Author: Kathryn Cleary

The infamous fence line of the Makhanda (Grahamstown) tip is a strange kind of beautiful. The fence boasts a whimsical, elaborately coloured performance of plastic bags and packaging, dancing along the wires. The dancers invite residents to join every day, and the relationship between Makhanda’s plastic and its residents is a dangerous tango. With the ban of single-use plastics growing across the world, and paper straws and reusable coffee cups becoming more popular, a look at this flashy fence line renders one speechless. The tragedy of it all might be the fact that the majority of this plastic material is…

Makana Municipality is looking at the possibility of hiring a private contractor to manage the landfill, as frustration mounts at their inability to take control of it. Kathryn Cleary reports “I’m in the hot seat,” said Kelello Makgoka, Makana’s Director of Community Services and Public Safety, on Wednesday morning. His fingers tapped against the cover of a copy of the Environmental Waste Management Act as he scrolled through Whatsapp messages filled with photographs of the burning landfill site from the past week. “Something’s happening, but it’s not happening at the rate required,” he emphasised. Makhanda’s (Grahamstown’s) tip has been the…

A local resident faced an alarming situation at one of Makhanda’s (Grahamstown) public ATM facilities this past Sunday, 9 June. The resident warned others of potential scam artists using an “unusual screen” on the ATM to compromise pin numbers and banking details. Police Spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni encouraged residents to consider alternatives to using public ATMs. The resident stated that the suspected scammers looked at first like normal ATM users before trying to interact with her while she was making a transaction. Noticing her having trouble with the ATM, one of the men took her bank card from her and…

Creativate is landing in Makhanda this June/July with a vast menu of innovation, creativity and inspiration on offer The second Creativate Digital Arts Festival, supported by Standard Bank, runs across all 11 days of the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (27 June to 7 July) and offers a vast and exciting menu of innovation, creativity and inspiration. “This festival is not just for artists. It’s not just for geeks. It’s for the insanely curious…those who want a glimpse into the future of creativity and who want to know more about the brave new world we’re entering, and how technology is…

By Kamvelihle Netjies The Mary Waters Secondary School class of 1999 came together to make their 20th reunion one to remember by donating a printer and scanner to motivate the 2019 matric class. After 20 years out of high school, the class of 1999 bought a printer and scanner to give back to Mary Waters as the school had been struggling to print. They also wanted to encourage and challenge other matriculates to give back whatever they can. Among them, Dawid Bloom, who was a speaker at the reunion, said to the learners, “It’s an honour to stand here today…

With ongoing water restrictions in Makana, many residents have put their trust in other water supplies besides the tap. Last week Grocott’s Mail explored the testing requirements for bottled water; this week we investigated the possibility of groundwater contamination, noting that Makhanda residents frequently use the Fairview Spring. Contamination comes from both humans and nature; run-off from the city and surrounding farms as well as animal faeces or debris can all work its way into the groundwater. However, Grocott’s Mail can confirm that Makhanda’s groundwater supply seems to be in good shape. Dr Jane Tanner, Head of Hydrology at the…

Creativate is landing in Makhanda this June/July with a vast menu of innovation, creativity and inspiration on offer The second Creativate Digital Arts Festival, supported by Standard Bank, runs across all 11 days of the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (27 June to 7 July) and offers a vast and exciting menu of innovation, creativity and inspiration. “This festival is not just for artists. It’s not just for geeks. It’s for the insanely curious…those who want a glimpse into the future of creativity and who want to know more about the brave new world we’re entering, and how technology is…

29 May 2019 The Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) notes the recent announcement of the new Eastern Cape Provincial Cabinet by incoming Premier Oscar Mabuyane. The announcement comes at a time when various provincial departments are facing significant performance challenges. In this transitional phase, the PSAM encourages outgoing and incoming MECs and senior staff of departments to support a meaningful handover of critical responsibilities. It’s encouraging to note that nine women have been appointed to the provincial cabinet. This shows greater commitment to bringing about greater representation of women in key leadership positions. Education According to the 2018/19 Adjusted Estimates…

Last weekend, two young women were threatened at knife-point while walking on Mountain Drive. This is not the first incident of its kind to happen on the mountain, but raises concerns for the safety of hikers, cyclists, runners as well as families who enjoy the area on a regular basis. According to police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender, no case was opened following Sunday’s incident on Sunday afternoon, 26 May. The incident reportedly happened on the gravel road leading up from Grey Dam. Grocott’s Mail urges residents to report to SAPS any suspicious or criminal activity they experience in the community,…

Ntsika Secondary School grabs first place for the month at the JSE Investment Challenge “Amazing” is how the four members of Team Optimistic Eagles felt after they walked away with the national prize for the April-May cycle at this year’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge, a first for this region. Ntsika won the monthly prize in the income portfolio category against more than 2 051 teams nationally working towards the coveted ultimate win. The competition takes the form of a simulator in which each team of four learners or students from the same school or institution are given an imaginary sum…