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News and information about Makhanda and surrounds - what makes our town and surrounds tick, and what ticks our residents off.
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09/12/2024

Relocating High Court seat to Bhisho "a death sentence" for Makhanda - DA

By Staff Reporter

The DA in the Eastern Cape says it reaffirms its commitment to working with colleagues in the National Assembly and the broader community to stop the proposed relocation of the seat of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court from Makhanda to Bhisho, the party said in a statement last week.

According to Dr Vicky Knoetze, the party's leader in the Eastern Cape Legislature, on Thursday last week, the Provincial Legislature debated a DA motion that focused on the "disastrous" impact of the proposed relocation.

"During the debate, I emphasised that relocating the seat of the court would be a death sentence for Makhanda," Knoetze said in the statement.

Estimates show that more than 5 000 direct jobs would be lost, and an additional 25 000 dependents would lose their income if the move proceeds, Knoetze stated.

The recommendation to relocate the seat of the court was made in the Moseneke Report.

However, the recommendation does not make the decision final.

The seat of the High Court is designated by an Act of Parliament, and the current Act has awarded this seat to Makhanda.

Knoetze said although opposition parties in the Eastern Cape Legislature were united in their opposition to the proposed move, ANC speakers, including acting premier, Mlungisi Mvoko, who was the last speaker in the debate, refused to acknowledge that relocating the seat of the court would spell disaster for Makhanda.

"This shows that the ANC is oblivious to the needs of the people."

"While the ANC committed to further public participation, it was clear from the debate that they support the move and will continue to do so. The fact that the legal fraternity, business sector, and civil society are all opposed to this move is widely known, yet the ANC remains determined to forge ahead."

Knoetze further said the Makhanda High Court Action Committee has been fighting the proposed relocation in court, and "we stand in full support of their battle. We want to thank them and the broader community for their efforts."

"Makhanda, nicknamed the City of Saints and located in the Makana Municipality, cannot afford to lose a single employer. In fact, the entire Eastern Cape cannot afford to lose any employers.

"The municipality is already on the brink of collapse, and its local economy is in severe decline. If Makhanda's economy collapses, it will have a ripple effect across the province, which already has the highest unemployment rate in the country.

"If Makhanda ultimately collapses because of the relocation being approved, the ANC will not be able to wash their hands of the guilt - they will be complicit."

Knoetze said the DA will continue to fight for the people of the City of Saints and the Eastern Cape.

"We will not stand idly by and watch as the ANC continues their economic destruction of the province."

Attempts to get comment from ANC provincial spokesperson, Gift Ngqondi, were unsuccessful.

09/12/2024

Lifescaping with Andrew Davies

09/12/2024

People living with disabilities in Makhanda call for recognition, promotion of their rights

By Sihle Nyamanda, Andisiwe Plaatjie and Luvuyo Mjekula

The Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (APD) joined hands with the South African Library for the Blind (SALB), the Makana Municipality and other partners in an awareness drive in Joza last week, to educate the public about disabilities and their impact and advocate for acceptance and inclusivity.

The gathering also marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, celebrated on Tuesday, 3 December.

A march led by people living disabilities from the Sani Street intersection, near the Joza Post Office, to Noluthando Hall, kicked off the programme.

On its page, the SALB said the inspiring march aimed to raise awareness and promote acceptance of people with disabilities. "The collaboration highlighted the importance of inclusivity and showcased the joint efforts of SALB and APD in empowering communities and advocating for accessibility."

APD social worker Francine Mwepu said the non-profit organisation, based in Cobden Street, supports people living with physical disabilities.

Mwepu said people living with disabilities were shown appreciation and felt part the community. She said the organisers wanted to celebrate their day with them. She went on to thank all the stakeholders including workers from different departments, for their contribution to the success of the event.

A Makhanda resident shared his experiences as a person living with disabilities in the local community. He spoke about challenges such as standing in queues at clinics. "People who are not dealing with a disability say we are supposed to be treated like other people because we are not VIPs."
Lubabalo Soxujwa from the Makana Disability Forum (MDF), a platform that advocates for the rights and inclusion of persons living with disabilities, encouraged them to apply for job opportunities.

Ward 2 councillor, Ramie Xonxa, also addressed the gathering about job opportunities for disabled people, stating that they discuss these concerns with municipal directors, advocating for more employment opportunities for people living with disabilities in Makana.

The municipality has many responsibilities, and people living with disabilities should be considered for available job opportunities. "The directors and councilors sit down and discuss how they will hire people with disabilities. The only thing they do is to advertise job opportunities, but they do not hire disabled people," Xonxa lamented.

Xolani Simakuhle, who deals with the Special Programmes Unit in the municipality, and also represented municipal manager Pumelelo Kate at the event, contributed his experiences dealing with people living with disabilities and HIV/Aids. He called for a stop to the abuse of people living with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Viwe Zici from the Employment and Labour Department said: ''People who are dealing with disability have not been recognized for a long time, because of the rules, policies, and laws of the government of South Africa. People who are disabled must be included in employment equity, disabled people should have rights to jobs.

"There is no employer or employee who has a right to say that they are not going to hire disabled people. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the workplace environment is conducive for all employees in the workplace. People who are in wheelchairs must be able to get jobs because of their rights and it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the place is free. Disabled people are not supposed to be queuing in lines," Zici said, adding that the department has also engaged the Social Employment Fund (SEF) at the monument.

06/12/2024

Makhanda man wanted for double murder

By Staff Reporter

Joza police are on a manhunt for the pictured Makhanda man accused of killing two people, one of them a retired police officer.

Police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy said according to police reports, it is alleged that on 17 June 2024, at about 1am, the police were called to a shooting incident in Tsili Street, Joza.

"Upon arrival police found a male person with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital and shortly after arrival declared dead. The suspect was positively identified as Xabiso Mngcongo."

McCarthy further stated that the same suspect was implicated in a retired police officer's murder. "It is alleged that on 16 June 2024, at about 23:00 the deceased, a retired police officer, was at his house when he was suspected to have been called out of his house and then shot while standing in front of the door."

Anyone with information that can lead to the suspect's arrest should contact the nearest police station.

06/12/2024

Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong uses award winnings to launch scholarship fund

By Rhodes University Division of Communication and Advancement

Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong marked the launch of the state-of-the-art Tebello Nyokong Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation (Nyokong Institute, in short) in Makhanda by establishing a scholarship fund for Master's and PhD students.

This initiative is funded by her personal award-winnings accumulated over the years.

Nyokong, a globally recognised expert in nanotechnology, has earned numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career. On Wednesday, she announced that she had been investing her winnings - now amounting to approximately R3.5 million - and will be using this to create the Tebello Nyokong Scholarship Fund. The announcement of the scholarship marked the culmination of an exceptional launch week for the Nyokong Institute.

“That money was always meant for you,” Nyokong told her students - many of whom had travelled to Makhanda for the launch of the Nyokong Institute - when she announced the scholarship, emphasising that her awards are a testament to the academic excellence of her students.

Nyokong described her personal contribution as merely the starting point of a larger legacy. She urged her current and former students, industry stakeholders, and the broader scientific community to contribute to the fund’s growth.

Deputy Director of the Nyokong Institute, Professor Philani Mashazi explained: “Prof [Nyokong] has in essence multiplied herself through us and we cannot let this legacy go by.” He added: “To tap into the brightest young minds we need them to be sustained and supported. Starting this fund is meant to do that.”

At the official launch event on Tuesday, Nyokong told attendees: "We need to constantly multiply excellence and stop celebrating mediocrity." She also shifted the celebratory focus to her students, saying: "The students - about 160 PhDs - are the inventors and drivers, not me. They educate me."

The Nyokong Institute, hosted by Rhodes University, represents a groundbreaking step for scientific research in Africa.

According to vice-chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, it is a "one-stop shop for innovation" and the first of its kind on the continent. The Institute focuses on cutting-edge research areas, including nanomaterials for drug delivery, water purification, sensor development for detecting diseases and outbreaks, and a non-invasive alternative to chemotherapy.

The launch event, part of Rhodes University's RU120 anniversary celebrations, underscored the Institute’s role in advancing Africa's scientific capacity. Mabizela noted its impact: "Many of our students, carrying the legacy of the Nyokong Institute, now benchmark their world-class experience without needing to leave the African continent."

Nyokong said: "We need to constantly multiply excellence and stop celebrating mediocrity."

The R90-million facility, hosted by Rhodes University, represents a groundbreaking step for scientific research in Africa.

Led by Dist. Prof Nyokong, the Institute houses world-class scientific instruments and fosters collaborations with researchers globally. Moving the instruments to the Institute required meticulous planning, including a helicopter for transport and international experts for assembly.

At the launch, Prof Kenneth Ozoemena, a former student and collaborator, praised Dist. Prof Nyokong as "a mentor you cannot avoid learning from." Despite her accolades, Nyokong shifted her attention to her students. "The students - about 160 PhDs - are the inventors and drivers, not me. They educate me," she remarked.

The event, part of Rhodes University's RU120 anniversary celebrations, underscored the Institute’s role in advancing Africa's scientific capacity.

Prof Mabizela noted its impact: "Many of our students, carrying the legacy of the Nyokong Institute, now benchmark their world-class experience without needing to leave the African continent."

Dr Iain L’Ange, who witnessed the Institute’s journey from a research group to a premier facility, described it as "not just a place for research, but a space for redefining what is possible."

Dr Gugu Moche of the National Research Foundation echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Institute’s potential to "enhance South Africa’s research capabilities and explore Nobel frontiers in technology."

Prof Mabizela closed the launch with a commitment: "The Nyokong Institute will continue to build on the formidable

04/12/2024

Chess course for Makhanda teachers, SGB members

By Staff Reporter

The Yveslight Institution of Skills and Leadership recently concluded a short chess course for teachers and SGB members.

The course program entailed: chess moves, opening game, middle game, end game, opening moves and chess rules.

The teachers were further introduced to lichess app as well as the use of chess clocks.

Every teacher was encouraged to install the chess clock on their phones since it is very costly to buy clocks for schools.

All the schools that participated in this training will be holding intra-house chess tournaments in the first quarter of 2025.

Any organisation or private company that would like to donate chess boards or chess clocks can reach out to the schools directly or call – 066 4171 238 or email – [email protected]

Here is the list of schools involved in this chess project: CM Vellem, Makana, Samuel Ntlebi, Ntaba Maria, Good Shepherd, Capstone, Tantyi, George Dickerson and Graham Primary.

04/12/2024

Fingo Villagers crowned netball champs at Goldrush Fabian Juries Community Fun Day 2024

By Chris Totobela

The Joza Indoor Sports Centre hosted an exciting netball tournament on Saturday, as part of the Goldrush Fabian Juries Community Fun Day 2024.

Eight netball teams contested the event. The teams were divided into two groups of four, each team playing three round-robin games. The top two teams from each group progressed to the semi-finals.

In the first semi-final, Joza Queens defeated Ghost Town Lions 13-5 and in the second semi-final, Fingo Villagers won 11-7 in a closely contested clash.

The stage was set for a great final, with netball fans, who packed the venue, anticipating a spectacular clash as two titans who contested last year's controversial final, met again to resume their rivalry.

The final started at a blistering pace as was expected.

Fingo Villagers settled their nerves with two quick goals and seemed to control the game well, but Joza Queens fought their way back into the contest.

Boasting no less than three experienced players in their line-up, Fingo Villagers absorbed the pressure very well against a youthful and energetic Joza Queens.

Both teams ended the first quarter locked at six goals a side.

In the second quarter, Fingo Villagers made some crucial positional changes which immediately paid off. The team also introduced one of their top goal scorers, who hit the ground running and scored important goals, some from awkward positions.

The nerves got the better of the youthful Joza side as they made too many mistakes and fumbled a lot of scoring chances as they seemed overwhelmed by the occasion.

Fingo Villagers controlled the game very well and saw off their opponents 15-12.

It was a well contested thrill-a-minute final that got the crowd on their feet for its entire duration. The champions' game management was superb. What a great effort from the runners-up, they gave a very good account of themselves and the future looks bright for them.

Credit to both teams for displaying top quality netball on the day and hats off to both teams for displaying good sportsmanship after the game and they deserved the standing ovation from the well-behaved crowd on the day.

03/12/2024

Gift of the Givers to the rescue as Makhanda residents battle water outages

By Luvuyo Mjekula

The Gift of the Givers Foundation has once again come to the aid of frustrated Makhanda residents, some of whom have gone weeks without water.

The foundation's truck was spotted delivering water to residents in various parts of Makhanda today.

In Joza, the Gift of the Givers team was met with excitement and relief, by residents of Nompondo Street, who lamented constant water outages.

"I am a resident of Nompondo and we have not had water for about three weeks. Gift of the Givers always helps us with water and we are grateful to them."

Meanwhile, for the past few weeks, social media has been flooded with messages from angry Makhanda residents, some stating they had been without water for days and some for weeks.

Some of the residents' comments on social media:

Said one resident: "Still no water in Willeton Road. In the last three weeks, we have had three days where the supply worked for a few hours on each of those days."

Another resident: "Day 8 without water Schnell street."

A resident in the St Aidan's area complained: "I have no water at Fir Tree Lodge, 5 St Aidan's Avenue. Not sure about other residents in the complex."

Said a frustrated community member: "It's frustrating to get up in the morning you have to get ready for work and there is no water in the taps it really changes your mind set for the day really."

DA councillor Cary Clark was apparently instrumental in getting the Gift of the Givers to bring some relief to the locals.

Clark shared this message on social media in recent days: "I spoke to a manager today and there have been serious problems at intermediate level reservoir. Muni tried to finish the job there on Fri, but didn’t have the right size VJ couplings, so had to get VJs from East London on Sat. They should finish the job today.

"This was in conjunction with contractors not doing the tie-in links properly, which led to high level reservoir being closed. There was also a major pipe burst on the eastern Botha’s hill line, which was finally completed and tested on Friday.

"Affected areas in Ward 4 such as Kings Heights, Southey St area. Water pressure is low and some areas there are still struggling with water outages. It has been chaotic over the past few weeks, and Short staffed Water team has been working through several nights to fix these major problems."

Grocott's Mail has attempted to seek a statement from the Makana Municipality as to the cause of the continuous water outages.

We are still awaiting a response.

This is a developing story.

03/12/2024

HAPPENING NOW: The Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (APD) is leading an awareness drive in Joza this morning to educate the public about disabilities and their impact. A march led by people living disabilities made its way from the Sani Street intersection, near the Joza Post Office, to Noluthando Hall a short while ago. The Library for the Blind, the Makana Municipality and members of the Makhanda community are also present at the event. APD social worker Francine Mwepu said: “We will have some speeches at Noluthando Hall, from the municipality, the Library for the Blind and disabled people themselves.” Mwepu said the non-profit organisation’s purpose is to support people living with physical disabilities. Its offices are situated in Cobden Street. Read full story in Grocott's Mail on Friday.

02/12/2024

Makana Municipality issues boil water advisory after E. coli discovery

02/12/2024

Food4Futures working hard to give less fortunate Makhandans a merry Christmas

By Chris Totobela

Local charity organisation Food4Futures' staff and management are working around the clock to make sure the less fortunate residents of Makhanda enjoy a merry Christmas Day this year.

The organisation has been helping the people of Makhanda for many years with food parcels, clothes, shoes and has recently helped a lot of poor people and the homeless with identity documents, as it is impossible for them to get government grants without proper documentation.

Food4Futures has just launched a campaign to help many people who are on their database to have a worthwhile Christmas Day and need the help of the community to achieve this.

Organisation founder and co-ordinator, Mary Birt, explained the initiative. "This festive season we want to help many families in need here in Makhanda and our aim is to collect 250 Christmas hampers by the 11th of December, filled with essentials that will brighten up those facing hardship. We appeal to the community to please sponsor a hamper and we are hoping to raise R32 000 that will make it easy for us to achieve what we are aiming for this Christmas and beyond."

Food4Futures has made a huge difference in the poverty-stricken Makhanda, with a high rate of unemployment.

They also have a Parking4Parcels voucher where motorists can buy a ticket at Food4Futures starting from as little as R10 and give them to car guards to buy any food item of their choice.

This 'Give a Gift of Hope for Christmas' initiative is great and Makhandans always come through whenever they are called upon to do so, and community members and businesses will surely be more than willing to assist.

The organisation's office is at 33 New Street, Makhanda (Grahamstown) and can be reached on 083 651 0067.

30/11/2024

World Children’s Day: St. Mary’s DCC champions child safety with “Every Child Matters” event

By Glyneise Arries

The St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre (DCC) and the Makhanda Children’s Rights Coalition ( MCRC) recently held an inspiring celebration of World Children’s Day under the theme "Every Child Matters”.

The event was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure every child grows up safe, informed, and empowered—particularly as the festive season approaches.

Spotlight on safety and empowerment:
The event brought together partner organisations and children in a meaningful discussion about personal safety, body awareness, and responsible decision-making. It aimed to equip young participants with the tools they need to navigate challenges and advocate for their own well-being.

Understanding changes and abuse:
Guest speaker, Sophumelela Ketelo, captivated the audience with a session addressing the natural changes children experience as they grow. With empathy and clarity, he introduced the topic of abuse, emphasizing its various forms and the importance of recognizing it early. “Every child has the right to feel safe and valued,” he said.
“When something feels wrong, it’s important to speak up.” Ketelo also outlined practical steps for children to report abuse, fostering a culture of trust and openness.

Tackling safe and unsafe touch:
Natasha Meyer, a social worker at St. Mary’s DCC, followed with a thought-provoking discussion on safe and unsafe touch. She broke down how unsafe touching manifests and provided actionable strategies for children to protect themselves and seek help. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, empowering the young learners with knowledge to navigate difficult situations confidently.

The dangers of social media:
Nosipho Moyikwa, scouts leader at St. Mary’s DCC, addressed a pressing modern issue: the dangers of social media. She exposed the harmful consequences of its misuse, including child trafficking and online exploitation. Her engaging session highlighted responsible online behavior, urging children to “think before they click” and prioritise their safety in digital spaces.

Giving children a voice:
Caron May, the centre manager led the evaluation and various questions were asked on the impact the
programme had on them on the day. The children responded with enthusiasm and gratitude, expressing a desire for ongoing discussions like these. “It’s hard to talk about these things with our parents,” one child shared, “but here we feel safe to learn and ask questions.”

Practical safety tools: packs for protection:
To ensure the day’s lessons extended beyond the event, St. Mary’s staff distributed safety packs. These included whistle alarms to alert the community in dangerous situations and license cards featuring emergency contact numbers for SAPS, Social Development, and other vital services. Leesa Roberts mentioned that the children should never hesitate when using the whistles whenever they are exposed to abuse or situations that threaten their well-being. These simple tools empower children to act swiftly and confidently when facing potential threats.

A call to action:
The “Every Child Matters” event was more than a celebration—it was a movement to prioritise the safety, wellbeing and dignity of every child. By addressing sensitive yet critical topics in a nurturing environment, St. Mary’s DCC reinforced its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.
“As we approach the festive season, a time of joy but also increased risks, this event is a timely reminder that safeguarding our children is a shared responsibility.”

Looking forward:

The centre aims to continue these vital conversations, creating a culture where children feel supported and heard. As the children left with newfound knowledge and tools, they carried with them the powerful message that their voices matter, their safety matters, and above all, they matter.

Every child matters, every voice deserves to be heard.

30/11/2024

Rotary Club of Grahamstown holds astonishing 71st annual Carols by Candlelight

By Staff Reporter

The Rotary Club of Grahamstown held its annual Carols by Candlelight – for an astonishing 71st time – at the Cathedral of St Michael and St George on Tuesday, 26 November.

This much-loved event is always a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas story and herald the start of the festive season.

The Rotary Club of Grahamstown would like to thank the residents of Makhanda who volunteered and participated in the Nativity Tableau: the Goldstein Family, Shannon and Devan, Devante and Diore Saint; organist Peter Black and the wonderful singing by members of the Kwantu and Cathedral Choir, conducted by Ambeswa Cagwe.

The following businesses and organizations helped to make Carols by Candlelight happen: Cathedral of St Michael and St George, National Arts Festival and Videotronic. And thanks to all those who kindly donated money to the annual collection at Pepper Grove Mall.

This years’ service was especially enjoyed by the youngest attendees; local children took part in the service and brought toys for those less fortunate children in Makhanda who will have precious little to open on Christmas Day.

Our community is faced with many challenges. As is often the case, the most vulnerable members of society are negatively impacted by economic constraints and service delivery failures. Many Non-Profit Organisations are hard pressed to adequately meet the needs of those they serve and this is especially true for those supporting vulnerable children in Makhanda.

Every year the Rotary Club of Grahamstown appeals to the citizens and businesses of Makhanda to assist us in raising money to support child-centred projects in our city.

Funds raised by this year’s Carols by Candlelight are going towards the Sibanye Special Day Care Centre, Happy Kids Crèche in Enkanini informal settlement and Adels’ Kids ELC in George Street.

The Rotary Club of Grahamstown welcomes further donations and will acknowledge all donors on the club’s page before Christmas.

Please donate by EFT into Standard Bank account in the name of the Rotary Club of Grahamstown, account number 082 002 886, branch code 051001. Please use your name + CAROLS as the reference.

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WATCH: Makhanda residents take public servants to task at community imbizo By Luvuyo Mjekula High crime levels, lack of visibility, slow wheels of justice, repeat offending, poor communication, homelessness, dark streets, water outages and lack of facilities. These were some of the concerns brought up as Makhanda residents and public servants vigorously engaged in a community imbizo at the BB Zondani Hall in Fingo Village yesterday. Among the departments present at the event were the police, justice, social development, home affairs, correctional services and justice and constitutional development as well as municipal councillors. The 'Policing Accountability Engagement' imbizo also drew a large crowd of community members and organisations. Before the residents took them to task over poor services, the public servants went on an enlightment drive, informing residents about the services their various departments provide. A correctional services official talked about community corrections, giving details on inmates who successfully completed their community corrections programmes and how many went on to reoffend. Meanwhile, a home affairs department's representative gave statistics, including the high number of uncollected IDs and a prosecutor detailed the court process from arrest until prosecution. The event came a week before the start of 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children, set to kick off on Monday, 25 November. Read full story in Grocott's Mail's PDF edition on Friday.

WATCH: Prayer for Scott's Farm family after fire calamity By Luvuyo Mjekula The community of Scott's Farm and surrounding areas rallied together this afternoon to console and support the Blackbeard Street family whose house was razed by fire yesterday. Grocott's Mail reported yesterday that neighbours watched in disbelief as the blaze consumed the double storey house. Firefighters did their best to fight the fire with the help of local residents, but the blaze proved too intense, leaving only destruction in its wake. The cause of the fire is still unconfirmed, but neighbours told Grocott's Mail there was no one inside when it started. Distraught family members were present at today's prayer service, led by Baptist Church pastor Euginio Nel. Nel told the family they were not alone, and had the support of the community. Neighbour and retired social worker, Sally Damana, also addressed the gathering. "It is dark now, that is how you feel. You do not know where to go and how to get there. But God will say in one word - let there be light. And that light will come," said Damana. Some of the community members brought much-needed donations to the service and urged other members of the public to also lend a hand. Donations can be dropped off at 11 Cromwell Street in Sunnyside or at The Courier Guy business in New Street. Read full story in Grocott's Mail next week.

WATCH - This tap in the front yard of a Xolani Location home has been leaking for weeks, giving the family and their neigbhours sleepless nights. Every day, the Somngesi Street families battle floods gushing into their homes. One resident said she had to dig a furrow in her bedroom to let the water out. There was hope when Makana Municipality plumbers arrived two weeks ago, only to repair another neighbour's tap that was also leaking. "They promised to return in the next couple of days to fix our tap, but they never came back." The resident said he had tried numerous times to get help from the municipality, with no success. He said a local plumer told him chemicals in the water and hot temperatures broke the worn-out municipal pipe. "The water causes a lot of damage. What worries me the most is that it goes into neighbouring homes."

A fire spread along the N2, between Waainek Prison and Settlers Monument. Road maintenance workers from Botle Ba Africa Roads, a Sanral subcontractor, are trying to extinguish it. According to one of the workers, Kwanele Rafani, they were working along the road when they noticed the fire. He adds that the firefighters were on the scene earlier and would be back to continue extinguishing the fire. Chief Fire Officer William Welkom says they have been on the scene since the fire started. He suspects the fire started from a powerline.

Students from Eastcape Midlands College are currently protesting down Milner street towards African street for unpaid NSFAS funds. This is a developing story

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Thumeka Kwezi of the ATM explains why you should register to vote in the upcoming elections. #Elections2024 #SouthAfrica Video: Steven Lang

Over the weekend, three parties set up desks to encourage people to register in Ward 8, Makhanda: The DA, the ATM and the ANC. #Elections2024 Video: Steven Lang

This morning, disgruntled parents of Riebeek East Combined School learners and various community members gathered at the Makhanda Department of Education, demanding answers from departmental officials about ongoing teacher shortages and scholar transport issues. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, scholar transport service provider Sivuno Ntengo says some learners are stranded and have not attended school since the school opened. In the video, he expresses his concern about learners dropping out of school to work on farms. Full story to follow.

This morning, disgruntled parents of Riebeek East Combined School learners and various community members gathered at the Makhanda Department of Education, demanding answers from departmental officials about ongoing teacher shortages and scholar transport issues. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, scholar transport service provider Sivuno Ntengo says some learners are stranded and have not attended school since schools started. In the video, he expresses his concern about learners dropping out of school to work on farms. Full story to follow.

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Grocott's Mail and Grocott’s Live bring you the best and worst of what happens in and around Grahamstown... and everything in between! Still independent after 147 years, serving the town with a mind of its own.

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