Makana Municipality has pleaded for residents to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations, following a sharp rise in active cases within Makana Local Municipality. From 2 at the beginning of October, the number of active cases has jumped to a concerning 380 active cases as at 18 November. This has been attributed to poor adherence to lockdown regulations and an increase in social activities with poor adherence to Covid-19 prevention strategies. Makana Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Mzukisi Mpahlwa said, “I would like to appeal to residents to practise social distancing at all times and keep wearing their masks because the coronavirus…
Author: Grocott's Mail Contributors
Grocott's Mail Contributors
Grocott's Mail Contributors includes content submitted by members of the public, and public and private institutions and organisations - regular and occasional, expert and citizen, opinion and analysis.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 November announced the appointment of Tsakani Maluleke as South Africa’s new auditor-general (AG), making her the first woman to hold this position in the supreme audit institution’s 109-year history. Maluleke’s fixed seven-year term began on 1 December 2020. Her appointment followed a rigorous and transparent selection process by a multi-party ad hoc committee that unanimously recommended her to the National Assembly. The National Assembly then unanimously endorsed and recommended her for appointment by the president. In its endorsement, the National Assembly noted that Maluleke “is the best person for the job”. Experience in running the national…
A week ago, Ilze Curling was rushed from the farming area where she lives to Settlers Hospital for an emergency appendectomy. Here, she shares her experience. In publishing this, we hope to reassure readers who may be wondering about the facilities, Covid safety protocols and the care they’re likely to receive should they need to be admitted there. On Friday the 13th (nogal!) I had to go in for an emergency appendectomy. Port Elizabeth was an option, but my GP advised that Covid cases are currently soaring there and he assured me that I’d be in good hands at Settlers. I…
Professor Olaf Laurence Friedrich Weyl 17 February 1972 – 14 November 2020 It is with great sadness that SAIAB announces the passing of Professor Olaf Weyl on Saturday 14th November. Doing what he loved best, Olaf was chasing fish in mountain streams looking for new trout genetics sampling sites. Olaf joined SAIAB in 2009 from the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University and wholeheartedly served the Institute, initially as a Senior Scientist and then as Chief Scientist. Testimony to his standing and pursuit of excellence in both inland fisheries and aquatic invasion biology, he was awarded the…
By NDUMISO KHUMALO Understanding discrimination in the workplace The South African Constitution guarantees the right to equality, and also gives protection against all forms of unfair discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination can take place almost everywhere and in any form, however in this article we will only focus on discrimination in the workplace that is protected by the Employment Equity Act. Discrimination can be classified into two parts, namely fair discrimination and unfair discrimination. a) Fair discrimination in the workplace This is discrimination allowed by law. Grounds of justification must exist in order for this discrimination to be regarded as…
The King Lobengula Foundation had an opportunity to welcome an entourage from Uqweqwe luka Mthwakazi, a Non-Profit Organisation which was founded in 2019 in Johannesburg with the aim to assist to work for the restoration of Mthwakazi. The group wants to align their objectives with those of the King Lobengula Foundation, also campaigning for the unity of African people. Mthwa is an Nguni name for Bushman. When Mzilikazi founded the Ndebele Nation, some Bushmen people came also looking for shelter under his newly founded kingdom. The name given to this unity was AbaThwakazi (plural) and singular, uMthwakazi. These people spoke…
Crime stats increased between July and September, report reveals Following a lull in criminal activity during the hard national Covid-19 lockdown, figures began to rise as restrictions were eased between July and September. This much is illustrated by the quarter two crime statistics of the 2020/2021 financial year, released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday. The latest figures are a stark contrast to low crime statistics the Minister released in August for the first quarter of the financial year. “The decreases were largely attributed to the fact that the country was at the time under lockdown level 4 and…
By LOUISE PAGE To Given Faxa and his wife Asakhe, helping others less fortunate in their local community seems as natural as breathing; as a petrol attendant, he feels lucky to be employed and able to assist. He and his wife not only run a soup kitchen – frequently self-funded – but have recently been involved in the sourcing, handover and demonstration of a life-changing Hippo Water Roller, to the delight of Nkanini residents. As Hippo Water Roller Project CEO Grant Gibbs – who has dedicated more than 20 years to the project – puts it: “Many people around South…
On Friday, 13 November 2020 Government Communications (GCIS) will embark on a second Covid-19 Awareness activation in Makhanda in collaboration with Rhodes University, Makana Local Municipality and various other government stakeholders. The campaign will conscientise the residents of Makhanda and Rhodes University students about the looming Covid-19 second wave. A sense of complacency and COVID-19 fatigue has been observed in Grahamstown latterly, more especially in liquor establishments. Even in these Covid-19 times, student nightlife is still very much active. As a result, Makhanda has seen a high rise of Covid-19 cases over the past three weeks, some of which are…
By PETER BREETZKE Woodwork is a hobby that many would like to try but have never taken up. After all, one needs space and it is difficult and expensive to set up shop. In an effort to provide facilities for its members and make the hobby more accessible, the Grahamstown/Makhanda Woodworkers’ Club has recently acquired workshop space in town. At present we are acquiring a basic range of machinery for members who do not have space at home and for those who would like to learn more about the hobby. Members of the Club have a wide range of woodworking interests and…