Makana United Civic Movement
Why We Exist
Taking ownership of our town.
Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, was once one of the most important towns in South Africa and was known as an education hub, home to Rhodes University and numerous academic institutions. It also had well-maintained, functioning infrastructure.
With the advent of democracy in 1994, service delivery issues began to deteriorate materially. By 2018, the deterioration was affecting residents across Makhanda, particularly in the township, where residents were not able to afford water tanks and solar systems to compensate for periods of complete failure of water and electricity supply.
Rhodes University was losing students as parents were no longer sending their children to study in Makhanda because of the harsh conditions in which they had to live and study. Local schools were also seriously compromised.
The Constitution identifies incompetency and corruption within the Makana Municipality as having contributed to the collapse of essential services. It further records that, over a seven-year period, Makana Municipality had seven Audit Disclaimers issued by the Auditor-General.
The Makana United Civic Movement was established from the belief that the people of Makhanda must take ownership of their town and work towards restoring it through unity, accountability and ethical governance.
Our Commitment
The Movement is founded on democratic values, accountability and fundamental human rights. It is committed to building a united, prosperous and sustainable Makhanda that respects the dignity of all people and provides equal opportunities for human development.
MUCM is registered as a non-profit organisation under the Non-Profit Organisations Act 71 of 1997 (Business Reg No. 2026/173788/08) — non-political, non-racial, and open to every resident of Makhanda without fee.