At Park Road, Jim Cambray recorded 18.9mm of rain in Park Road for the week 31 March to 6 April. Paul Maylam metered slightly less, 16.8 mm, in Cathcart Street. Temperatures ranged from 12-24 degrees Celcius for the week. But, winter arrived on the morning of Thursday, 7 April – with the wind chill factor, it was down to 8C.
Author: Rod Amner
By SALENA FOURIE Throughout this week, glasses have clinked in toasts and celebrations as Rhodes University students attended the first in-person graduation ceremonies since 2019. When students fit graduation gowns and receive their degrees this week, many will reflect on their hours of toil. Most, if not all, will give some thanks to families, friends or academic staff for contributing to their academic success. But, on this last stop on the scholarly road, some contributors may go unacknowledged – the fairy godmothers of T Birch & Company (Pty) Ltd. Many of us are familiar with the Birch’s store on High…
By JOY HINYIKIWILE Over 150 local learners from all of Makhanda’s public high schools will discuss the challenges facing young people with parliamentary leaders at the launch of the Makhanda Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO) next week. National Assembly Speaker Novisiwe Mapisa-Nqakula will lead a high-powered delegation – including representatives of about 50 state and civil society agencies that play a role in child and youth development – for a two-day learner-targeted outreach programme. The Speaker’s office released a statement on Wednesday to confirm the visit, which will take place on 11 and 12 April. The speaker plans to use the…
By CHRIS TOTOBELA Makhanda’s only women’s football side African Connection has found inspiration in their fitness trainer. Athule “Babes we fitness” Maciko joined Amakonokono at the beginning of 2021 and has enjoyed every minute with the young girls. Athule “Babes we fitness” Maciko (left) with one of her players, Asanda Mcwabeni. Maciko, originally from Butterworth, has always dreamt of working with young girls but never imagined working with soccer girls. “Working with these girls has been nothing but amazing. I have so much passion for helping people, especially young ones, live an active, healthy lifestyle, and African Connection has made…
By CHRIS TOTOBELA Due to bad weather conditions, the Makana LFA postponed all its Premier League fixtures last weekend. This was the second weekend in a row that the games were cancelled as the field was waterlogged and unplayable. The disruption may be a blessing in disguise for those teams that suffered injuries to their top players, as they will have time to recover. The break will also help the teams who have not been doing well to go back to the drawing board and work towards changing their strategy for the decisive remaining games. On the other hand, the…
By the NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL team 2022 After two long years, the National Arts Festival will return to Makhanda for a live celebration of the arts from 23 June-3 July. We’re not just picking up where we left off. Much has evolved in the arts, and for all of us, in the last two years. Mindful of this, we bring you a carefully curated programme and an intimate, inspiring experience – to make sense of the world or escape it completely. The Village Green will be a festive meeting place in between shows. Grab lunch at a food truck, browse…
By ROGER ROWSWELL A fair amount of rainfall was recorded for March 2022 – 69.5mm over ten rain days, marginally below the long-term average (LTA) at 74.9mm and the long term median (LT Med) at 71.4mm. The maximum and minimums recorded for March are 211.2mm (2000) and 18.5mm (1991) respectively. The Ocean Nina Index (ONI) for January is -1.0, so it appears to be holding at this level which bodes well for reasonable, average monthly rainfall. An interesting bit of information appeared in the Farmers Weekly 18 March 2022 edition under the heading, Budget 2022 analysis: “The Department of Forestry…
By SIYANDA MAKUNGA, Attorney, Rhodes University Law Clinic Our previous article provided the different types of credit agreements as defined in the National Credit Act (NCA). This article will discuss unlawful credit agreements and unlawful provisions of credit agreements. The NCA in section 89 declares the following credit agreements to be unlawful: Agreements where the consumer is a minor and was not assisted by a guardian when the consumer signed the agreement.Agreements entered with a consumer who has been declared mentally unfit.Agreements entered with a consumer who is subject to an administration order, where the administrator did not consent to…
By CHESLEY DANIELS Chesley Daniels Hosts Klipfontein United 1st registered their first win in their EPRU Sedru Regional League against Swallows on Saturday. The home side earned a 43-12 bonus point win after leading 21-0 at half-time. While Klipfontein registered its first win in the league, Swallows suffered their second consecutive defeat. However, Swallows were not at their best and executed too many unforced errors on the day. They also did not protect the ball at ruck time and breakdowns – they lost a lot of ball and conceded numerous turnovers. They also conceded too many tries due to poor…
By CHESLEY DANIELS Chesley Daniels Kowie United 1st fought very hard to earn a 36-24 win over Rosebuds in their EPRU Sedru Regional League fixture played in Port Alfred on Saturday. Kowie took a healthy 24-7 lead at halftime. Kowie registered their second win whilst Rosebuds suffered their second consecutive defeat in the league. The game was started with a very positive attitude and was an excellent close encounter in the end. It was a better performance from Rosebuds after losing their Alicedale Derby encounter in the first round last week against St Marks. Mason Brooks, Kowie United Vice Captain…