Author: Sue Maclennan

“There may be many things our town can be criticised for,” Grahamstown Business Forum chairperson Richard Gaybba said. “But one of the things Makana has that is of an excellent standard is eye care.” Gaybba was the guest speaker at the official opening of the new eye care clinic in Joza this week. The Clinic which will be open every weekday morning until 1pm, and 9am-5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, is in the Joza Youth Hub, on the corner of Ncame and Nompondo streets. Equipped with specialised diagnostic equipment, the clinic – a partnership between Dr Davies Optometrists, Settlers Day…

The Raphael Centre has thanked the individuals and organisations who rallied to their support after a devastating fire in the organisation’s offices on Friday and have assured Grahamstown they will continue services to the community while they re-establish their physical base. The NGO works with communities and individuals affected by HIV/Aids.

On the same day the head of Makana Public Libraries informed councillors that the municipality was about to lose internet services and computers, Arts and Culture MEC announced that 30 libraries in the Eastern Cape would be established as libraries of excellence, to serve as community development centres.

Crossword solvers Bev Fourie and Leela Pienaar are preparing their revenge on compiler George Euvrard, a former dean of education at Rhodes University.

Makana Municipality this week confirmed that it had received R1.6 million from the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) to better manage the rubbish dump on the town’s outskirts.

A report clearing the management of Fort England Hospital of allegations of mismanagement remains confidential, according to the Eastern Cape Department of Health. This comes as staff at the hospital express growing concern at events that have unfolded after the report’s summary findings were presented to them two weeks ago, and an acting CEO has assumed duty. Grocott’s Mail has seen the report’s summary findings, but not the report. Members of the National Health Education and Allied Workers Union, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa and the National Union of Public Sector and Allied Workers stopped work on Monday…

Staff at Fort England Hospital in Grahamstown returned to work yesterday afternoon following a meeting with Department of Health officials. This came after two days that saw specialist clinical staff in the kitchens preparing meals for patients under police guard, as strikers threatening to close down the facility unless CEO Roger Walsh was axed. National Health and Allied Workers Union chairperson Thando Mtshalala yesterday afternoon confirmed employees had returned to work and said this was as a result of the Department yesterday Tuesday 19 July telling them that Walsh was to be redeployed to Bhisho. The Eastern Cape Department of…

Water returned to the eastern parts of Grahamstown around 10pm Tuesday 28 June, and water began to return to homes and businesses in the west of the town from 5am today, with higher-lying areas waiting longer for relief.

Waste recycling buy-back centres were installed in three sites in Grahamstown on Friday 19 February.

Seven permanent staff members and five casual workers have lost their jobs after United Cash and Carry in Cobden Street went under provisional liquidation last month.