Tin Mug Chat

Tin Mug Chat Potholes, Penguins and a Personal Journey. Let's chat about the Problems, the Problem Solvers and the Path to Improvement.

PALE PALE - WHEN THE POSTER CHILD TAKES STRAINThey say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a fading image on a stre...
13/05/2026

PALE PALE - WHEN THE POSTER CHILD TAKES STRAIN

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a fading image on a street pole might be worth even more.

Since May 2024, this image of Cyril Ramaphosa has looked down on African Street. A street that is decaying faster than a municipal manager dodging a phone call. Back then, the usual promises were made. Today, just like Ramaphosa and Makana Municipality's reputation it is going to tatters in front of our eyes. Water interruptions with false excuses, electricity outages without actively addressing cable theft, decaying infrastructure without making provision for maintenance. This is what happens when those in charge line their own pockets at the expense of us citizens.

It brings to mind the old saying: "A fish rots from the head down."

When leadership at the very top is clouded by shadows like Phala Phala, that lack of accountability eventually trickles down into every local corridor of power. We see it in the disrespect the top echelon of the government and municipality towards us. The decay is for all to see from pale pale to Phala Phala. This isn't just about a tattered piece of plastic on a pole; it’s about a culture of mismanagement that has allowed things to slide for too long.

When bad management is left unchecked, it eventually "comes home to roost." You see it in the peeling ink, the torn edges, and the tarnished reputation of what was once promised with hope.

It is time for change.

05/05/2026

NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE THAT WISH NOT TO SEE.

I am not sure what the vandal's idea was to deface Steve Biko's eyes. It does not matter what your beliefs are, but one has to respect Steve Biko that stood up for his rights, and despite violence perpetrated against him, not once espoused or encouraged violence as a reprisal.

The time has arrived to put the glint back into Steve Biko's eyes.

The good that has come from it is that it has created an awareness of a dark part of our history.

I think with the 16th May being International Day of Light & International Day of Living Together in Peace would be a befitting day to restore some dignity.

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN - BRING BIKO'S PEACE BACK TO BEAUFORT STREET: VISION RESTORED

Folks, we’ve all seen the red paint. We’ve felt the sting of seeing the peaceful gaze of Steve Biko mural at the Beaufort and Somerset intersection defaced. It was a targeted act, but it has only shown us how much this "talking piece" truly matters to our community.

The good news? We aren’t leaving it this way.

We are turning this moment of hurt into a movement of restoration. We are calling on our community, business owners, residents, and history-keepers, to help us bring the original artist, Tolo LikaKheswa, back to Makhanda/Grahamstown to heal this artwork.

Our Goal: R 10 000-00
To make sure this mural stands tall and stays protected, we aren’t just repainting; we are fortifying. Your donations will go directly toward:

The Artist’s Hands: Covering professional fees, transport, and accommodation for Tolo LikaKheswa to return.

Permanent Protection: High-quality graffiti-proof sealant so any future "statements" can be wiped away without damaging the art.

Security & Light: Installing a solar-powered spotlight and a CCTV camera to watch over the site 24/7.

The Final Vision: Completing the installation with the observer’s chair, creating a space for reflection rather than conflict.

Steve Biko once said, "It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die." This mural is an idea that lives. Let’s show that our respect for history is stronger than a spray can.

Any surplus funds will go to the Black Power Station’s future community art projects.

How to Donate:
TMCC Consulting. Capitec BUSINESS Account 1052 9214 34 Reference "See Biko" Take note it is a Capitec Business Account.

WhatsApp Contact for Solar Light/ Paint/ CCTV Camera other donations 062 021 9893

Every Rand brings us closer to un-blinding Biko and reclaiming our public space.

Station

SUNRISE IS A PRESENT - BE PRESENTThis morning early, I was heading back. My mind was heavy about a dysfunctional municip...
13/04/2026

SUNRISE IS A PRESENT - BE PRESENT
This morning early, I was heading back.

My mind was heavy about a dysfunctional municipality, wondering if we had another break-in and thinking about a deal I have to facilitate.

Suddenly, the sun broke through the clouds over the Bay. It was stunning. For a moment, the thought crossed through my mind that maybe next time I should stop and take a photo of a scene like this.

Then it struck me. We are always saying "maybe" or "next time" or "I should". NO. The time is now. Live in the present, because it is, after all, a present.

I am so grateful that I pulled over and caught the moment in the nick of time. Now I can relive the moment over and over again.

A life worth living, is a life worth recording.

Community Update: New CPF Executive Elected! 🇿🇦Yesterday, 30 March, marked an important step forward for safety in Graha...
31/03/2026

Community Update: New CPF Executive Elected! 🇿🇦
Yesterday, 30 March, marked an important step forward for safety in Grahamstown/Makhanda. A new Community Policing Forum (CPF) executive was elected under the efficient oversight of Mr. Mncedisi Boma from the Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety.

We want to extend a massive thank you to Col. Pika for his outgoing remarks and guidance, and to all the residents who showed up to make their voices heard. While we had a fantastic turnout from Sectors 1 and 2, we hope to see more representation from Sectors 3 and 4 as we move forward!

Meet Your New CPF Executive:
Chairperson: Ms. Nolosindiso Lukwe
Vice Chairperson: Ms. Sinazo Manyati
Secretary: Mr. Matthew Kirk
Deputy Secretary: Mr. Roy Francis
Treasurer: Nondumiso Mcanda
Additional Members: Ms. Siphesihle Makolo, Mr. Marlin Martin, Mr. Rowan Engelbrecht, and Ms. Sarah Kirk.

This new team gives us great hope for a stronger, more transparent collaboration between our community and the SAPS. Together, we can address crime more efficiently and keep our town safe.

Let’s work together! 🤝

25/03/2026

RESPECT IS EARNED: A Title does not Entitle you.

(Before I delve into what is on my mind below, I want to make it clear that these are my own personal observations. These are not affiliated to any organisations and/or structures I serve.)

Last Thursday, I attended the meeting called by the Executive Mayor regarding Makhanda’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 AM. By 12:20 PM, at nearly an hour and a half later, the Mayor had still not arrived, and not a single announcement was made to explain the delay or offer an apology to the citizens waiting. The mayor arrived as we were leaving the premises through the gate at 12h30.

As residents, our time is just as valuable as those in office. When leadership keeps a community waiting without a word, it sends a clear message: disrespect.

Respect is not something you are "deserved" simply because of a title or a position of power; it is something you earn through your actions and how you treat the people you serve.

Furthering this lack of respect was the state of the venue itself. This is a municipal building, yet there were no functioning toilets available for the public. How can we discuss an "Integrated Development Plan" for our future when we cannot even maintain the basic dignity of a working restroom in the present?

There is a complete lack of pride shown in our municipal assets. If we don’t take pride in our own halls and our own people's time, how can we expect to build a city we are proud of?

It’s time for a higher standard of leadership in Makhanda/ Grahamstown. We deserve transparency, we deserve punctuality, and above all, we deserve respect.

I was assisted with the Xhosa translation below. Please feel free to correct in case of error.

Inhlonipho Iyasetyenzellia, Ayinkwa Ngokuba Nesikhundla

NgoLwesine odlulileyo, ndiye ndaya kwintlanganiso ebibizwe nguSodolophu oLawulayo malunga neSicwangciso soPhuhliso esiDityanisiweyo (IDP) saseMakhanda. Intlanganiso ibimiselwe ngentsimbi ye 11h00 ekuseni. Nge 12h20 emva kwemini, phantse iyure enye enesiqingatha kamva, uSodolophu wayengekanki, kwaye akukho nesaziso esinye senziwa sokuchaza ukulibaziseka okanye ukunika uxolo kubemi ababelindile.

Njengabahlali, ixesha lethu lixabisekile kanye njengelo labo baseofisini. Xa ubunkokhheli bugcina uluntu lulindile ngaphandle kwelizwi, lithumela umyalezo ocacileyo: ukungahloniphi.

Inhlonipho asiyonto "ofaneleke" ngayo nje ngenxa yesihloko okanye isikhundla samandla; yinto oyifumanayo ngezenzo zakho nangendlela ophatha ngayo abantu obakhonzayo.

Ukongeza kolu kungahloniphi kwakukho imeko yendawo yokuhlangana ngokwayo. Le yisakhiwo sikamasipala, kodwa kwankungekho zindlu zangasese ezisebenzayo ezifumanekayo kuluntu. Singaxoxa njani nge "Sicwangciso soPhuhliso esiDityanisiweyo" sekamva lethu xa singakwazi nokugcina isidima esisiseko sendlu yangasese ekhoyo kwixesha langoku?

Kukho ukungabikho ngokupheleleyo kokuzingca kwizinto zethu zikamasipala. Ukuba asizihoyi izinto zethu ezakhiweyo kunye nexesha labantu bethu, singalindela njani ukwakha isixeko esizidlayo ngaso?

Lixesha lokuba kubeko umgangatho ophakamileyo wobunkokheli eMakhanda. Sifanele ukuba nengxelo ecacileyo, sifanele ukuba nempumelelo yexesha, kwaye ngaphezu kwako konke, sifanele inhlonipho.

The video in this post was taken at 12h15 at the venue of the meeting to be held at 11h00.

THANK YOU "SEF" FOR ASSISTING TO FIX OUR ROADSI have first hand experienced seeing these gents and ladies at work. It is...
22/03/2026

THANK YOU "SEF" FOR ASSISTING TO FIX OUR ROADS

I have first hand experienced seeing these gents and ladies at work. It is not ideal, but at least there is an attempt to keep our roads in a reasonable shape.

I took some footage of repairs done on the corner of Dundas/Bathurst Street as well as Hill Street between Dundas and Beaufort Street. I gained so much respect for these workers sweating away in mid 30 degree heat. Hats off to you.

I feel there is a story that must be told about this wonderful initiative, which I intend doing in the next few weeks. The abbreviation SEF is for "Social Employment Fund".

Thank you again to all the people using SEF to keep our City alive on life support.

UPDATE OF - STATION CIRCLE, THE ROAD PAVED IN PROMISES:I did a walkabout to the Station Circle at the bottom of High St...
17/03/2026

UPDATE OF - STATION CIRCLE, THE ROAD PAVED IN PROMISES:

I did a walkabout to the Station Circle at the bottom of High Street on Friday Afternoon and again on Tuesday morning. Two words sprang to mind. Stunning and respect.

The road is going to look beautiful once completed. I believe that the road will be open to traffic on Friday 20 March 2026. However, don't shoot the messenger if he got that one wrong.

Respect ... Friday afternoon was a scorcher, as was Tuesday morning. The guys (and ladies) laying the paving and sweeping the grout in between the cracks carried on with their tasks regardless. The supervisor (unfortunately I forgot his name and for that you may shoot the messenger), was quite confident that the circle will be opened by Friday.

However ... and it is a HOWEVER. Is the piece of road going up to the Kinswood 4 way stop going to be repaired?

HIGH STREET CIRCLE UPDATE: PROGRESS AND CONCERNS:To the residents and business owners of Makhanda,I recently visited the...
03/03/2026

HIGH STREET CIRCLE UPDATE: PROGRESS AND CONCERNS:

To the residents and business owners of Makhanda,

I recently visited the High Street Circle to see the progress on the "Road Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project" firsthand. There is some good news to share, but also some significant red flags that we as a community need to keep an eye on.

The Good News
Aesthetic Appeal: The area at the circle that is already paved looks beautiful. By my estimation, this specific section is about 85% complete.

Infrastructure Fixes: It was encouraging to see a new valve being installed in a spot that previously suffered from a persistent water leak.

The Concerns
The Pothole Stretch: The tar road stretching from the circle to the Kingswood four-way stop is currently in a terrible state, riddled with potholes. While I understand this stretch is slated for asphalt repair, I am deeply concerned that no work has been done here to date.

Quality of Workmanship: I noticed evidence of water damage in front of Afri Cafe (the red shop in the corner). It appears no base was laid under the paving there, and as a result, the bricks are already starting to settle in ruts and lie skewed. Now, I’m not a paving expert, but common sense tells me the contractor needs to address this foundation issue before paving any further.

The Timeline Issue
The official communication from Luzuko Trading Enterprise (LTE Civils and Plant) claims that rain on February 27th caused damage that pushed "practical completion" back to March 14, 2026.

While the work looks good to my novice eyes, I find it unacceptable that two days of rain last week is being used as an excuse for a two-week delay. This is especially frustrating because I saw with my own eyes that no work was done today, and sources tell me the site was also quiet yesterday.

The Impact on Local Business
This prolonged "temporary inconvenience" is badly affecting major local businesses that rely on this junction for supplies and customers. We are talking about: Legends Cash & Carry, Parkhill Motors, Micronized Products, Siyakubonga, Grahamstown Glass, Dolphin Auto Electrical, Buttrich Cartage...and several others.

Our City needs this finished, and finished right, without further excuses.

This is wonderful when a citizen just jumps in and effects a positive change.
13/01/2026

This is wonderful when a citizen just jumps in and effects a positive change.

SOMETHING IS A BUZZ OVER OUR CITY, MAKHANDA/GRAHAMSTOWN:The following article was written by a human - me. It is followe...
14/07/2025

SOMETHING IS A BUZZ OVER OUR CITY, MAKHANDA/GRAHAMSTOWN:

The following article was written by a human - me. It is followed by an AI research-related section in the post (titled: World-Class Aerobics over Makhanda).

When I heard the buzz over town last week, I did not give it much thought, annoyance-wise. Maybe because it did not annoy me. I fleetingly wondered what the airplane was doing on the northern edge of town. It sounded like a crop-spraying plane, but we all know what crops are growing that side of town. Potholes and plastics from a defunct tip, proudly produced by an incompetent Makana Municipal leaderlesship, don't need spraying!

So it was with great amusement that I noticed a few complaints filtering through on social media. It seems like some of the posts have since been removed, but I could be wrong as well. My new motto is let's debate issues (instead of let us argue about it). I was, however, grateful that an issue was made, because now I learnt something new, our little City can be proud of. Patrick Davidson, the Air Race X pilot, chose our piece of sky to come and hone his skills. He is an Eastern Cape boytjie, born and bred in Port Elizabeth, and is currently leading the race with the potential of becoming a world champion.

After the murmurs about their buzzing, Team 77 (under which flag Patrick flies) was kind enough to post their itinerary for us to be aware of which areas would be abuzz. The last flights were on Monday, 14 July 2025 at 10h00. So I did a quick detour via the airport on the way to the Makana Electricity Department.

Team 77. What a humble group of people! I was invited onto the airstrip to come and chat. They were very apologetic about inconveniencing the townsfolk. Come on, guys (and girls) ... we have a world-class performance on our doorstep. We should be embracing it.

I just want to thank Patrick Davidson, Egbert Gerryts, and the other two guys whose names elude me now, for their friendliness and hospitality. You guys rock and bring another World Trophy home to us!

The rest is written by AI. Follow the links for more in-depth information.

🚀 WORLD-CLASS AEROBATICS OVER MAKHANDA 🇿🇦
If you've heard the roar of engines or seen some jaw-dropping aerial manoeuvres above the Grahamstown Makhanda Aerodrome recently — you’re not dreaming!

Local hero Patrick Davidson and his crew, Team 77, have been training at full throttle for the AIR RACE X 2025 finals — a cutting-edge global motorsport where elite pilots fly real planes through virtual pylon racetracks, all powered by GPS, AI and AR/XR tech.

Flying at speeds of up to 400 km/h and experiencing G-forces as high as 12G, Davidson is making Makhanda proud — even posting the fastest time of the 2025 season in the qualifying rounds! 💪✈️

📺 Watch his high-speed qualifying run here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlfCOucpz0w

📰 Get the full story, including interviews and behind-the-scenes insights:
👉 https://www.talkofthetown.co.za/2024/05/25/pilot-brings-world-class-racing-action-to-makhanda-skies_1/

🌐 More about AIR RACE X — the future of motorsport, born in Shibuya and now taking the skies worldwide:
👉 https://www.airracex.com

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