CleanwaterbroughttoMthathacommunity
BABALWA NDLANYA
COMMUNITY members from Sibangweni Locality in Mthatha will now have access to clean water following the handover of a borehole by the management of Mister Bread last week.
The Premier Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Managing Executive of Sustainability, Julian Singonzo, confirmed that the borehole is equipped with taps, allowing the community to access clean water He also confirmed that they had donated 200 wheelbarrows to elderly people and child-headed families in the area
Singonzo stated that they are aware of the water issues in South Africa, particularly in rural areas.
"People are forced to go to rivers to fetch water, and often this water is not of good quality. Sometimes, they drink from water sources where animals also drink. As Mister Bread, we decided to make a change as we near the end of Human Rights Month by donating this borehole to improve the lives of the people. Additionally, this week is Water Week, so it was symbolic for us to hand over these items to the community," said Singonzo.
He added that the community would now have access to clean water, and everyone would benefit from this new resource.
According to him, they started by prioritising disabled people, child-headed families, and the elderly He confirmed that although 200 wheelbarrows were donated, more would be provided to cover the entire area.
"These wheelbarrows will not belong to any one family; the community will share them. We have to learn to work together as community members. This borehole is well fenced, and it will be monitored with security cameras. We will also install an alarm system By doing this, we are trying to ensure that it is not vandalised. The community must ensure it is kept in good condition."
One of the beneficiaries, Thabo Moletsane (69), said he was very happy because there are taps in their area that have had no water for some time.
"Now we are happy because we will be able to drink clean water. We will make sure to keep it in good condition at all times," said Moletsane.
Another beneficiary, Xolani Sikhumbuzo (58), from Lutoli Locality, mentioned that they had seen similar initiatives in other areas.
"We will ensure that no one vandalises this borehole because if they do, we will struggle. This water will help even during ceremonies at our homes, as we will be able to fetch water here," said Sikhumbuzo
The Traditional Leader of the area, Chief Velile Nongungula, stated that they live in a remote area and often seek help from those who can bring change to their community.
"That's how we managed to receive help from Mister Bread. Although we have taps in our area, there is no water. The municipality has brought six water tanks, but they are not enough. This is a breakthrough. I am glad because I feel I have fulfilled my purpose as a leader. As a leader, you must serve the people and ensure they get what they need," said Nongungula.
SchemesupportsagriculturalbusinessesinEasternCape
A BLENDED finance scheme aimed at Eastern Cape-based agricultural businesses is driving the growth, competitiveness and productivity of 30 Agri-entrepreneurs who have received R50,5 million in funding since its inception in 2023
An initiative of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), the scheme disbursed R50 5 million to qualifying agricultural businesses as a part loan and part incentive
The ECRDA contributed R33 3 million to fund the incentive portion of the blended finance scheme, while the ECDC ringfenced R25 million for loan funding to qualifying businesses Of the R50,5 million disbursed by December 31, 2024, R28,3 million went to the incentive portion, with R22,2 million in loan funding The 30 funded farmers are from the Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman, OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo district municipalities
They also include farmers from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Buffalo City Metro The main products produced by the funded farmers include beef, dairy, chickens, sorghum, cannabis, yellow and white maize, macadamia nuts, as well as seasonal crops such as spinach and cabbage
"The response to the scheme was overwhelming, to the extent that we were not able to fund all farmers that had applied for consideration due to limited resources The blended finance scheme mainly funds input costs, production and processing equipment of qualifying applicants as set out in their respective business plans These include fertilisers, seeds, irrigation, mechanisation, livestock feed and other agricultural operations activities against which a clear income stream will be derived It also provides asset-based finance for tractors, vehicles, agricultural machinery, and other movable assets required in the agricultural operations of the applicant enterprises
The Executive Manager for Enterprise and Finance and Business Support for ECDC, Zinzile Nkonko, said the ECDC in partnership with the ECRDA, launched the pilot phase of the Agri-Blended Finance Scheme to promote access to finance for agri-businesses operating in the agriculture value chain, by providing derisked loans given the high-risk nature of the agri-
culture sector which often results in funding institutions being reluctant to issue funding This is a useful instrument in an environment where agriculture funding is mainly directed at established commercial agricultural enterprises
Nkonki said the Agri Blended Finance scheme aims to leverage public and private sector resources to increase the scope of available support (financial, technical, and non-financial), to unlock and enhance agricultural value chains with a clear commercial intent The idea is to use blended finance instruments such as this one to derisk credit and financial risks that tend to render agri-businesses unfundable
One of these agri-businesses is LM Holdings whose 15 Idutywa-based co-operatives farm sorghum, white maize, soya beans and other grains The scheme disbursed R3,9 million to the business with R1,9 million being an incentive and R1,9 million a loan
Their business model involves partnering with communal landowners and smallholder farmers in commercialising the use of their land
"The funding helped LM Holdings to acquire production inputs, a planter, boom spray and harvester The business also has United National Breweries in Durban as their market
This season, LM Holdings has cultivated 600 hectares in the Ngxakaxa cooperative, 300 hectares in the Chachazela cooperative, 150 hectares in the Qhorha cooperative, 210 hectares in the Ndakeni cooperative, 150 hectares in the Nqadu cooperative, 90 hectares in the Mangwevini Cooperative, and 200 hectares in the Fort Malan cooperative The crops planted in these cooperatives include sorghum, soybean, sunflower, white and yellow maize "
Founded by two rural youths, Mzimasi Jalisa and Siphe Joyi, Jay Jay Farming
is based in rural Mputhi in Mthatha Jay Jay Farming received R2,2 million from the Agri-Blended Finance Scheme Of this amount, R1,084 million was an incentive and R1,1 million was a loan The funds went to the procurement of maize crop production inputs, the development of infrastructure such as the construction of a storage shed, and toward working capital
A total of 202 hectares have been planted with white maize, while 130 hectares have been cultivated with soya beans The business has employed 15 permanent workers and employs a further 15 seasonal workers Their produce is being sold to Mthatha, Ngcobo and Kokstad retailers, animal feed companies and local communities
Also based in Mthatha, EC Poultry received R1,026 million from the scheme with R706,400 being an incentive and R320 367 a loan The enterprise specialises in the rearing of chickens (layers) and the cultivation of vegetables
The funding facilitated the purchase of feed, medication and vaccines, as well as infrastructure development for the installation of a solar-powered borehole, storeroom and fencing Additionally, a storeroom is being constructed Fencing has been completed for an area of over 3 5 hectares The business has access to markets for eggs, while cabbages are sold to local hawkers and residents Furthermore, the project maintains a positive relationship with the Department of Defence, which is advocating for the farm to supply its branches
"The farmers are repaying the loan portion of the scheme, with pineapple farmers enabled by off-take agreements Farmers have different revenue intervals informing the repayment plans agreed upon with the ECDC For example, most maize farmers will repay their loan portions after the June to August harvest Similarly, beef cattle farmers generate revenues on the sale of weaners; hence repayment terms for a number of farmers have been structured accordingly This means that if production stock was funded, the scheme would take into account the gestation period, as well as the time it would take for a calf to be ready for the market as a weaner Crop farmers are generally granted a moratorium to allow them sufficient time to grow their seasonal crops so that they are ready for the market "
Qizani Zazela (85), who received a wheelbarrow from Mister Bread, posing with the Traditional Leader, Chief Velile Nongungula.
PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
Managing Director of Jay Jay Farming, Mzimasi Jalisa, inspecting his field. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Ngcobowoolgrowers makemillions
ZOLILE MENZELWA
IN an effort to expand operation and improve the production o Ngcobo wool growers, Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has put paid to its multi-year donation to local farmers
The municipality closed the month, March 31, of commemorating its namesake by donating 200 ewes to the Wo Growers Association The far ers bring their 200, and 400 she are donated to the association
The programme started in the 2022/ 23 financial year with 1 200 sheep donated so far Integrated Planning and Economic Development political head, Nobuntu Mgidi, said the programme aimed to provide the farmers with the resources they need to expand operations and improve production
“The wool growing industry plays a critical role in the local economy
Supporting these farmers with the resources they need is an investment in the community's future,” she said Mgidi said the initiative not only helps in improving agricultural practices but also improves the potential of local farmers, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market
Mayor Siyabulela Zangqa said the 2022 to 2026 council, whose term ends next year, had adopted the programme for wool farmers
“We want to ensure that they produce quality wool that will give them great returns After having had this programme for five years, we would like to have a processing facility in Ngcobo This will ensure we create sustainable jobs for our people,” he said Wool Growers Association chairperson, Xolile Jezile, said the association made millions of rands in the 2022/ 23 and 2023/ 2024 financial years “When we sold our wool in the market the first time we made R10 5 million and the second time we made R13 2 million We have not received the results for this year (2024/ 2025) But the results we have show the municipality’s programme is working,” he said The association, Jezile said, was happy with its working relationship with the municipality
NPOgivesHIV/AIDSaidintownships
ZOLILE MENZELWA
FAITH and Hope Integrated Programme, a non-profit organisation established in 2001, is giving much-needed HIV-related services to people residing in poverty-stricken townships of Mthatha
The organisation was formed by a group of retired nurses due to the scourge of HIV/AIDS that left behind orphans and vulnerable children NPO manager, Nolundi Mtshitshi, said the initial intent of the NPO was to educate community members about HIV/ AIDS and its resultant consequences
"We do HIV counselling and testing, as well as awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence (GBV), and we have health workers working within communities by tracking and tracing clients who have absconded on treatment We also have an adherence support programme to support clients who are taking their treatment and teaching them about the dangers of defaulting on treatment," she said
The NPO relies solely on donations, funders and grants – with the Eastern Cape Department of Health being their sole source of income Their contract with the department ends in November
"We previously benefitted from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) But are now frustrated by what is happening in America "
Mtshitshi said most of their clients were people in the Mthatha West townships including Slovo, Nelson Mandela and Chris Hani townships The organisation employs 10 people with three of
them office-bound while the rest are community-based
"Some are doing door-to-door counselling and testing for HIV; some are tracing and tracking clients and taking them back to treatment facilities We allow people to volunteer on condition they don t expect to be employed by the organisation Employment depends on funding; we don't employ people," she said
The organisation has been a lifeline for emerging NPOs by helping them register Students from Walter Sisulu University and KSD TVET College have also been able to do their experiential training with Faith and Hope
"The big challenge, though, is that we don't have enough office space to accommodate the students Among our future plans is to have our own site if we could get funding, to have a one-stop shop to provide our services " She said they were waiting for a programme of action from the Department of Health, which would include Faith and Hope dispensing treatment This, she said, as some people default due to transport challenges as there is no clinic catering for the people of Mthatha West
"We plan to have a shelter for GBV victims and a soup kitchen for street children But we face the same challenge of funding We would also like to extend our services to far-flung areas such as Baziya, Mqhekezweni and Gxalubomvu because we are working with people who are willing to work with communities," she said Mtshitshi can be contacted on 073 138 9256 or nmtshitshi@ gmail com
Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Integrated Planning and Economic Development portfolio head, Nobuntu Mgidi. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Ngcobocelebratesas‘BigBrother’starreturnshome
UYANDA Hlangabezo, the runner-up of Big Brother Mzansi Season 5, received an unforgettable warm welcome the past weekend as he returned to his hometown of Ngcobo, where the streets were filled with love, celebration, and admiration from his community
Hlangabezo, who hails from Ngcobo but resides in Gqeberha, was officially welcomed home by Mayor Councillor Siyabulela Zangqa
In his homecoming journey, Hlangabezo also made time to give back to his community by handing over a food parcel to a family in Masonwabe Ext 9 in Ward 10 He was welcomed and accompanied by Ward 10 Councillor Nomaliviwe Stemele
"Today, I had the privilege of handing over a food parcel to a deserving family, marking the fulfilment of a commitment I made during my time on Big Brother As part of my pledge to give back to the
community, I am dedicated to supporting those in need and making a positive impact on the lives of others This initiative is a significant step towards realising my vision of creating a more compassionate and supportive society," Hlangabezo stated on his Facebook page
vote and the mostwatched progr
According to a statement by Big Brother Mzansi, this year's voting numbers shattered all records – an estimated 293 million votes in the finale week This is a 330% increase from the season 4 finale vote tally and the most watched progr on DStv Str in southern A rica
The winner of Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 was Sweet Guluva
MahindraXUV3XOha
WALLACE DU PLESSIS
THE Mahindra XUV 3XO is a well-equipped, polished little crossover pitched just right for the South African motorist It offers value for money, good safety, frugal consumption and fair performance, and is just big enough for a family of four
That is perhaps the reason it is already selling around 500 units a month locally Did I mention it is good-looking inside and out? I know it is subjective, but it is a good-looking car which should not date quickly
The nose of the car is balanced; everything is in the right proportions for me The LED headlamps and running lights look purposeful At the rear, the light bar running across the whole width of the car makes a statement and complements the large black bumper
The 2 600mm wheelbase means the interior is surprisingly large and comfortable
The width of the car, at 1 821mm, lends it a feeling of lux with real elbow and shoulder
room You still get ph tion system, as w There are USB A and a USB-C por The steering w cruise control bu From the MX3 roof, 26cm Infot integration, cru charger, but fro equipped with ter screen, rearv wheel, tyre mon passive keyless e In addition, the audio system, l oramic sunroof, alloy wheels an camera system The flagship touch synthetic door trims It r
The community came out in their numbers to welcome Uyanda Hlanga
Mahindra XUV 3XO offers value for money, good safety, frugal con
Sport
ECSasolLeagueset forAprilkick-off
HOSEYA HUBASE
EC SASOL League is expected to kick off this coming Saturday, April 12
The league was scheduled to begin last week, March 29, but was postponed due to challenges faced by some teams
This coming weekend features fixtures for both Inland and Coastal Streams The four Mthatha teams will play against each other
The newly promoted Sapphire Ladies’ FC will face their local
rivals Coastal United FC, whilst WSU FC will play against Ayakha Stars Both matches will be played at Rotary Stadium
Inland Stream:
• Coastal United Ladies’ FC vs Sapphire Ladies’ FC Time: 13:00 Venue: Rotary Stadium
• Ayakha Stars Ladies’ FC vs WSU Mthatha Campus FC Time: 15:00 Venue: Rotary Stadium
• Eastern Rangers FC vs Red Roses Ladies’ FC Time: 15:00 Venue: New Rest Stadium, Lusikisiki
• Executive Ladies’ FC vs Eastern
Cape Peace Lovers FC Time: 15:00 Venue: 471 Grounds, Tabankulu
Coastal Stream:
• Golden Stars Ladies vs Volcano
Ladies Time: 15:00 Venue: Golden Stars Ground
• Madibaz FC vs Thunderbirds Ladies’ FC Time: 15:00 Venue: NMU 2nd Avenue, Summerstrand
• NAV Galaxy Ladies vs Sophakama Ladies’ FC Time: 15:00 Venue: NAV Galaxy Sport Ground
• Park United Ladies’ FC vs Phoenix Birds Ladies’ FC Time: 15:00 Venue: Park United
Mayorlaudsex-prosforyouthsportdevelopment
ANELE RAZIYA
MBHASHE Local Municipality
Mayor Samkelo Janda is encouraged to see former professional players ploughing back into their communities by assisting in the development of sport Janda, who was present during the recent annual Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup in Butterworth, was pleased to see youth from Mnquma and surrounding areas turning out in large numbers to support their teams
Before the trophy presentation, Janda was given an opportunity to address the audience as one of the government dignitaries at-
tending the event
He applauded the founder of the event, Lux Matikinca, and his team for annually hosting this type of tournament that helps young players showcase their talent
Janda indicated that as a government, they support every initiative that helps young people stay away from drugs and alcohol abuse
Furthermore, he said he is happy to see someone like Matikinca, a former professional player, ploughing back into the community
The Mbhashe mayor concluded his speech by saying that there is
much to be learned from the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, from the organisation of the event to the prizes and its overall aim
The main purpose of the Under-17 Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup is to contribute to the development of sport, as it also gives upcoming referees an opportunity to officiate matches during the event
The Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup also hosts workshops for local coaches where they get an opportunity to share knowledge with professional coaches and performance analysts in an effort to improve their coaching skills in the future
Kentane United remain top despite heavy defeat
ANELE RAZIYA
CENTANE-based team, Kentane United FC, have wrapped up first-round fixtures in SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League, sitting atop the log table despite their loss over the weekend against WSU Butterworth FC
After eleven matches since the start of the Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League season, Kentane United FC currently leads the log table with 25 points, followed by their neighbours, Musketeers FC, with 24 points
Over the weekend, on Saturday afternoon, log leaders Kentane United FC were hoping to increase their points tally when they played against WSU Butterworth FC away, but things didn't go according to plan as they suffered a 4-0 loss against the defending champions
The victory has helped WSU Butterworth FC increase their points from 21 to 24 and also stay in contention for the top spot
Meanwhile, Musketeers FC from Centane is another team fighting hard for the top position as they continue to collect much-needed points in order to climb to the summit of the log standings
Over the weekend, Musketeers FC defeated mid-table
side, Young Stars United FC, from Mchubakazi, by 2-0 to enhance their chances of staying in contention for the top spot
Currently, Musketeers FC occupy position number two with 24 points after ten matches played, meaning they have a game in hand compared to Kentane United FC and WSU Butterworth, who have already played eleven matches
In other results from the division, FC Relatives defeated FC Montengo by 2-0 to remain in position number four with 21 points; Ngqamakhwe United FC suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against FC Tshabalala, and Ngqamakhwe City FC punished Inter City Sports Club by 4-2 at home
This weekend, the battle for the top spot will continue as Kentane United FC host FC Montego, Musketeers FC visit bottom side Ndabankulu SSS FC, Inter City Sports Club host WSU Butterworth FC; FC Tshabalala play against FC Relatives; Ngqamakhwe United FC entertains Young Stars United FC, and Amakotamane FC host Ngqamakhwe City FC
All these matches will be played on Saturday afternoon at different sports grounds in Mnquma, and dangerous weapons are not permitted near the venues
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Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor, Samkelo Janda, speaking with players before the final game between Mnquma Hotspurs FC and Future Boys FC during the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup recently
PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA