Departmentaimsto repurposehealthfacilities
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, has announced plans to “repurpose” and reclassify several health facilities across the province
She stated that the plan aims to adequately respond to medical needs across a wide range of diseases, including non-communicable diseases
“We have the highest number of hospitals in the country, but unfortunately, we do not have adequate resources to ensure that each of these hospitals provides a full package of district and regional health services Therefore, we want to reduce the number of hospitals However, as we do this, we must ensure that no community suffers as a result of these changes,” said Capa
She added that the department must also increase the number of Community Health Centres (CHCs) to focus more on primary health care
She explained that, in line with this plan, the department has identified hub hospitals in various geographical areas that can provide Caesarean sections, with surrounding facilities referring patients to these centres
“Even if a facility is not classified as a district hospital, we can still identify it as capable of providing Caesarean services This way, patients will not have to travel long distances, such as from Centane to Butterworth, to receive care
“If we can offer these services in Centane, for instance, our people will not have to travel far to get the medical attention they need We need to reorganise our service delivery platform, infrastructure, and human resources to better serve our communities For this reason, we are looking at restructuring our department to optimise service delivery ”
She emphasised that the department is committed to consulting meaningfully with staff and communities as an integral part of this process
Capa added that a programme is being developed to engage with communities, appealing for patience as the engagement process unfolds over the coming months
“We are prioritising human resources and ensuring that facilities operate in a way that best meets our people’s needs
“We also want to clarify the terms that are concerning communities When we talk about reclassification, we are referring to ensuring that health care facilities are categorised according to Government Gazette No 34521 of 12 August 2011, which governs the classification of hospitals in South Africa At the primary health care level, classification is based on factors such as workload, patient numbers, and
geographical accessibility of better-resourced facilities ”
She emphasised that the goal is to strengthen service delivery by optimising resource distribution and aligning healthcare services with the burden of disease
Capa further explained that “repurposing” refers to adapting healthcare facilities that are no longer fulfilling their originally intended functions due to changing healthcare needs For example, a hospital that previously specialised in treating tuberculosis (TB) but now has a declining number of TB patients could be repurposed to provide mental health services, which are in high demand
“In the eastern part of the province, there is currently no facility dedicated to treating people with mental health conditions This means we must assess whether hospitals that were originally built for TB patients can be repurposed, as TB patients can now receive treatment at home without requiring hospitalisation ”
She noted that before 1994 Mzimkulu Hospital was designed to assist people with mental health conditions, particularly in the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo Districts However, after it was placed under KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape was left without such a facility
“Now, the only hospitals that can provide these services are in Queenstown and Bhisho, which are far away That is why we are considering repurposing certain hospitals to offer much-needed services in areas where they are lacking ”
Capa assured the public that hospitals would not be closed but rather restructured in how they operate
She also highlighted that the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme is supporting this process
One of its key objectives is to ensure that specialists visit district hospitals to provide services that were previously unavailable
“We also have a challenge regarding kidney-related illnesses Patients do not receive services efficiently, which is why the late Professor Dr Mkhuseli Mashiyi left us with a legacy we will always cherish He worked towards decentralising kidney treatment, which is currently available at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) in Mthatha, to other hospitals
“Even though the services in these hospitals may not be at the same level as those in this hospital, doctors will visit hospitals such as St Elizabeth in Lusikisiki and Madzikane KaZulu Hospital in Mount Frere to provide treatment He was on a mission to expand access to these critical services ”
Capa concluded by reaffirming the department’s commitment to ensuring that these plans are successfully implemented
Siyanda Manana (Eastern Cape Health Communications Director) and Ntandokazi Capa (MEC for Department of Health in Eastern Cape) outlining the plans the department has to repurpose Health facilities in the Eastern Cape. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Engenlaunchesaninnovativeaquaponicsproject
BABALWA NDLANYA
MANAGEMENT from Engen garage launched an innovative Aquaponics project at Khanyisa Special School in Cala, in collaborative with Green Arch Innovations PTY Ltd, recently
This project represents Engen’s commitment to sustainable development and educational upliftment Spearheaded by entrepreneur, Luvo Gugwana, Green Arch Innovations’ pioneering initiative introduces a sustainable, climate-smart food production system aimed at enhancing food security, nutritional education, and community empowerment
He said Aquaponics combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation), providing a closed-loop system where fish and plants thrive symbiotically; an approach that not only conserves water but also allows year-round cultivation of organic produce, supporting the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition
“With Engen’s support, we implemented this project at Khanyisa Special School to empower students with hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, instilling environmental awareness and fostering a culture of innovation and eco-responsibility,” he said
He added that the project will integrate accredited training for teachers and students, equipping them with practical knowledge in aquaponics and sustainable farming practices The aim is to nurture an eco-conscious generation that understands the value of climate-smart agriculture and the importance of self-sufficiency
He said the project was driven by the urgent need to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower young learners with practical skills Recognising the challenges of food insecurity and environmental sustainability
He added that they saw an opportunity to introduce aquaponics as a climate-smart solution that provides fresh, organic produce while conserving water
According to Gugwana, Engen’s support has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, helping them implement this initiative in this school
“Together, we aim to equip students and communities with knowledge and skills that will have a lasting impact on their self-sufficiency and economic resilience
The project was officially launched in this Special School in Cala on February 26, 2025 with
the support of Engen While this is the first school to benefit under this initiative, Engen and Green Arch Innovations are committed to expanding aquaponics projects to more schools across South Africa Even though it was launched recently, the groundwork and planning for this initiative have been in development for some time
Engen’s investment in sustainable development and education will play a key role in ensuring that more schools gain access to this innovative agricultural solution ”
He said Engen and Green Arch Innovations are working on a scalable model that can be rolled out across more schools in the Eastern Cape
“This includes securing additional funding, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging with education stakeholders to integrate aquaponics into school curricula With Engen’s commitment to sustainable community development, we plan to implement accredited training for teachers and learners, ensuring that aquaponics becomes a longterm, self-sustaining solution that benefits schools and their surrounding communities ”
Gugwana also noted that Engen’s involvement has helped accelerate its implementation, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure, training, and resources are in place to make a meaningful impact
“While the current project is implemented at a special school,
our vision extends beyond special schools Engen and Green Arch Innovations aim to introduce aquaponics to a variety of public schools, particularly those in under-resourced areas where food security and agricultural education can have the greatest impact Engen’s investment in education and community upliftment aligns with this broader goal of ensuring that more learners benefit from sustainable agricultural solutions ”
He explained that schools are prioritised based on several factors, including:
• The level of food insecurity within the school community;
• The willingness and capacity of the school to integrate aquaponics into its learning programme;
• The availability of space and infrastructure to set up the system;
• The potential for long-term sustainability, ensuring that students, teachers, and the wider community can maintain and benefit from the project beyond its initial implementation
Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s Manager for Corporate Social Investment (CSI), emphasised the broader impact of the initiative “Aquaponics not only provides a vital educational platform but also strengthens the community by enhancing local food production and creating opportunities for training and income generation This is part of Engen’s
vision to drive meaningful, long-lasting change through strategic partnerships and community-driven projects,” she said She added that the project in this school is designed to serve as a model for future initiatives, expanding the reach of aquaponics to more schools and communities across South Africa
According to her, by embedding sustainable agriculture within educational curricula, Engen and Green Arch Innovations hope to inspire students and community members to engage in practices that promote environmental stewardship and economic resilience
Engen’s commitment to investing in sustainable development aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
“The water-efficient, eco-friendly nature of aquaponics addresses these critical areas, offering a viable solution for communities facing limited access to resources and fresh produce ”
Engen is deeply committed to education, sustainability, and community upliftment Supporting the aquaponics project at Khanyisa Special School aligns with our broader vision of driving meaningful change through education and sustainable development By investing in innovative agricultural solutions like aquaponics, we are not only addressing food security but also equip-
ping learners with valuable skills in climate-smart farming This initiative is part of Engen’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Mdabula confirmed that they actively supports a variety of initiatives aimed at empowering communities
Some of their key projects include:
• Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS): For over 35 years, Engen has provided free Saturday classes in Mathematics, Science, and English to over 1,500 learners annually at ten centres across South Africa This programme helps prepare students for STEM careers and improves access to higher education
• Solar Panel Project at EMSS Schools: Engen is installing solar power systems at their EMSS centres to ensure reliable, sustainable energy for learning This project not only reduces electricity costs for schools but also introduces students to renewable energy technologies, fostering interest in STEM fields
• Menstruation Care Campaign: Through its Period Positive Campaign, we are tackling period poverty by providing sustainable, reusable menstrual products to female learners This initiative ensures that no girl has to miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products, promoting gender equality and uninterrupted education
“These are just a few examples of how Engen is making a longterm impact in education, sustainability, and community empowerment,” Mdabula said She concluded by affirming Engen’s belief that investing in young minds today will shape a brighter and more sustainable future for South Africa
“Food security is an increasing challenge, and schools have an incredible opportunity to make a difference By starting their own food gardens whether through traditional farming methods or innovative solutions like aquaponics schools can equip learners with practical agricultural skills while improving nutrition These gardens also teach responsibility, sustainability, and resilience ”
Mdabula encouraged schools to take the first step, stating that with the right support, dedication, and partnerships, school gardens could evolve into sustainable food sources that benefit not only students but also entire communities
Manreceivesharshsentenceformurderingtworelatives
THE High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Mthatha, has sentenced Sihle Manciya (26) to two life terms for the murders of his girlfriend, Simcelile Nozulu (17), and her grandmother
He was also handed two additional life sentences for the attempted murders of Nozulu’s mother and sister
According to Luxolo Tyali, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the life sentences will run concurrently Tyali explained that the wom-
en were attacked by Manciya in the sanctuary of their home in the Sulenkama locality of Qumbu on the night of 29 April
2024
“In his guilty plea explanation, he admitted to being in a romantic relationship with Nozulu and suspected her of being involved with another man
“On the night of the incident, he walked from his home in the neighbouring Lwandlana locality to the Nozulu residence, where he found the family asleep in a rondavel The door and windows were closed,
but the electric lights inside were on Armed with an Okapi knife, he entered the rondavel through a window and indiscriminately stabbed all the adults in the room before fleeing the scene,” said Tyali
He added that the grandmother, whose throat was slit, died at the scene, while the others were rushed to hospital Simcelile was pronounced dead on arrival, and the two survivors sustained serious injuries
“The following day, Manciya informed his employer, who subsequently alerted the po-
lice, leading to Manciya’s arrest He later confessed before a magistrate,” Tyali said State Advocate, Avumile Bikitsha, arguing for an appropriate sentence, stated that Manciya’s confession and guilty plea were not signs of remorse but regret
He emphasised that Manciya had ample time to reconsider his actions as he armed himself with a knife, walked a significant distance between villages, and, without provocation, attacked defenceless women Bikitsha further argued that
harsh punishment for femicide perpetrators is essential to deter potential offenders
The court agreed, rejecting the defence’s plea for a 15-year sentence based on Manciya’s youth and cooperation with law enforcement
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, highlighting the importance of valuing human life
He affirmed the NPA’s commitment to pursuing such cases vigorously to ensure justice for all members of society
Entreprenenur Luvo Gugwana explaining more about aquaponics.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
EmpoweringQunu homestays
BABALWA NDLANYA
TO uplift the standard of Qunu Homestays, members of Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa (TAHS-SA) launched a milestone celebration last week, honoring their dedicated homestay hosts and guides while marking the exciting new beginnings of tourism in the Qunu community, outside Mthatha, last week.
According to one of the founders of TAHS-SA, Cameron Murray, also known as Ntsikelelo, the aim and focus of community homestays in South Africa is to include more local communities in the tourism industry
“We know that South Africa is one of the top destinations for international Travellers, and we also understand that they want to experience the local communities and culture. I think people underestimate the power of human connection in bringing visitors from outside the country to experience the authentic culture of South Africa. Including these communities will also have a social impact,” he said. He added that the memories created for Travellers who visit South Africa will have a lasting effect, as they will share their wonderful experiences with others when they return to their home countries.
Murray further stated that in Qunu, they have trained 35 individuals, including homestay hosts, translators, and “magic mamas” and “magic guys” (key community participants). Additionally, there are indirect beneficiaries, such as local producers, activity hosts, spaza shop owners and entrepreneurs within the community
“It is difficult to determine the exact number of beneficiaries."
Nokuzola Tetani, owner of Qunu Heritage Village Homestay, said they learned a lot from the training, which has opened their eyes to what travelers appreciate.
“For instance, we need to respect our culture, and in return, Travellers should do the same,” she explained. “As we spend time with them, they should learn something about us. We never took these things seriously before, but now we are aware. Our training lasted five months, with one week of training per month. We also did practical sessions. The training is ongoing because we will continue learning skills like business management. For now, we have received the basics to help us start this business.”
She added that she first saw this concept in KwaZulu-Natal and was immediately interested. When it was introduced in her area, she did not hesitate to take part.
“I used to run my home as a Bed and Breakfast, but I realized that it was expensive to maintain. However, with homestays, it is more affordable because we are accommodating simple Travellers. There is no need for luxury amenities like flushing toilets; they do not seek fancy places, making it easier to host them.”
Tetani pointed out that, being in a rural area, it is difficult to compete with urban accommodations. Sometimes, they are forced to charge very little, but now, with this initiative, she is confident that their business will grow.
Nomonde Makaula, Regional Tourism Development Manager for the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA), expressed her support for the program
“We started hosting meetings last year, and you showed great interest in this initiative. From there, you attended training sessions, and they were always full, demonstrating your dedication. You continued to show enthusiasm, and now you have completed phase one of the project. We will continue with this program because there is still a lot to be done,” Makaula said.
Velile Ndlumbini (Tour Operator), Nokuzola Tetani (owner for Qunu Heritage Village Homestay) and Cameron Murray (one of the founders for Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa (TAHS-SA) after the launch that was held at Qunu Hall outside Mthatha. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
Literaryfestival inspiresfuture writers
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Founder and Director of Mandelwa Libali Literary Pty (Ltd), Pumeza Macingwane, has confirmed that the festival was held in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) last week
She explained that, on this occasion, the festival was open to the entire Alfred Nzo District A call for submissions was issued, inviting aspiring writers aged between 12 and 25 to submit poems or short stories Macingwane confirmed that the top 13 selected writers were awarded certificates and R500 each “This festival is now in its second year, having initially taken place in 2023 Our aim is to make it an annual event, and we would greatly appreciate financial support to enable us to produce and publish an anthology of the submitted manuscripts,” she said
She also expressed gratitude to the National Arts Council for their contribution to the festival’s success and appreciated the continued support of the Alfred Nzo West Department of Education Macingwane voiced her confidence that the festival will cultivate a passion for reading and writing in the Alfred Nzo District while contributing to the preservation of culture and heritage through folktales, praise poetry, and traditional dances
One of the winners, Asive Stemela, from Matatiele, shared their experience, saying, “This festival was about young writers We were writing under the topic ‘Sometimes You Have to Be Your Own Hero’, which means trusting and believing in yourself I participated because I am still young and eager to go far I wanted to improve my writing skills, and it helped me immensely I am thrilled to be one of the winners ”
The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, expressed their support for the initiative, stating, “We support this because it greatly benefits learners It encourages them to love their books and always be eager to read and write This is precisely what we continuously urge them to do ”
Gospelartist releaseshit song
BABALWA NDLANYA
A gospel artist, Ezile Jikijela, from Tsilitwa locality in Qumbu, recently released his single titled ndombathe moya
Even though he is from Qumbu, he currently resides in Mthatha
He said he grew up in a family that loved gospel music so much that on Sundays, no one was left behind when his elders went to church
“This gave me a strong passion for gospel music, and it heals my soul I even became a choir master, and that’s when I realized I could make an impact
“Every time I listened to gospel music, I felt something different in my soul That is why I told myself that I have the potential to do this,” he said
He added that he has been listening to different songs over the years and chose gospel music because it uplifts his spirit
“Even when I feel down, listening to gospel music makes me feel different I released another album last year, titled ndonyamezela, which consists of 13 songs
“People supported me a lot My single was released three weeks ago, and I can see that people are supporting me because I have a lot of followers on YouTube who are engaging with it ”
Ezile Jikijela released a new song.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Wallcollap lifeoffoot
HOWARD FC is mourning the loss of their top striker, Ayabonga Goodman Mfundisi, known as Qalinge Mfundisi tragically died following a tornado that struck Mqanduli last Thursday
According to Howard FC chairman, Sonwabo Mbenge, the incident occurred while the players were training for their upcoming league fixture
“When it started raining, we all ran to seek shelter in nearby houses Some players hid in a church building close to the ground, but unfortunately, the church wall collapsed on them ”
“Sadly, Ayabonga lost his life immediately, while other players were injured and rushed to hospital,” Mbenge said
“We are still in shock and disbelief about what happened He was like a son to me, having been part of the team since its establishment and growing up next to me from a young age ”
Mbenge confirmed that the eight injured players have been discharged from hospital but remain in a critical condition SAFA OR Tambo also conveyed their condolences to the family and the team
The Howard FC match against Somerville FC this past Sunday was postponed immediately due to the tragic death of the player
Last season, Mfundisi was the top goal
HOSEYA JUBASE
Ayabonga Goodman Mfundisi.
Sport
of
Mthathahoststrialsfornetballtournament
HOSEYA JUBASE
MTHATHA Circuit Management Cluster 2 (CMC2) hosted trials for the Netball All Ages tournament last week in Mthatha
Players who participated in the trials came from schools registered under South African Schools Netball (SASN) and Eastern Cape Schools Netball (ECSN)
The 70 players selected during the trials
will now compete at the district level If successful, they will proceed to the provincial trials, where they could be chosen to join the Eastern Cape Schools Netball team representing the province at the All-Ages National Tournament in June The trials were held at Love Life Youth Centre in Ngangelizwe, Mthatha
These games are organised by South African Schools Netball, progressing from lower levels up to the National level Chairperson
of Schools Netball (CMC2), Nompumelelo Gwele, stated that these games provide an opportunity to recognise individual talent and create pathways for netball players to be scouted for the National team, especially those aged 16-18 years
“We had a mixture of players from different schools, and the beauty of this is that talent is recognised even from players coming from rural schools, which are Quintile 1-3 schools like those from Centuli cluster, Mandela
Cluster, etc They compete with players from Quintile 4-5 schools such as TPS, Mbuqe, Vela, etc , ” said Gwele
“This is an amazing development platform as it exposes players to quality play and allows them the opportunity to be exposed to bigger opportunities ”
Gwele urged parents to be more involved in the sport and support their children by attending games, as this encourages better performance and fosters a love for the sport
Last-minutechangeinmainboutforDutywaboxingtournament
ANELE
RAZIYA
JUST days before Isizwe Boxing Promotions stages a boxing tournament at King Hintsa TVET College in Dutywa Town under Mbhashe, one of the boxers expected to fight in the main bout has pulled out
Isizwe Boxing Promotions promoter Ntsikayesizwe Sigcawu has revealed that Eastern Cape Lightweight champion Siseko Makeleni has decided not to proceed with his fight against challenger Hlumelo Gingxana from Buffalo City Sigcawu stated that OR Tambo boxer Makeleni informed him that he had not prepared sufficiently for the fight, leading to his decision to withdraw
This news was disclosed by Sigcawu over the weekend, a week before the event scheduled for this Saturday, 15
March, at King Hintsa TVET College in Dutywa
However, the organisers have already arranged for another opponent to fight against Hlumelo Gingxana in the main bout Maqhawe Damoyi from East London will replace Makeleni and face Gingxana in a ten-round Lightweight bout
The aim of hosting the boxing event in Dutywa, according to Isizwe Boxing Promotions and the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, is to revive the sport of boxing in the Mbhashe area, where it has not been as active as it once was Speaking to the media, Sigcawu indicated that the event will feature nine fights with boxers from various regions within the province Among the bouts, the first is expected to be between Mdantsane boxers Sinalo
Jonas and Siyamthanda Mbali in the Junior Bantamweight division over four rounds
Olwam Mana from Chris Hani district will face Uyathandwa Ngcuphe from Mdantsane in the Bantamweight division, also over four rounds Akhona Ndam from Chris Hani district will fight Asisipho Zikishe from Ginsberg in the Flyweight division over four rounds
In the Lightweight division, Buntu Ranti from SADA will exchange blows with Lelethu Mzuli from Duncan Village in a four-round bout Indiphile Bottoman from Mdantsane will face Masixole Mbanga from Dimbaza in the Bantamweight division over four rounds
In a Welterweight division bout, Masibulele Mbumba from Butterworth will fight Lutho Mbuku from Mdantsane over four rounds Sonke Komeni from
Cumakala will exchange blows with another Butterworth boxer, Bathandwa Mendela, in a Junior Lightweight division fight scheduled for four rounds In the main supporting bout, Ndobayini Kolosa from Mhlontlo local municipality will fight Nomandithini Ndyambo from Buffalo City in Phumlani in the Female Catchweight division over four rounds
Entrance fees for the event are R100 for adults, R50 for children, and R20 for students
Mbhashe Executive Mayor Samkelo Janda, Amatole District Municipality, and Department of Sport officials from the province are among the dignitaries expected to attend the event
Sigcawu has urged boxing supporters to come out in large numbers to support the event, noting that dangerous weapons are not allowed inside the venue
ExcellBoysFCremainunbeateninSAFAAmatholeHollywoodbetsRegionalLeague
ANELE RAZIYA
EXCELL Boys FC from Dutywa remain undefeated in the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream F, starting their campaign with impressive results
Since the start of the season, Excell Boys’ FC have played five matches, winning all of them to secure second place in the log standings with 15 points In their latest league fixture, Excell Boys
FC defeated mid-table side, Shecez FC, 3-2 away, extending their unbeaten run They also have two games in hand compared to the current log leaders, Brazilianz Sport Club, who have played seven matches Brazilianz Sport Club lead the league with 16 points, following a 1-1 draw against third-place side, Kasi Bees FC, over the weekend Kasi Bees FC remain in third place with 13 points from six games, followed by Bashee Eagles FC in
fourth position, with seven points from six games
Other results in the division included FC Nantez defeating Bomvana Chiefs FC 3-2, and Bashee Eagles FC losing 3-1 to Abahlobo FC
The battle for the top spot continues this Saturday as the top four teams face off in crucial fixtures Bashee Eagles FC will host Kasi Bees FC; Excell Boys’ FC will visit Bomvana Chiefs FC; FC Nantez will host MM Combination FC and Shecez FC
will face Shining Stars FC Matches are scheduled to kick off at 15:00 at various venues in Mbhashe Spectators are reminded that dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited at the venues
It remains to be seen whether the inform Excell Boys’ FC can displace Brazilianz Sport Club from the top of the log this weekend, or whether the current leaders will maintain their position after Saturday’s results
Some
the Netball players at Love Life, Mthatha. PHOTO: SUPPLIED