Makhanda festival city
The city is renowned for its educational institutions, for being the national seat of the judiciary and for its cultural events
AFRICAN MUSIC MAESTRO DIES
World-renowned African music specialist, Professor Andrew Tracey, died in hospital in Gqeberha last Friday. He and wife Heather have been familiar figures in various Grahamstown and Makhanda circles for many years.
Tracey served as director of the International Library of African Music (ILAM) at Rhodes University from 1977 to 2005, and was widely known for his contribution to education in African music and his tireless enthusiasm for teaching and performing African music.
He was also widely known for his passion for steelband music, and was also a director of African Musical Instruments, a company manufacturing musical instruments and based in Makhanda.
Tracey was musical director and performer in the hit SA stage show,
that played for seven years in SA, England, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
His son, Geoffrey Tracey, wrote on social media this week that before he passed he asked his father if he had a message for anyone, and the reply from his father was: “Support the original African music and researchers.”
Geoffrey Tracey added: “His message in dying was the same as in his living. He lived his purpose and was an inspiration to the end.”
CAMBRIDGE EXAM SUCCESSES
In 2019, the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) and St Andrew’s College (SAC) introduced a Cambridge International A levels stream, giving its pupils the choice of a recognised and respected international alternative to the mainstream National Senior Certificate written through the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
Successful completion of a Cambridge International A level qualification provides pupils with access to the top universities throughout the world, including SA.
St Andrew’s headmaster Tom Hamilton said: “We are delighted with the Cambridge A-level results, having achieved a 100% pass rate, 70% of our symbols were A/B/C, and 20% of our symbols were distinctions.”
Grade 12 pupils achieving exceptional results in their Cambridge International A level examinations were Michael Mulcahy (top achiever, St Andrew’s) — three A* symbols and an average of 95%; Max Coventry (St Andrew’s) — one A* symbol and two A symbols with an average of 85%; Estelle Minas (top achiever, DSG) — two A symbols and one B symbol for an average of 84%; Oliver Snart (St Andrew’s) —
three B symbols with an average of 75%; and Janice Ruwodo (DSG) — three B symbols with an average of 70%.
GOOD START BY KINGSWOOD
Kingswood College’s participation in the Makhanda Schools’ Cricket Festival last week proved to be a promising start to the season for its young and enthusiastic first Xl, winning two of its three matches.
Kingswood beat Hellenic Academy from Zimbabwe by six wickets on dayone, defeated Peterhouse School, also from Zimbabwe, by 50 runs on day-two, and lost by three wickets to Trinityhouse High School from Johannesburg. Scores in brief:
Kingswood v Hellenic: Hellenic 96 all out in 46 overs (Jack Collett 3/10, David Louden 2/12, Matthew Loon 2/15). Kingswood 130 for 4 off 33 overs (Josh Loon 68 not out, Tapiwa Zhanda 18). Kingswood won by six wickets.
Kingswood v Peterhouse: Kingswood 195 all out off 63 overs (Jaryd Botha 71, Christopher Zimmerman 38, Ross Thompson 21 not out). Peterhouse 145 all out in 47 overs (Matthew Loon 4/24, Jack Collett 4/33). Kingswood won by 50 runs.
Kingswood v Trinityhouse: Kingswood 182 all out (Christopher Zimmerman 46, Ross Thompson 37, Jaryd Botha 24, Alistair Knott 23 not out). Trinityhouse 183 for 7 (Matthew Loon 4/43, Daniel Jakins 2/23). Trinityhouse won by three wickets.
The Kingswood squad for the festival comprised Jaryd Botha, Alistair Knott, Josh Loon, Tapiwa Zhanda, Jack Collett, Franco Klopper, Daniel Jakins, David Louden, Ross Thompson, Sinawo Bukula, Christopher Zimmerman, Ethan Alt, Dan Phillips and Matthew Loon.
Ten schools took part in the annual cricket festival – Peterhouse School and Hellenic Academy (both from
Zimbabwe), Trinityhouse High School (Johannesburg), Hudson Park High School (East London), Dale College (Qonce), Woodridge College (Thornhill), Muir College (Kariega) and Graeme College, Kingswood College and St Andrew’s College (Makhanda).
FUN ON THE GREENS
Players taking part in the annual Pepper Grove Pick n Pay inter-company night bowls league at Grahamstown Bowling Club may partake of their favourite tipple or soft drink during play; they may munch away at their burgers and chips (on sale in the clubhouse); they are encouraged to wear team clothing in bright colours; they may shout words of encouragement to friends on other greens; they may giggle or laugh when teammates or opponents bowl a wrong-bias; and they may chase after their woods if they so choose, urging them to slow down or speed up.
But there is one thing players may not do, and that is wear shoes with heels —
that’s a big no-no!
Otherwise it’s all systems go for the 2024 event that takes place from January 29 to finals night on February 22.
Tournament co-ordinator June McDougall said the 2024 night bowls league would be the 29th edition, and for the latest competition entries will be limited to 48 teams-of-three.
Teams over the past 29 years have represented companies, service clubs, university departments, schools, family groups and sports clubs.
Entry fee is R600 a team and closing date for entries is January 22 or once 48 teams have entered.
For more info e-mail McDougall at
A TASTE OF FINE WINE
A date for locals to diarise is Friday February 23 when Grahamstown SPCA holds its “Makana Meander” wine tasting (with snacks) and auction evening at Grahamstown Bowling Club from 6pm.
The auctioneer is well-known historian and raconteur, Alan Weyer, and tickets are R120 each.
Proceeds will go towards the SPCA vehicle fund balance, as well as phasetwo of the SPCA sterilisation project. Book tickets at or for more info phone 076-878-0137.
AS THE SUN GOES DOWN
Scoring 26 points, three ahead of the runners-up, Dave Duncan and Megan McCallum won last Friday’s sundowner competition at Belmont Golf Club, sponsored by Kelston Isuzu Grahamstown.
Second on 23 points were Wayne Tammadge and Leard King, and third Rudi Marx and Campbell Westcott with 22 points.
Two-clubs on the 11th hole were achieved by Ryan Dewey, Dave Duncan, Megan McCallum, Rudi Marx and Steve Gornall, while Owen McCullay had a two-club on the 13th and Graham Hains on the 16th.
SHADY TREES BUT NO BENCHES
A Makhanda resident says he was surprised and a tad disappointed the other day to discover there are no benches to sit down for a rest on the expansive lawns between Drostdy Arch and Rhodes University’s administration buildings.
WISHFUL THINKING
With the influx expected early next month of first-year students and their parents from across SA, could the potholes in front of Drostdy Arch at the western end of High Street not be repaired? While on the subject, how about Makana Municipality making the visitors’ arrival here more pleasant by repairing potholes on the main access roads into town? Just a thought — a wishful thought!
GOOD TURNOUT IN THE BOTS
Just one short of the century-mark, but nevertheless the presence of 99 runners, joggers and walkers at Saturday’s parkrun in Makana botanical gardens (‘The Bots’) would have brought a broad smile to the faces of officials and volunteers.
While Tonderai Musarurwa completed his 100th parkrun on Saturday, there are many participants who are approaching the 50 and 100 marks.
Saturday’s parkrun attracted 49 female participants, 37 males and 13 nonregistered runners and walkers.
Parkruns are held at 8am each Saturday from the entrance to the botanical gardens in Lucas Avenue.
THE RAT RACE
Rhodes University placed an advertisement in a local school’s annual magazine in 1997 carrying the headline, “Come join the Rat Race”.
The text in the advert read: “School’s out and it’s time to move on to all the good things that life has to offer. That means joining the Rat Race. The real Rat Race starts at Rhodes University, and we think it’s time you started your life as a Rhodent.”
Quite quirky, don’t you think?
GOOD TENNIS UP NORTH
Kingswood College tennis players Isabelle Oertel, Onalenna Mokgosana, Isabella Greyling and Madison Edwards represented the Eastern Cape Aloes at the SA interprovincial tennis tournament in Pretoria last week. They put in great performances, with Madison Edwards winning four out of five singles matches to earn a place in the SA U17 tennis team.
PUBLIC STREETS NO MORE
These Makhanda (previously Grahamstown) thoroughfares are no longer in existence by their original names. What do they have in common?
Burton Street; Balfour Terrace; Sheblom Lane; Wallace Street; Rhodes Avenue; Gilbert Street; Van Ryneveld Street and Elizabeth Street.
These streets, lanes and avenues have been incorporated into university, schools’ and private properties.
NOT TOO BORING?
The building in the dip in Hill Street, between Dundas and Beaufort Streets, has been known as “The Drill Hall” forever.
However, a reader points out that the sign above the front door reads, “Chief Makhanda Regiment Drill Hall”. Interesting!
In the book Grahamstown Reflected published in 1995, author Emily O’Meara wrote, “The Drill Hall in Hill Street —a handsome stone edifice erected in 1866 as the Albany Hall, and scene of numerous balls and theatrical performances — has been First City’s headquarters since the turn of the century.”
REMEMBER THE DAYS?
When the then Grahamstown boasted several family-owned and run restaurants and cafes going by such well-known names as Bambi Snack Bar, 6 Hill Street (“Charlie Bambi”); Butterfly Snack Bar, 13 Beaufort Street (Haefele family); Olympia Café, 25 Bathurst Street (Herbie Daniels); The Copa, 67 Beaufort Street; Ramona
Café, 50 High Street; Copper Kettle Restaurant, 9 Bathurst Street; and Dragon Pearl Chinese Restaurant, Church Square (Gary Junkin).
These days most local cafes, restaurants and fast-food outlets appear to be of the national franchise variety.
CHANGES
The premises of 1A Hill Street are currently occupied by Kelston Isuzu Makhanda, part of the Kelston Motor Group, agents for Isuzu D-Max single and double cab LDVs, plus the MU-X and preowned vehicles.
Some years back, the premises were occupied by Maritime Motors, which offered sales and service for Mercedes Benz, Honda and Colt.
On the other hand, the 1960s and 1970s saw 1A Hill Street taking on a completely different look as far as stock and sales were concerned, with EP Timbers the tenant, selling timber, hardware products and all building requirements.
NEWS, VIEWS AND MORE NEWS
Contributions to the Makhanda column are always welcome, be it news and sports results from schools; letters from residents; details of coming events; event reports; and news and events from local service and social clubs. The deadline for contributions is 1pm on the Sunday prior to the Thursday edition of Talk of the Town. E-mail
SHABBIER THAN SHABBY
A reader has responded as follows to the item “Shabby-looking sidewalks” in last week’s Makhanda column.
He writes: “I live in Sunnyside and drive its streets, and other parts of Makhanda, on a daily basis. You use the words “shabby”, “overgrown” and “eyesore” to describe the state of our streets, verges, gutters and open spaces.
I’d like to add one more word to describe some of the streets in Sunnyside and indeed the rest of Makhanda, and that is disgusting.
“For instance, George Street is a very busy road and is one of four entrances into town — its pavements are overgrown and there are incomplete roadworks in parts of the street.
“Then there are the potholes, but that’s another story. Really, municipality, you should do something about the state of Makhanda’s streets!”