportunities. It was a joyful day for the matric learners as they wrote their final exam paper this week. Some were relieved, while some stressed about how they performed. Learners from different schools shared their experiences. Khanya Mdoko, a grade…

By Selenathi Botha Despite a myriad of challenges – water problems, a poor academic record due to teacher shortage and underperforming learners – to mention a few, the Riebeek East Combined School is turning the corner. According to the principal, Thobile Ncula, the school had very few teachers and learners who were not performing well. As a result, its academic record and performance were low, which was partly attributed to economic problems and environmental issues such as water scarcity. Ncula, who has been the principal since 2015, explains that the school has learners from different outlying farms. “Riebeek East Combined…

 By Selenathi Botha On 26 October 2023, Hoërskool P.J Olivier and the Rapportryers, a service and cultural organisation based in Makhanda, hosted a 5KM Fun Run and Walk to raise funds for the Foster Care, Old Age Homes, Settlers Close and the Oakhaven. There was a total of 432 people who participated in the race. This event has been held annually for the past 26 years with the help of the community and businesses that sponsor the event. Learners and teachers from local schools in Makhanda participating in the Fun Run included those from Victoria Girls’ High School, Graeme College,…

By Selenathi Botha Kuyasa Special School caters to children with special needs and disabilities. However, the school aims to focus on their abilities, especially in sports, which has significantly impacted the learner’s holistic development. The school has been participating in sports to hone their sporting skills since 2002. They have also been involved in Special Olympics for learners with disabilities. Their most recent participation was between 1 – and 6 October in a tournament held in Polokwane in Limpopo province. Kuyasa Special School was one of the schools that participated in the sports with the help of the Department of…

By Selenathi Botha Several residents of Makhanda’s Ghost Town, including a 77-year-old pensioner, were abruptly disconnected from their pre-paid electricity recently after the council insisted that they repay municipal debts allegedly incurred by their now-deceased parents and grandparents. The families were only reconnected 10 days later after community activists held several meetings with the municipality. Ghost Town activist Weston du Plessis, who represented the disconnected families, said that residents of the community had been facing the additional nightmare of having lengthy water cuts and barely any refuse removal – even though they are expected to pay monthly rates. Ghost Town…