Makana Sharp

Lockdown Level 4 did not stop the arts festival, and could not deter Amazwi South African Museum of Literature from launching an avalanche of books. Amazwi, known throughout South Africa for hosting book launches, had a full line-up from 8 to 18 July 2021.
https://www.grocotts.co.za/2021/07/30/literature-extravaganza-at-national-arts-festival/

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has implemented a cutting-edge technology solution that will enhance its ability to distribute royalties on behalf of its members.
https://www.grocotts.co.za/2021/07/25/hi-tech-solution-to-boost-samro-royalty-distribution/

Life is difficult in Makhanda/Grahamstown at the moment. We have been battling the Covid epidemic for a year and recently the entire town was shut down because of the strike which highlighted the shocking state of affairs of the town and the poor service delivery on the part of the municipality. Through it all, the little shop in Pepper Grove Mall, which sells just about everything from delicious country favourites, chicken pies, home-baked cakes to brownies, knitted toys, crocheted toilet roll covers – Home Industries – has stayed open – except for a brief closure in the worst, early days of Covid. And now, in the winter of 2021, we are celebrating our 50th birthday.
https://www.grocotts.co.za/2021/07/25/home-industries-celebrates-50-years/

New round of Standard Bank - Arts Ovation Awards! 👏👏

The Standard Bank Ovations Awards recognise works on the Fringe that stand out. Our panel of judges watch, deliberate and watch again, all the shows on the National Arts Festival Fringe to find the gems and award them a well deserved Standard Bank Ovation. These shows will bear the Standard Bank Ovation sticker so be sure to catch them and join us at the Standard Bank Ovation Awards Ceremony this Saturday 31st of July when we announce the Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners in a live streamed event!

Somerset Street traffic circle and St Andrew's Chapel, Makhanda, with long exposure light trails Makana Tourism

Take an interactive, virtual tour of 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Art Blessing Ngobeni's extraordinary exhibition 'Chaotic Pleasures' available on our website: https://bit.ly/36YytYI - it's free!

Standard Bank - Arts

This work is Genocide of a Beautiful Mind, 2019 - a piece from the exhibition.

Why was it so cold last week? Ian Meiklejohn, Head of the Department of Geography at Rhodes University explains. He lectures in geomorphology, climatology and environment change.
https://www.grocotts.co.za/2021/07/28/the-week-the-antarctic-came-to-makhanda/

Ecosystems on land changed so much during the Devonian Period that it is almost impossible to imagine. At the beginning of that period, about 420 million years ago, there were few plants on the landscape. They lived close to bodies of water and most were less than ankle high. Towards the end of the period, 60 million years later, the land was covered in a huge variety of plant life, including forests of trees. Makhanda palaeontologist, Dr Rob Gess, has had the unique opportunity to study plants at both the beginning and end of this significant period.
https://www.grocotts.co.za/2021/07/25/bracketing-the-devonian-period-in-the-eastern-cape/

Addo Elephant Park opens up . . . cautiously