Author: Sive Faith Ginya

By ESTE COETZEE After a few sweaty days wearing gloves and gumboots, the Nombulelo High School’s Interact Club and a group of Makhanda children celebrated the opening of their new playground near Kuyasa Special Needs School between Evans Street and the Matyana River. River rescuing childing delight in their reward. Photo: Este Coetzee The playground slide sponsored by visitors from the Flourish Foundation in the USA. Photo: Este Coetzee It all started with the children deciding to put on gumboots and gloves to help the champions of River Rescue clean the Matyana river – and they were given swings as…

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By SIVE FAITH GINYA Makana Tourism hosted 19 delighted kids from Riebeek East Combined school at the Belmont Golf Course Club during the Makana Golf Classic on July 2. The children’s smiles flickered across their faces like holograms while one of the club’s coaches showed them golf basics. The joy on the faces of the kids. Photo: Atang Matiea “Kumnandi uke senze into engaqhelekanga”, said the 15-year-old Asakhe Botha explaining that they have never been exposed to playing golf nor ever gone to a golf club before. Getting to know the kids. Photo: Atang Matiea Learning the basics. Photo: Atang…

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By SIVE FAITH GINYA There are still accommodation options for festinos in the city – but those wanting to escape the festival crowds could look a little further afield. Check the Makana Tourism website for township homestays and guest houses outside the city. The Imbokodo zase Makhanda (Rocks of Makhanda) Homestay group is passionate about offering affordable and comfortable accommodation with Xhosa hospitality. Prices range from R500- R550. Esihle B&B. Inside Esihle B&B. Kenton-On-Sea and Port Alfred are quiet beach towns where you can mix some of that fest energy with some salty sea air. About 30 minutes out on…

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By SIVE FAITH GINYA Mo Plank is one of those people you can’t help but notice, a big bright smile lights his face (now that we can speak without masks), and you are drawn into his sense of purpose. Mo is a runner, but he doesn’t run just for himself; he runs to help others. He describes himself as “a social runner looking to change lives through running.” On 10 July 2022, Mo will be running the Icons Marathon from Clarkebury to Mthatha – 103km! Why? He is running to raise funds for LIV Lukhanyiso to buy bricks to build…

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By SIVE FAITH GINYA On Thursday, 9 June, Makhanda’s Sole Sisters gathered with representatives of LIV Lukhanyiso Grahamstown to hand over a cheque for R80 000. Each year, this inspiring group of women trains for a fundraising event, which they call a ‘Journey’. The 2022 journey was a three-day “surf and turf” experience along the coastal dunes and forest near Alexandria, covering approximately 75km.  Each woman is expected to raise funds for the year’s charity of choice. “To be a member of the group and participate in the run, each of the ladies is required to raise a certain amount…

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A big shout-out to Nita’s Makhanda Events WhatsApp group for these listings. FRIDAY 10 JUNE After-Work DrinksDJ RS & DJ Kasta@ Mi Casa, 131 High StreetFree Entry Live Music with ShanA mix of R&B, Adult Contemporary, and Pop@ The Pothole & Donkey, 123 High Street19:00 – 21:00Free entry SATURDAY 11 JUNE Parkrun@ The Bot Gardens, Lucas AvenueRegister online: https://www.parkrun.co.za/register/08:00Free Little Shop of HorrorsPresented by Kingswood Drama DepartmentHorror comedy rock musicalSnacks provided. Cash bar.@ Kingswood College, Foundation Hall19:30Individual ticket: R150. Table of 10: R1300. Matinino LiveAlternative Dream Pop on keyboard@ SSS, 19b New Street20:00R50 NG Kerk BazaarFood, White Elephant, Flowers, Children’s Table, Much More.@…

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By SIVE FAITH GINYA and SIYAMTHANDA PONGCO Church Square was bustling with entrepreneurs, crafters and artists showing off their talents at the Creative City Doccie Screening & Craft Market on Saturday. Makana Tourism communications officer Prudence Mini said the event offered a glimpse of what we can look forward to at the National Arts Festival, starting from 23 June 2022. Members of the Brotherhood Social Club march at the carnival. Photo: Atang Matiea The day kicked off with documentary screenings by fourth-year Rhodes video students in City Hall and then moved to Church Square for the craft market. One of…

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Dear citizens, The past two years have been challenging to say the least. The pandemic has been deeply felt by both business concerns and individuals alike. The Makana District is experiencing a slight surge in numbers, but there has been a slow return to the new norm. This being said, we are engaging with concerned citizens to embark on freshly renewed concepts and programs to take the improvement of our city to new levels. We will be creating a small cleanup crew to clean street curbs, pavements, storm drains, etc. We have identified the need for more dustbins in the…

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A big shout-out to Nita’s Makhanda Events WhatsApp group for these listings. FRIDAY 3 JUNE Live Music with LeroyNeo-Soul, Afro Jazz, and Pop – mostly covers@ The Pothole & Donkey, 123 High Street19:00 – 21:00Free entry Table Too: Cape to CairoPop up. Takeaways and sit down.Dinner 19:30 for 20:00. R210/ person.Booking Essential. Junitha 0826718558 /Michele 0839602366 / junitha@geenet.co.za The Red Carpet AffairMaster Jam: DJ Fredo & DJ Tony-B@ Infinity Lounge, 55 New StreetR30 – at the door/ R20 – presoldContact: 0849168353 / 0710781515 __________________ SATURDAY 4 JUNE Parkrun@ The Bot Gardens, Lucas AvenueRegister online: https://www.parkrun.co.za/register/08:00Free Fête@ Oakhaven Gardens, Caldicott Street10:00 – 15:00Free…

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Friday 27 May Spelling Bee CompetitionPrizes to be won@ Recreation Hall, Albany Road14:30Registration fee: R200832777596 A Shining Night: Semester ConcertRhodes University Chamber Choir@ Rhodes University Chapel, St. Peter’s Lawns19:00Free entry. Donations welcome. Live Music with PeaceMix of R&B, Adult Contemporary and Pop@ The Pothole & Donkey, 123 High Street19:00 – 21:00Free entry Last Fridays – NAF Warm-Up PartyPresented by Lowy X Shakes DJ Lowy & DJ Shakes@ SSS,19b New Street19:00 – LateR20 before 10pm/ R30 Thereafter Saturday 28 May Parkrun@ The Bot Gardens, Lucas AvenueRegister online: https://www.parkrun.co.za/register/08:00Free Food 4 Futures’ 1st Loads of Lots AuctionBidding open onlineLive auction includes complimentary snacks…

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