Latest news with #GovanMbeki
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow university building taped off due to 'incident'
In an internal email, students were told that the closure was due to 'an incident yesterday regarding a window at the front of the Govan Mbeki Building'. A member of security staff told our reporter that a 'fault' with one of the building's windows meant the entrance would be closed 'for the foreseeable'. Caution tape covered much of the building's front facade. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Affected individuals will be able to access classrooms inside the building via the adjacent George Moore Building, and have been asked to approach their programme leaders with any questions. The email reads: 'The main and rear entrances to the Govan Mbeki Building have been closed as a precautionary measure. 'Protective coverings will be put in place at other entrance/exit points in the coming days All fire exits will remain open. 'The accessible entrance from the George Moore Building is by the lift lobby linking to the Deeprose Lecture Theatre.' Students were also told not to open any windows inside the building. A sign posted to the front door of the building read: 'Due to essential maintenance, this entrance is closed.' Read more: World's largest archive of street newspapers gifted to Scottish university Students urged to boycott cybersecurity tech over Israel link 'I left school with nothing but college has changed my life' The Govan Mbeki Building was named after South African politician and anti-apartheid activist Govan Mbeki, a close ally of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned with him at Robben Island. Mandela had suggested the building be renamed after his comrade upon receiving an honorary degree from the university in June 1996 at Buckingham Palace. The building was officially opened by Mbeki's son, President Thabo Mbeki, at a special ceremony in June 2001. A Glasgow Caledonian University spokesperson said: 'On Wednesday afternoon our staff identified an issue with a single window in our Govan Mbeki Building which had become separated from its frame. The window was reinstated and secured shortly thereafter. "As a precaution a full assessment is now being undertaken of all similar windows. Two entrances to the building have been temporarily closed and a range of actions are being undertaken to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all the students and staff who use the building. "We will of course be providing further updates to our staff and students in due course.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish university building taped off due to 'incident'
In an internal email, students were told that the closure was due to 'an incident yesterday regarding a window at the front of the Govan Mbeki Building'. A member of security staff told our reporter that a 'fault' with one of the building's windows meant the entrance would be closed 'for the foreseeable'. Caution tape covered much of the building's front facade. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Affected individuals will be able to access classrooms inside the building via the adjacent George Moore Building, and have been asked to approach their programme leaders with any questions. The email reads: 'The main and rear entrances to the Govan Mbeki Building have been closed as a precautionary measure. 'Protective coverings will be put in place at other entrance/exit points in the coming days All fire exits will remain open. 'The accessible entrance from the George Moore Building is by the lift lobby linking to the Deeprose Lecture Theatre.' Students were also told not to open any windows inside the building. A sign posted to the front door of the building read: 'Due to essential maintenance, this entrance is closed.' Read more: World's largest archive of street newspapers gifted to Scottish university Students urged to boycott cybersecurity tech over Israel link 'I left school with nothing but college has changed my life' The Govan Mbeki Building was named after South African politician and anti-apartheid activist Govan Mbeki, a close ally of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned with him at Robben Island. Mandela had suggested the building be renamed after his comrade upon receiving an honorary degree from the university in June 1996 at Buckingham Palace. The building was officially opened by Mbeki's son, President Thabo Mbeki, at a special ceremony in June 2001. Glasgow Caledonian University has been asked for comment.
The Herald
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Daunting task lies ahead for The Herald Citizens of the Year panel
While the glitzy celebrations might only last for one night, the prestige that accompanies being named winners for one of The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University, lasts a lifetime. And Nelson Mandela Bay resident and 2024 sports category winner Mawethu Plaaitjies is a shining example of this as he continues to impact the lives of the disadvantaged youth through his Township Chess Academy. Plaaitjies, from the Ezinyoka area in Govan Mbeki Township, started the a cademy, affiliated with the Nelson Mandela Bay Chess Union, in 2021 and two years later, the Township Schools League was formed. The league started with four schools but has quickly grown to 25, adding 10 schools in the last year. But not only is it producing a passion for the sport among the pupils, it also aims to decrease the level of crime, alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy in his community. The 31-year-old said since his win in 2024, he had discovered a new-found vigour to continue to create change in his community. 'Knowing what you are doing is being recognised is a blessing in disguise,' he said. 'We do what we do for the community and sometimes it goes unappreciated, but winning this award definitely motivates you to do more to make a difference. 'Winning the title also assisted in our development, with us being able to adopt and equip two schools from my area. 'I have also since been appointed onto the community development committee for sports, recreation, arts and culture under NMU. 'I also want to appreciate the opportunity The Herald and Nelson Mandela University have given me to shine and made to feel special as a hero, that is a great recognition and feeling that money can't buy.' He encouraged residents to acknowledge the unsung heroes in their community and nominate them for the awards. Nominations for worthy recipients of what is considered one of the most prestigious awards and community social investments in the Bay will close on July 14. The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University, seeks to acknowledge and uplift individuals, businesses and organisations who have gone beyond the call of duty to assist their communities. With hundreds of annual entries competing across 10 categories, a panel of esteemed judges will whittle down the nominations to the top 10, who will be celebrated during a glitzy honorary gala awards ceremony on September 19 at the Sun Boardwalk Convention Centre. They will be vying for the respective category titles which include: Environment, Sports, Arts and Culture, Business/Entrepreneur, Education, Community, Civil Society, Gender-Based Violence, Health and Safety as well as the Standard Bank Youth Category known as 'Make your Mark'. In addition to the category winners, the esteemed Sister Ethel Award will be presented to an individual, voted for by the six judges, who has showcased exemplary community work in the region for more than a decade.
