MbhasheMayorgraduateswithDoctorate
Mbhashe
Unqualifiedaudit opinionmaintained
ZOLILE MENZELWA
MBASHE Local Municipality has maintained its unqualified audit opinion with emphasis on matters for the 2024/25 financial year from the office of the Auditor General South Africa (AGSA) as revealed during an ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, November 3
In a briefing by the executive mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, he said the council meeting dealt with reports that needed council approval The reports included the municipality’s intent to apply for a vehicle testing station and the performance evaluation report, which focuses on the municipal manager (MM) and the senior managers reporting to the MM However, Janda – who recently obtained his PhD in Public Administration from Nelson Mandela University – focused on two of the reports
“One of those reports was talking to an application we intend to make about a vehicle testing station We are in the programme of ensuring we increase our revenue base, so this vehicle testing station is going to help so that our motorists don’t go into far areas for this service They are able to find it within the Mbhashe Local Municipality So, we are building one in Dutywa and another one in Xhora,” he said
Janda said the municipality had been given an indication by the office of the AGSA that auditing had been completed on November 30 “They have given us a report to indicate that the municipality will still maintain the unqualified audit opinion with emphasis on matters Those matters of emphasis are debt impairment, financial misstatement and the third aspect is around irregular expenditure,” he said
He said the performance evaluation on the audit report was encouraging in that there was improvement “For instance, the targets which were set to be about 81 when compared with the budget and the expenditure, there was a correlation, and they were balancing; it was 80-81, which we were very happy to see We were also pleased to see that there were no material findings in our performance information ”
Janda said, however, that the local authority had hoped to be at the clean audit stage by now but cited the matters of emphasis that had been raised He commended the municipal administration for the improved performance “We also want to extend our gratitude to the office of the AGSA and our audit committee for the work that they have done This year’s audit was not an easy one but at least we were able to maintain the status of unqualified even though we are not happy,” Janda said
FourchargedwithR4.2mECDC fraudandcorruption
MANDLA Gibson Mpikashe (47), former head of legal, compliance and governance at Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Simphiwe Mkhululi Mbabane (45), Bayethe Maswazi (49), and Mpumelelo (Mtumelelo) Mkosana (54), directors of Mbabane and Sokutu Inc attorneys, appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, theft and corruption recently Spokesperson for Hawks, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said the perpetrators were arrested by the East London Serious Corruption Investigation unit of the Hawks in connection with fraud that reportedly occurred at ECDC The funds involved in the matter were more than R4 2 million “It is alleged that Mpikashe was entrusted with safeguarding governance and compliance processes at ECDC, where he allegedly colluded with the above-mentioned service provider to irregularly enter into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for debt collection services The entity, Mbabane Maswazi & Sokutu Incorporated, was appointed strictly for the
panel of legal services in March 2016, and not for the panel of debt collectors,” he said He added that in 2017, Mbabane and Sokutu Inc attorneys were changed to Mbabane and Maswazi Inc attorneys
Mhlakuvana added that despite this limitation, an SLA dated May 2017, signed by Mpikashe on behalf of ECDC, extended the scope of work to include debt collection without following any lawful procurement procedures
“This deviation allegedly created an opportunity through which the service provider unlawfully deducted approximately R4 2 million from ECDC, constituting an undue, unjustified and unlawful financial benefit The matter was referred to the Hawks for thorough investigation ”
He added that the accused appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court on the day of their arrest, where Mpikashe and Mkosana were released on R5,000 bail each, while Mbabane and Maswazi were granted R10,000 bail each The matter was remanded to 19 January 2026 for further investigation
21arrestedinconnectionwith allegedillegalcircumcision
ZOLILE MENZELWA
TWO weeks into the start of the 2026 summer customary male initiation season in the Eastern Cape, 21 people have been arrested for alleged illegal circumcision, while five initiate deaths have been recorded across the province
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Zolile Williams, said metro and district monitoring teams were scattered throughout the province to guarantee the safe passage to manhood He said the work done by the teams was commendable in helping to mitigate the risks associated with negligence and neglect by some parents
“We are concerned about the illegal initiation schools in some parts of the province and commend those who comply with the prescripts of the law for the safe passage of boys to manhood Twenty-one people have been arrested for alleged illegal circumcision We commend our teams and the SAPS for stamping the authority of our government against
lawbreakers,” he said He said the arm of the law should take its course without fear or favour against those who break it, including errant parents “Five deaths have been recorded thus far in the province, with one in Buffalo City Metro, two in the Chris Hani district and two more in the OR Tambo district ” The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, decried the alleged death by hanging in the Chris Hani district “Let the police investigate the matter to bring closure to the parents and family of the deceased The deaths are disappointing given the awareness campaigns undertaken through training and Imbizo yamadoda, ” he said He encouraged monitoring teams not to be discouraged but rather to focus on mitigating risks until the end of the season “We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” said Nkosi Gwadiso Police had not confirmed the arrests and the areas where they occurred at the time of going to print
KSDMunicipality’s34newfleetvehiclestoboostservices
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, has confirmed that the municipality is on a mission to improve the Mthatha area to make it a better town and strengthen service delivery by ensuring that roads are maintained
This comes as the municipality handed over 34 new fleet vehicles, including yellow fleet equipment, which will boost operations such as road maintenance and other essential services
The event was held at Jerald Hawkes (formerly known as Mthatha Stadium) in Mthatha last week
Nelani said the municipality was excited about the arrival of both the yellow and white fleets, noting that these resources will enhance efficiency and performance
“Bringing service delivery is our priority not only service delivery provided by departments on the ground, but also internal support departments that enable
it We know that our previous fleet, procured in 2017, had become depleted As council, we made the decision to procure the new fleet that we see today,” said Nelani
Nelani said the municipality had been patient as the process unfolded He confirmed that the council opted for a rentto-buy model after assessing all available options
“We took the option of rent-to-buy, which is what we have now implemented This fleet will definitely bring change in terms of service delivery While it may not be everything we need, it is a significant step forward It will make a real difference in the work we do every day ”
He further noted that plans were already in place to deploy the fleet effectively to ensure that service delivery goals were met
Nelani added that the municipality’s roads forum had been meeting regularly to plan ahead, especially as the festive season approaches a period that requires enhanced security, public safety, and operational efficiency
Deputy Chairperson of the Business Forum, Lungelo Mpongwana, welcomed the progress made regarding municipal bylaws
“At least the bylaws are now updated
One of the major challenges affecting the municipality was outdated bylaws,” he said Mpongwana emphasised that more work still needed to be done
“They still need to work hard because we still have taverns operating in town
There must be a team that works at night, as in any other city Mthatha is no longer
a town; it is a city now, so we have to change the way we do things,” he said He also raised concerns about cleanliness and municipal infrastructure
Mpongwana said the town was still not thoroughly clean and that improving hygiene and maintenance would contribute significantly to making Mthatha more attractive
He added that several potential investors were interested in coming to Mthatha, but infrastructure challenges, including roads and electricity supply, remained a barrier
Some of the fleet cars that were bought by King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality to fast-track service delivery
PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
RevampedswimmingpoolopenforFestiveSeason
BABALWA NDLANYA
COMMUNITY members from Mthatha will spend the festive season in a different way as the mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, officially opened a swimming pool that had been closed due to vandalism last week
According to him, this is one of several projects in the pipeline aimed at reviving KSD
Nelani said the amenities that were revamped include swimming pools for adults and children, a water fountain, a water pump, changing rooms, and fencing of the park
“This swimming pool is the pride of the people of this municipality This is one of the important places for the people of KSD and the surrounding areas because it is where they used to meet with their loved ones for different purposes People came here from different places It was a meeting place for young and old,” said Nelani
He said the time had come to bring happiness and to lift the flag of KSD by revamping the facility
“The reason for the delay was that this facility is very old, so we needed permission from the Heritage Council When you want to renovate such a structure, you must seek permission first ” Nelani said they were happy because “the puzzle pieces are now coming together,” as they had
promised before According to him, they want KSD and Mthatha to be places the community can be proud of, especially by improving import-
ant facilities like this one He confirmed that the entire project cost R4 5 million, including designs and all work done in the Savoy Gardens area, includ-
ing the swimming pool site
“Almost everything you see here is included in that R4 5 million We are finalising the tariffs We already have tariffs for
Mqanduli men build bridge using own funds
opening, but we are busy with a cost-benefit analysis so that we can maintain the facility and continue investing in it
“We do not want tariffs to be too hard on the community, but at the same time, we must keep the facility sustainable The analysis will help us ensure suitable tariffs For now, temporarily, children (3 to 13 years) will pay R17 for access and adults (14 and above) will pay R40 ” Nelani added that the main purpose of reopening the pool is to raise awareness in the community so that they can help protect the facility
“You know we had this before, and it was vandalised The awareness today is about protecting this asset We appeal to community members to guard it jealously because it is their asset It contributes to their life skills and benefits families beyond just swimming ”
He said they have 24-hour security in place, and restoring safety was the first step in the project
Nelani confirmed they will continue to prioritise security as it is one of the key issues for KSD Director of Smillie Dolphin Swim School & Club, Margaret Sutherland, said she was very excited about what the municipality had done
“It is going to help me by providing more qualified instructors who can assist people and teach them how to swim and save themselves Swimming is an important life skill, and it is wise to learn how to swim,” said Sutherland
Community members from Mthatha enjoying themselves in a swimming pool that was reopened after it was revamped by King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Mthatha.
PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
Sport
Mandelamemorialmarath
HOSEYA JUBASE
THE Nelson Mandela Museum and DSRAC, in partnership with Athletics Transkei, will be hosting the inauguration of Madiba’s Last Route Marathon next week on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, in Mthatha
More than 500 runners are expected to participate in this marathon, which aims to honour the late first democratic president, Nelson Mandela.
This year marks 12 years since Madiba’s death on 5 December 2013.
The 42.2km race will start from Mthatha
EasternCapesidechasehistoricS
HOSEYA JUBASE
THE Eastern Cape Sasol League champions, 4800 Ladies’ FC, are confident they will win the national playoffs, which are currently underway at Isak Steyl Stadium at the Vaal University of Technology, Gauteng
The SAFA Women’s National Championship 2025 is scheduled to take place from 8 December to 14 December 2025
Among the teams participating in these playoffs is Stellenbosch Ladies’ FC from the Western Cape, who are the favourites to win the SAFA Women’s National Championship 2025
The 4800 Ladies from Bizana have a strong chance of winning the playoffs, as they possess an experienced squad capable of competing against these top teams
The chairman of Sinenkani FC, Nathi Nqoko, who is in partnership with 4800 Ladies, made it clear that their intention is to win the playoffs and gain promotion to the Hollywoodbet Super League to play
against top teams like Mamelodi Sundowns next season
Currently, Eastern Cape province has two teams competing in the National Hollywoodbet Super League: Fort Hare University Ladies’ FC and City Lads Ladies’ FC
The third team, Thunderbirds Ladies, was relegated in the 2024 season and later sold its status to WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC
If 4800 Ladies’ FC wins these playoffs, it will be the first team from the former Transkei area to play in the National Hollywoodbet Super League
Teams participating in these playoffs:
• Royal Wizards Ladies from Northern Cape
• Stellenbosch Ladies’ FC from Western Cape
• 4800 Ladies FC from the Eastern Cape
• Ramatloahle Ladies’ FC from Limpopo
• Mphehli All Stars Ladies’ FC from KZN
• Central University of Technology from the Free State
• Super Strikers Ladies’ FC from Mpumalanga
Mqomboyiclaimsmaiden5kmvictoryinButterworth
ANELE RAZIYA
SIHLE Mqomboyi from Mchubakazi Athletic Club was crowned the winner of the Wayside Budget Hotel 5km race for the first time over the weekend
This came after young Mqomboyi outpaced more than 70 athletes who were competing in the Wayside Budget Hotel 5km race in Butterworth on Saturday
The race started near the hotel entrance to Butterworth Training College (BTC) in Mission village, where athletes turned and returned to town to finish the race
The young athlete from an area called Madiba in Mnquma, Mqomboyi, started the race well, running amongst the other athletes until they turned at BTC
On their way back to town, the young athlete changed gear and ran fast until the finish line near the hotel
He finished the race in 16:01, and Lukhanyo Mvalo, who represents Royal Strides Athletic Club, took second position with a time of 16:11
Third position went to Xolani Bavuma from Zwelonke Athletic Club, who ran 16:45
In the women’s race, Royal Strides Athletic Club from Ndabakazi outperformed other teams, taking all the top three positions
This came after Kwakhanya Sidontsa took first place with a time of 20:05, followed by Asonge Sidontsa with 20:07 Liyema Bhanti claimed third position with 21:01
All the athletes who performed well received prizes, with first place getting R500, second place R400, and third place R300
thank the sponsor who continuously supports race events around Mnquma
MqanduliYouth Leagueappeals forsupport
ANELE RAZIYA
MQANDULI League Football Association is looking for assistance from individuals or businesses that can sponsor their football league
The association formed its league in 2023 with the aim of keeping youth away from alcohol and drugs
Since the formation of the league, the association has been struggling to find a sponsor or sponsors who can assist them with sports equipment such as footballs, kits, trophies, gold medals, silver medals, and other necessary items
The association chairperson, Sibusiso Gecwa, said they started their league with the U/19 division, followed by U/17, and now they are looking to expand their divisions to U/15s and U/13s next year However, they are struggling to find sponsors who can assist them with football equipment
“Since the establishment of our league, we have been looking for a sponsor who can assist us with things like footballs, trophies, and other sports equipment,” said Gecwa He said they are still looking for any kind of support from anyone who can assist them as they are about to conclude their 2025 season
Furthermore, he said for this season they have no prizes to award the winners at the end of the season, but they are still searching for sponsors or businesses who can help them
Gecwa concluded by requesting anyone who can assist them to contact him on 083 210 3096 or 063 992 7563, as
Sihle Mqomboyi from Mchubakazi Athletic Club has won the annual Wayside Budget Hotel 5km in Butterworth town over the weekend.
PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA
4800 Ladies’ FC are confident they will win the national playoffs.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE