Grocott's Mail

11/12/2025

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🚨 MISSING PERSON ALERT 🚨

SiyiMakhanda Night Patrol we are urgently asking the public to help us find Thapelo Mbebe, who went missing Today (Wednesday 10 December) around 9am in Grahamstown eLukwe Street and her family is extremely worried.

She was wearing a check color pattern skirt, orange hat & she was carrying a black school bag.

Any person with information of her whereabouts, Can Contact Hlumeka Mbebe: 0810072136 or 0710923191

Please continue to share this message widely. The smallest piece of information could help bring her home safely. 🙏

10/12/2025

The search for working streetlights in Makhanda continues …..

10/12/2025

Community comes together in Makhanda to honor the life of a loved one lost to femicide, holding a candlelight ceremony to demand justice and call for an end to violence against women .

09/12/2025

Progress on M Street paving project

By Luvuyo Mjekula

The rehabilitation of M Street, the main taxi route through Makhanda’s townships, is gaining ground. It is expected that motorists will resume full use of M Street by the end of this week. Currently, motorists have to detour through Hlalani and Eluxolweni to get to Joza. The multi-million-rand Rehabilitation of M Street and Albert Street project hit financial snags in recent times, threatening to derail its adjusted completion deadline - December 2025. However, Zamile Ponoshe, the owner of George and Justice Construction, a small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) working on the project, is confident work will be completed by Thursday. “We work every day, including on Sundays, because we want to complete this work on time. By Thursday, cars will be driving on this road again, I promise," Ponoshe said.

09/12/2025

What an incredible rainy morning with the Makhanda Parkrun family this weekend as they marked their 500th Parkrun.

07/12/2025

Adding creative heat to the fire together.

By Benevolence Mazhinji

A group of Makhanda-based creatives brought together through the initiative called Isihlwayelo Sakhono Youth Development will be heading to AfrikaBurn 2026 as the first dedicated team from the Eastern Cape to participate in the event.

AfrikaBurn is a massive annual community event that brings participants together in Tankwa, a region of the Karoo, to create art, performance and theme camps about inclusive community building, creativity and radical self-expression.

Isihlwayelo Sakhono Youth Development, led by Ntomboxolo Donyeli, was born from her years of attending AfrikaBurn and realising how rarely Eastern Cape artists participate or attend. She said, “The first time I went, we were only three people from Makhanda. Everywhere I looked, it was just Joburg, Cape Town, and other artists from all over the country.”

For the 2026 programme, she will be working alongside Mandisi Heshu, director of the creative nonprofit organisation, AmphiArts BeCreative, and actor and facilitator Sisonke Yafele. The team has also collaborated with Assitej South Africa on various projects, including the inspiring Nompilo performance at Tantyi Public Primary School, and is now using their combined experience in physical theatre and community storytelling to launch their most ambitious project yet.

The team says their main reason for attending AfrikaBurn is to use creativity to raise awareness of the social issues affecting everyday life in Makhanda. They explained that many people in the community feel unheard, especially regarding basic concerns such as water shortages, safety, and access to support. By taking their work to a national platform, they hope to draw attention to these struggles and show how art can help people express what they are going through.

“We want to be that voice,” said Yafele, “the voice that inspires people to speak out, especially in our township where it feels like people are very oppressed -- you know, they can't voice out their issues. By turning these unspoken stories into art, the group hopes to show the community that their concerns are valid and that their voices deserve to be heard."

To bring these concerns to life, Isihlwayelo Sakhono Youth Development will be presenting a new performance titled The Last Drop, a physical theatre piece that uses masks, puppets, and movement to explore Makhanda’s long-standing water crisis. It focuses on the personal and community experiences of those directly and consistently impacted by the crisis. Instead of dialogue, The Last Drop relies on visual storytelling and body movement to capture the frustration, fear and uncertainty that residents feel when taps run dry.

Yafele explained that the play is almost like a silent protest, designed to spark reflection and conversation rather than offer solutions. He said, “We want to give our opinion, and then leave it without concluding, so that everyone who's watching can be left debating and coming up with their own solutions and conclusions.”

Bringing together artists from different organisations, training them, and ensuring everyone remains committed to the project has been a long process for the team. Mandisi Heshu explained that preparing for AfrikaBurn involves far more than simply creating a performance. It requires coordinating a group of more than 13 people, supporting them through months of rehearsals, and making sure the entire team has what they need to stay focused and ready for the journey ahead. Much of their current work includes building a stable base for the project, strengthening teamwork, and creating a space where community members can visit, assist or ask questions about the dedication behind this project.

Looking beyond AfrikaBurn 2026, the team says the project represents a much larger dream for the future of Makhanda’s creative community. Donyeli explained that the long-term goal is to build a sense of unity and continuity among local artists, something she feels has been missing for too long. “The dream is to bring all the Makhanda artists together, not to be scattered and far away from each other,” she said. “I don’t want us to work together for one thing and then scatter after that. I want us to keep doing things together, the way we are going to do in Tankwa.”

Photo one caption: From left to right Anele Heshu, Ntomboxolo Donyeli and Sisonke Yafele. Photo: Chalotte Mokonyane

Photo two caption: Ntomboxolo Donyeli and Sisonke Yafele

Photo three caption: The taps remain dry, Sisonke Yafele and Ntomboxolo Donyeli

07/12/2025

It's a jam-packed festive season for Makhanda

By Asemahle Vumsindo

The final month of the year and the start of the new one promise a vibrant mix of arts, education, and community fun, ensuring Makhanda residents have a wealth of activities to enjoy. The holiday spirit is taking over, with December and January offering everything from high-energy music concerts and fitness challenges to engaging learning programmes for local youth.

​The Amazwi South African Museum of Literature is a highlight of the season, conducting a Summer School Holiday Programme designed to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for children. These free programmes offer the opportunity to explore a range of fun and educational activities outside the classroom, helping children enhance their learning skills, spark creativity, and foster curiosity.

1 to 5 December 2025: Amazwi Summer School Session One (ages 7-13)

The month kicked off with the first session of the Amazwi Summer School, running daily from 10am to 1pm for learners aged 7 to 13.

6 to 9 January 2026: Amazwi Summer School Session Two (ages 13-18)

The second session of the Amazwi Summer School commences in the new year. This session runs daily from 10am to 1pm and is dedicated to older learners aged 13 to 18, continuing the educational and creative activities.

​Note: For all Amazwi enquiries or to find the registration forms, please visit the Amazwi website or contact [email protected] / 04662270472. Participation is free, but places are limited, so early registration via the Amazwi website is advised.

Saturday 6 December 2025: A Day of Fitness, Nature, and Fun

​Makhanda has a full day of activities planned, starting early and running late, all on one Saturday (tomorrow):

​Parkrun (8am): Start the day with the regular 5km run or walk. Participants gather at the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
​Diaz Cross Bird Club Family Birding Outing (9.30am): Birding enthusiasts can join the Diaz Cross Bird Club for a family birding outing, also at the Botanical Gardens, led by Ben Smith. Attendees are advised to bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, water, and friends for a morning of spotting local species.
​Colour Splash Family Fun Day (11am to 6pm): The fun jumps into high gear at Miki Yili Stadium. The event offers high-energy entertainment packed with food, face painting, jumping castles, trampolines, water games, and so many more fun activities for the whole family.
​Classical Christmas Concert (3pm): Step away from the rush and enjoy an afternoon of wonderful music at Christ Church. This event features performances by some of Makhanda's talented and renowned musicians.

​Saturday 13 December 2025: Buhlebendalo and The Fam Band concert

Get ready for a night of music at The Black Power Station, where the Buhlebendalo and The Fam Band concert will be taking place. Doors open at 6pm, with the event set to start an hour later (7pm).

​Monday 15 December 2025: Makana Music Festival

The fun continues in Joza with the 4th Annual Makana Music Festival, a major event on the local calendar. The festival takes place at Dlepu Stadium, with gates opening at 12 noon for a full day of musical entertainment.

Tuesday 16 December 2025: Mini Christmas Market

Find some unique gifts and enjoy a classic festive experience at St Patrick's Parish from 9am to 2pm. Visitors can buy plants, clothing, and participate in the fun of a white elephant experience.

Ticketing and registration

​Please be aware that some of the month's biggest events require pre-purchase or registration. Tickets for the Buhlebendalo Concert, Makana Music Festival, and Colour Splash Family Fun Day must be secured through designated ticketing platforms.

07/12/2025

Rhodes researchers tackle the world's worst water w**d.

By 'Maleruo Leponesa

Rhodes University’s Centre for Biological Control (CBC) in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, has embarked on a biological journey to control the water hyacinth that has invaded Hartbeespoort Dam. According to Kim Weaver, the community engagement officer at the CBC, this is the biggest biological control research group in South Africa working on waterw**ds.

Weaver explained that water hyacinth, which originates from South America, is the world’s worst aquatic w**d. While its route to South Africa is still unknown, it is suspected to have arrived because of horticultural trade. It thrives in polluted, nutrient-enriched waters like Hartbeespoort Dam, forming dense, impenetrable mats that affect boating, fishing, and other water-sport activities. It's also very harmful to aquatic biodiversity.

Attempts to control this w**d have included chemical control and physical removal, both of which are expensive, ineffective, and potentially harmful to the environment. Biocontrol of the w**d has also been attempted in the past, but until recently has also not been particularly effective.

A different approach
But the CBC has taken a different approach to biocontrol of the w**d. They have introduced the water hyacinth planthopper (Megamelus scutellaris) which feeds only on water hyacinth. “Biological control is unlikely to lead to eradication of the w**d” said Weaver, “but the aim is to reduce the w**d population to a level where it is no longer damaging to the environment.”

Some plants will remain, and these will fluctuate seasonally with the natural cycle of biological control agent populations, just like a natural system in equilibrium. Biocontrol is the most sustainable method as opposed to chemical and mechanical methods which work only for a short term because of the massive build-up of seed in the dam’s sediment which remains viable for 15 to 20 years.

The introduction of the planthopper stresses the water hyacinth so much that it suppresses growth of the plant and reduces flowering and seed production. As a result, the amount of seed in the dam will diminish over time.

Growing the hoppers
However, one of the challenges to this method is that in the highveld's cold winters there is a normal decline of the w**d and a consequent decline in the planthopper populations. So, the planthopper needs to be reintroduced every season. Weaver explained that, in order to maximise the potential of w**d biological control, high numbers of healthy insects are required. These are reared at the CBC’s mass-rearing facility at Waainek and transported to the dam for release in summer.

But this was still not enough, so the CBC decided to get the local community around the dam, who are impacted by the w**d, to get involved in rearing and releasing the insects. There are nine satellite rearing stations around the dam and together with the Waainek facility they produce nearly 100 000 planthoppers for release into the dam this year resulting in a reduction in the w**d cover to only about 5% of dam surface.

There is also an added local benefit to this programme. The Waainek facility which was established in 2009 provides employment for local Makhandans, including six people from the Sisonke programme (persons with disabilities) who are employed to assist with maintenance of the facility and the collection of the insects to send to infested sites.

As the water hyacinth continues to threaten the ecological balance of Hartbeespoort Dam, the work of the CBC demonstrates how long-term, nature-based solutions can restore order without damaging the wider environment. Through mass-rearing facilities, partnerships with local communities, and the dedicated involvement of people with disabilities in the Sisonke Programme, the initiative shows that sustainable and socially inclusive control is possible.

SIDEBAR

What is biocontrol?

When a plant is removed from its native range it is also removed from its natural enemies which help to keep it in check. Therefore, when the plant gets into a new habitat it can outcompete native species. The aim of biological control is to reunite the plant with its natural enemies so that they can reduce the plant's growth and spread.

Biological control is cheaper, safer, and more effective in the long-term than either herbicide spraying or manual removal of invasive plants.

Biological control is unlikely to lead to eradication as the insects rely on the plants for survival. Instead, the aim of a biological control programme is to reduce the w**d population to a level where it is no longer damaging to the environment.

The time it takes for biocontrol to be effective can vary. It depends on how much biocontrol agent is released, how often, and the size of the invasion. Local climate also plays a role, the cooler the climate, the slower the control agent population growth. So effective biological control can often take multiple seasons before success is achieved.

Photo caption: The water hyacinth planthopper. Photo: supplied

07/12/2025

Making Makhanda taste good.

Person of interest: Jacques Brits

Occupation: Baker

Workspace: Jacques Artisanal Bread

Human of Makhanda: 5

Artisanal - /ɑːˈtɪzən(ə)l/: made in a traditional or non-mechanised way.

Jacques Artisanal Bread is a shop like no other; every pastry, meal and loaf of bread is a reflection of Jacques’ devotion to food. As you enter the shop, the aroma of freshly baked goods and friendly smiles from the staff draw you in. The ambience feels like a warm embrace, while the sweet treats reveal Jacques’ precision for culinary artistry.

Meet Jacques Brits – the hustle, heart, hands and genius whipping up all the mouthwatering goodness. He isn’t a man of many words but he is a creative force, behind all the irresistible bites at the bakery. Chasing Brits for an interview, I learned that he’s a busy man and, no, I don't mean the normal busy that you and I are. Brits is extremely busy – the type of busy that starts every day at 4am.

Then there’s the gregarious Maya Brits. She’s the first face to light up the moment you walk into the bakery. She always has a smile on her face and the warmest ‘hello’ when you enter. Maya’s persona and Brits' baked goods have similarities, and guess what’s that? They definitely both rise to the occasion.

But Jacques' recipe for success wasn't always clear. He said that, growing up, many people expected him to have his career choice figured out by grade 9 -- when he marched to his own beat and stood out from the rest. “I was very much the odd one out. My oldest brother was a disciplinarian more than anybody else, and he always liked to look at me and say, ‘What are you going to become. You’d better become something in life',” he laughed.

Brits and his family were originally based in Westrand and later moved to Johannesburg, where he finished his primary and high school. “As soon as I put my foot out of matric, my mom said, ‘You’re going straight to the army'." Brits stated that many of the decisions growing up were made on his behalf. “It’s a weird one because it seems like I didn’t have my own mind at that time. It’s not a nice thing to admit, but I was very unconscious. You go through life very unconsciously because, if I think about it now, I was a very young 18-year-old person, and I was thrown into the army.” Brits served in the Intelligence Unit at Potchefstroom for 18 months. “They set you up for leadership straight away when you’re in Intelligence, and if you don’t make it, you fall out,” he said. “I was very bad at school. I was never intellectual. I failed school really badly.” Brits added, “I hated school because I was really antisocial – still am - and I could not fit in. If you’re antisocial, you’re always going to have problems with marks.”

In our conversation, I realised how Brits carried his feelings quite boldly. He’s an intuitive feeler and maybe that’s what makes his passion for food so admirable. The kitchen ishis sanctuary, allowing him to turn emotions into art –- something beautiful, tangible and scrumptious. “Everything for me is a matter of feeling. I feel my way through things. I feel my way through baking,” he said. However, although he approaches baking in this manner, it also remains a scientific process. “If you don’t have the science in there, you’re going to struggle with the consistency because, with feelings, no two days are the same,” he said.

“After my army days, I went to work in retail for about seven to eight years. After work one day, I went to a jol with some friends. We went out partying and drinking, and then I came to the crossroads of what I’m going to do with my life. I wondered if I’d carry on with retail or do chefing, and one guy said to me, ‘Never become a chef. You’re signing your life away when you become a chef. You’re never going to have a normal life because the hours are crazy, you must put your body on the line, and there’s a lot of stress.’

Brits said that while all this information was new to him and he needed to decide, he immediately cancelled retail. “I chose to do skills work,” he said -- and a chef was born. According to Brits, to excel in his mastery, he built a memory repertoire and a palate repertoire. “Your palate becomes your most valuable asset. Your palate and your nose, actually, because your palate tells you when things are right and when things are wrong. After some years, you build these repertoires and your palate tells you what herbs you can use for some things.”

Discussing his artisanal approach, Brits said, “I’m fairly traditionalist. I stick to traditional flavours usually. It’s very seldom that I will venture out of that. I have to feel secure within my repertoire.”

His advice? “If you want to be great, you just have to give extra to get from good to great. You have to persevere extra, and you can’t stagnate. This is something that is not easily understood.”

Brits may be antisocial but he talked to me for longer than anticipated, and I realised this is the spirit of his shop. Good company and great food create cherished experiences.

Photo caption: Jacques Brits

07/12/2025

Friends of Bots launches and does its first clean-up.

By Gcina Ntsaluba

A new community initiative is breathing fresh life into one of South Africa's oldest botanical gardens, driven by overwhelming public enthusiasm to restore the historic Makana Botanical Gardens in Makhanda.

Friends of Bots, established following a survey that revealed strong community interest in the gardens' future, has quickly grown to nearly 190 members since launching in early October. The group held its first official meeting on 15 November and has already notified Rhodes University (the leaseholder) of its establishment, seeking formal recognition and collaboration.

The initiative emerged from honours research conducted by Sonwabise Zothimba in the Department of Geography at Rhodes University. An online survey of 276 respondents found that 37% wanted to be involved in planning or creating a vision for the gardens, while 55% expressed willingness to volunteer their time or services for improvements.

A heritage resource in need
Established in 1853, the Makana Botanical Gardens holds the distinction of being South Africa's second-oldest botanical gardens. Originally created as a public recreational space and botanical research facility, the gardens were designated as heritage resource in 1983, recognising their historical significance.

However, the gardens face significant challenges. Rhodes University, which holds a 100-year lease from Makana Municipality, has experienced budget cuts to its Grounds and Gardens operations. Security issues have resulted in vandalism that has left public toilets, lighting, and benches damaged and non-operational.

Community collaboration for change
Philippa Irvine, a founding member of Friends of Bots, emphasised that the organisation follows the principle of "community collaboration for change" — the idea that sustainable transformation comes through grassroots empowerment and collaboration.

"A Friends of Bots group is not just about transforming the space but transforming the community and the meanings we attach to the space," Irvine explained. The organisation aims to function as a typical "friends of" group, providing advocacy, fundraising, and volunteering support for the public asset.

Activities already underway
The group has wasted no time in taking action. Members have already conducted a clean-up and survey to identify areas needing attention. Next week, they will host a holiday club for children in the gardens, using the space as an outdoor classroom.

Friends of Bots aims to support existing activities such as Parkrun, Silent Book Club, walking groups, picnics, and birding activities, while encouraging new events. Future plans include family events, musical performances, and place-making activities that could also serve as fundraising opportunities.

A Knowledge and Culture group within the organisation is working to compile information about the gardens and make it accessible through signage, maps, and a website. Educational activities related to nature, culture, and the gardens' history are also in development, with local residents and Rhodes University staff and students contributing their expertise.

Fundraising and future plans
While formal fundraising hasn't yet begun, the group has brainstormed various initiatives, including selling Friends of Bots merchandise, securing bench sponsorships from local businesses and residents, and hosting fundraising events. The organisation also plans to apply for external funding for larger projects in partnership with Rhodes University.

How to get Involved
Friends of Bots welcomes participation from local residents, students, groups, and organisations in various capacities. The group maintains social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, as well as an email address and WhatsApp community for communication.

"The point is that no contribution is too small," Irvine noted. "Volunteer to pick up litter, w**d a garden bed, bring your child along to be inspired by nature and culture, or buy a sticker to raise funds — these all help."

As the group moves toward establishing itself as a fully-fledged non-profit organisation, its vision is clear: to conserve and promote the gardens' historic legacy while bringing the space to life as a vibrant hub for recreation, culture, education, and science in the Makhanda community.

Economic potential

According to Markus Mostert, Chair of the Executive Committee of the Makana Business and Residents Association (MBRA), the Makana Botanical Gardens could become a significant economic asset for the city, creating jobs and achieving financial self-sustainability through carefully planned tourism initiatives.

"The primary challenge to address for the economic potential of Bots to be exploited is safety and security," Mostert said. He noted that permission from Rhodes University - the current custodian tenant - must be secured, while Ornee Cottage and the adjacent ablutions require substantial renovation before any commercial activity can begin.

The security question has sparked debate among stakeholders. Longtime resident and Parkrun volunteer Peter Stockwell advocates for ClearVu fencing along the perimeter, despite the costs involved. He suggests Campus Protection could use Ornee Cottage as a satellite control centre to deter criminal activity.

Mark Hazel, former Manager of Grounds and Gardens at Rhodes University, cautions that physical barriers alone won't solve the problem. While good security fencing may help, it must be paired with access control to prevent unauthorized entry. Electric fencing presents additional challenges, being vulnerable to theft and requiring ongoing maintenance.

Hazel favours a community-based approach that has proven effective internationally. "Where people are being encouraged into the space in a happy frame of mind results in undesirables finding it uncomfortable to be around there," he explained.

Mostert confirmed that while Friends of Bots has begun discussions with Rhodes University about the facility's future use, the restoration of Ornee Cottage and its ablutions represents the major remaining hurdle to unlocking the botanical gardens' economic potential and creating new employment opportunities for Makhanda residents.

Photo caption: Philippa Irvine. Photo: Supplied

07/12/2025

Chess star makes national team.

By Benevolence Mazhinji

Makhanda’s exceptionally talented and young chess player, Okuhle Nkolongo, has been selected to compete at the 2025 Mzansi Inter-Provincial Youth Chess Championships. The fifteen-year-old from T.E.M. Mrwetyana Secondary School will represent the Eastern Cape province at this high-stakes tournament, which will be held at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha from 15 to 20 December 2025. This is one of South Africa’s most competitive youth chess events, and Okuhle’s selection places him among the top young players in the country.

Making it to the nationals

Qualifying to compete at this level is a staggering achievement that few young players ever reach, as each contender must undergo a rigorous selection process. Okuhle first had to prove himself in three demanding local trials, where he faced every active chess player in the town to secure a place on the Makhanda District team. From there, his journey continued to Graaff-Reinet in May for the District Play-offs, where his strong performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the official Sarah Baartman District Team.

In September, he advanced to the Eastern Cape Closed Tournament in Gqeberha, where the top players from every district competed for a place on the provincial squad. It was at this fiercely contested event that Okuhle secured his position on the Eastern Cape Team. He has already earned his District Colours, and by competing at the Mzansi Inter-Provincial Championships, he now stands on the brink of receiving his Provincial Colours as well.

Okuhle's chess journey

“I started playing chess when I was in grade 6”, said Okuhle, “One of my teachers encouraged me to play because he wanted me to improve in my academics and from there, I entered competitions, and I won them.” Despite his early successes, finding out he had qualified for the nationals still came as a surprise. He said, “I was excited, and so was my family. I didn’t expect it. In our club, I’m the first one to qualify for the nationals.”

His accomplishment, however, did not happen in isolation. Much of Okuhle's growth as a player comes from the support and training he receives at the Sewelo Maths and Chess Community Development Academy, the club has played a central role in his development. Coach Jeremiah Sewelo said that the academy has become an influential youth development space in the community, and the vision is to create “an environment where chess is more than just a board game, but a life-transforming tool.” The programme is designed to improve cognitive skills, discipline, and problem-solving in learners. For many parents and teachers, the club has become a vital support system that complements school learning and keeps children engaged in positive extracurricular activities.

Okuhle is one of the academy’s standout examples of this mission in action, and this is reflected in the way his coach speaks about him. Coach Sewelo said, “Okuhle is one of the most dedicated and passionate players at the club. He loves and enjoys the game of chess. Based on his CHESSA rating, he is among the top 10 Under-16 players in our district. The benefits of chess are evident in Okuhle’s academic performance, as he has been doing remarkably well at school, especially in mathematics. We are very proud of him for going to represent Makhanda, his school and the academy at the upcoming National Championships.”

Preparing for this tournament requires consistent practice and discipline, “Chess is an individual sport that needs you to think. If you want to play chess, you have to be patient, relaxed, and calm, ” Okuhle said.

Photo one caption: Fifteen-year-old chess player Okuhle Nkolongo has qualified for the 2025 national youth championships. Photo: Benevolence Mazhinji