The story unfolds, the work of The Grahamstown Project continues. Two important projects passing through critical phases of their journeys. TGP has signed its first international donor funding agreement with Khanya Trust in England. An 8-month pilot as a forerunner to a bigger project. Three Learners will be trained in a woodworking and carpentry context. Building Skills for Life is Khanya’s mission. More information about this ground-breaking project to follow.
Oatlands Park, including the ongoing clean-up of city streets, is traversing rocky ground. Makana Revive, whose generous financial support enabled the expanded CBD clean-up project, has advised that funds for this project are exhausted. Mr Given Faxa and his team will cease operations on 31 October unless further funding forthcoming. All contributions appreciated. R5k per week to keep the team of 7 at work, including the refuse removal and management. Important role on many levels, not least pride and attracting people to our city.
Oatlands Park itself requires longer term financial support. We don’t realistically expect the municipality to invest in beautification of our community park. Far more pressing matters at hand for them. Attached a selection of photographs to demonstrate the impact of Mr Given Faxa and his team. Donations (or monthly debit) to Makana Revive appreciated.
Makana Revive! Trust
Standard Bank
A/C no: 283154 012
Thank you all for your ongoing support. I happened to travel back from Jhb last week with Rhodes VC, Dr Sizwe Mabizela. Through his leadership the Circle of Unity has commenced its work. Critically important that all stakeholders join hands for the betterment of our community.
GRAEME HOLMES
Before moving back to Grahamstown in Oct 2017, Graeme was a bank executive based in the big smoke and craziness of Joburg. He has 20 years’ experience in the Payments Industry. He is a Chartered Accountant, has a Masters in Management by Research (MMR) from Wits Business School, and attended an Advanced Management Programme (AMP) offered by INSEAD (The Business School for the World!) in France.
Graeme is the founder of The Grahamstown Project. It’s simple. He says, “Grahamstown is a microcosm of South Africa. If we can’t get this place to function properly then the whole country is stuffed. Many of the troubles we experience as a country today have their roots here in Grahamstown. it is here where black and white people first engaged in conflict on the African continent. It is here where 9 wars of dispossession over 100 years took place and virtually destroyed the amaXhosa nation. But we are where we are. I don’t have a British passport and the boat-trip back to where my ancestors came from is exorbitantly expensive. Furthermore, this is my home. I am a son of Africa. We must work together to redress the injustices of the past and move as one into a brighter future.”
Graeme is an avid historian, writer, vlogger and public speaker. Like and follow the Facebook page. Join him on a tour. Contact him. He would love that.