PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
39Matriclearners hospitalisedafter eatingatrevisioncentre
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE ProvincialChief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA),Loyiso Mbinda, expressed outrage and concernatreports that approximately 39 learnersfromEkuphumleni Matric Revision Centre were rushed to hospital after allegedly suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea linked to food consumed at the centre.
“Thisincident is not merely unfortunate; it is unacceptable andreflects a serious failure of duty of carebythose entrusted with the well-being of learners We place it on recordthatany environment sanctioned by the education authorities to host learners carriesa full and non-negotiable responsibility to guarantee their safety,including theprovision of safe, hygienic and properly monitored nutrition,” said Mbinda.
He said they demanded an independent and transparent investigation involving boththe Department of Education and the Department of Health,with findings made public Mbindacalled for the immediate suspension of any serviceprovidersimplicated,pending the outcome of such an investigation.
“[Theremust be]clear identification and accountability of officials responsiblefor oversight failures, [together with] aprovince-wideaudit of all matric revision centres to ensure compliance with health, safety and nutritionstandards
“This incident exposeswhatappears to be asystemic weakness in monitoring and quality assurance,particularly in programmes that operate outside the normal school environment butremain under the authority of the state. We will not hesitate to pursue further action,including legal avenues, should it emerge that negligence or dereliction of duty contributed to this incident.”
He added that it is deeply troubling that this occursata time when Grade 12 learners, Class of 2026, are preparingfor their crucial June examinations Mbindasaidthat learners shouldbefocusing on theiracademic readiness, not
recoveringfrompreventable health incidentscaused by administrative failures.
“Weremind theDoE that learners’ safety is aconstitutionaland legal obligation, notadiscretionary matter. Anycompromise on basic standards suchasfood safety represents aserious breach of public trust. We call on theMEC for Education, Fundile Gade, andseniordepartmental leadership to personally intervene and ensure swiftcorrective measuresand restore confidence in themanagement of learner supportprogrammes.”
He confirmed that they standfirmly with theaffectedlearners and their families andwill continue to advocate withoutfearorfavourfor safe, dignified andaccountable learning environments acrossthe province.
The spokespersonfor theDepartment of Education,Malibongwe Mtima, confirmed this incident,statingthat it occurred afterthey consumed their supper He said thelearners arepartofthe 194 matric candidatesattending the Learner Attainment Improvement Strategy (LAIS) Grade 12 Level1and Level2incubation programme heldatEkuphumleni High School.
“The Ekuphumleni Centre is one of theseven KomaniCircuit Management RevisionCentres heldfromThursday, 30 April to Sunday, 3May 2026, across theChris HaniEastEducation District. These centres aremeant to boostthe performance of these Level1and 2learners in their upcoming mid-year examinations,” said Mtima.
He addedthatofthe 39 learnerswho were rushed to thehospital, only two were admitted, as 37 were discharged afterbeing monitoredfor afew hours.
The 37 stable ones were laterdischarged thesame night to join their peersatthe centre. Samplesofthe food they consumed for supper(pap andlong-life milk) were takenfor testing by theDepartment of Health.
“The 194 learners arefromthe following highschools,namely Ekuphumleni (host centre), Funda, Zolani, Nompumelelo and Zamokuhle.”
He addedthatboth theHealth and Education departmentshave monitoredthe learners.
HawksfreezeR800000after LibodemanisrobbedofRAFpayout
THE Hawks Priority CrimeSpecialised Investigation (PCSI),together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of theNational Prosecuting Authority (NPA), ensured that apreservation orderfor over R800 000 was granted by theMthatha HighCourt.
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, it is alleged that on 12 April 2026, at approximately 22:00, avictim was abducted at hisresidence in Libode by four unidentified individuals who falselypresented themselves as members of theSouth African Police Service.
“One of the perpetrators, reportedly in full policeattire, forcibly entered the premises. Subsequently, duringthe forced entry, the victimwas allegedly restrained,blindfolded and removedfrom the residence under coercive conditions.
“The victim was ostensibly transported in avehicle described as aVolkswagen Polo to an isolated locationbelieved to be within the Maqanyeniforest area. During this period, the victim was apparently subjected to physical assault and sustained intimidation aimedatextracting confidential financial credentials,” said Mhlakuvana.
He added that further allegations revealed that the perpetrators compelled
thevictim to access his mobile banking application andtoauthenticate transactionsthroughbiometric verification processes conductedunder duress.
Mhlakuvanaaddedthatfinancialanalysisconfirmed that overR984 000, originatingfromcompensation paidtothe victimbythe Road Accident Fund (RAF), was unlawfully transferred during the incident It was further reportedthatthe victim was kept overnight andlaterabandoned in an area during theearly hours of the following day.
“Anintensiveinvestigation by the Hawks ledtothe arrest of Lubabalo Gift Mofokeng (40), whowas identifiedasa suspectand positivelylinked to the offence. The criminalcaseiscurrently active as theinvestigation continues, and theanticipation of morearrests cannot be ruled out.
“A coordinatedfinancialinvestigation was conductedbythe Hawks,which resulted in thesuccessful identification andsecuring of overR800 000 of the misappropriatedfunds. An urgent application was broughtbeforethe court, which culminatedinthe grantingofa preservation ordertoprohibit theutilisation of thefundspending thefinalisation of the matter.”
PrincipaldeniedbailoverKuGompoCitymurder
THENational Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomesthe decisionbythe KuGompoCity Magistrate’s Court to deny thereleaseonbail of school principal and pastor, George Jude Plaatjies (52), who is facing chargesincluding premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice
His case was postponed until June 3, 2026 for further investigation. He will remainincustody alongsidehis three co-accused,Temoso Manamela(29), Aviwe Jilingisa (40) and Gladys Rethabile Ramodi (28)who previously abandoned their bail applications.
Regional Spokespersonfor National Prosecut-
MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
THE Buffalo City Metro executive mayor,PrincessFaku, embarked on an oversight visitto Cambridge West to monitor progress madeon the housing project meant for families affected by the former Ciskei government’s forced evictions, which happened shortly beforethe dawn of democracy Faku, accompanied by hernewly appointed memberofthe mayoral committee (MMC) for human settlements, Councillor Sakhumzi Caga,visited the housing project situated in Cambridge West, KuGompo City, formerly East London,onWednesday, 6May
About 275 families, mostly from Mdantsane township,were forcefully removedfromtheir houses by thethen Ciskei National Independent Party (CNIP), led by the late Lennox Sebe.
The multi-million-rand Cambridge West housing project, locatedinBuffalo City’sward 16, is seen as asignificant apartheid-era redress initiative aimed at restoring dignity to the 275 families who were dispossessed of their homes over 30 yearsago.
The construction of theCambridge West housing project, currently underway,isexpected to be completed in the upcoming2026-27 financialyear. The housing project beneficiaries lost their homes following evictionslinked to alleged non-payment of rent, municipalservicesand other related disputes.
ing Authority,Luxolo Tyali said Plaatjies, who is allegedtohaveorchestrated and financed themurderofhis lover, Zovuyo Mbana applied for bail in thisMagistrate’s Court.
Accordingtoevidenceplaced before the court, theaccused allegedly played acentral role in the commission of the offence, including financing and coordinating activities linked to themurder.
“TheState argued that the accused poses a significant risk should he be released, citing concerns that he may interfere with witnesses, tamperwithevidence, evade trial or commit furtheroffence. Thecourtheard that the deceasedwas allegedly strangled and suffocated
before her body wasburnt beyond recognition and abandoned in aforest along the N6 highway towards Stutterheim in late March 2026.
“In opposing bail State Prosecutor Lerato Ngqinileyo submitted that releasingthe accused would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system, given the gravity and disturbing nature of the allegations,” said Tyali.
He added that the court had agreed with the State’ssubmissions and denied the accused bail in the interests of justice. “The NPA remains committed to ensuringaccountability, upholding the rule of law andpursuing justice forvictimsofviolent crime.”
School
andpastor,
from KuGompo City PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Buffalo City MetroExecutive Mayor,Princess Faku,recentlyvisited ahousingprojectfor families
by forced
After years of appealprocesses, averificationprocess commissioned by the Department of Local Government and TraditionalAffairs confirmed 275 legitimate claimants, paving the wayfor thestart of the housing development. Constructionofthe housing units is underway, withseveral structures already completed andready to be occupied by the legitimate beneficiaries. The projecthas already achieved
key infrastructure milestones, including the completion of internal roads, kerbs,a channelling system, and water andsewer systems Faku expressed satisfaction with the progress alreadymade, highlighting the housing projectasacritical step towards addressing historical injustices and restoring thedignity of the affected families.
“This project is aclear demonstration of our commitment to ensuringthat communities affected by injustices of the past receive the redress they deserve. While we cannot reverse the past injustices,weare building afuture where people can live with dignity and security,” saidFaku. Theproject has contributed to local economic development, jobcreation, inclusivegrowth and community participation.
MECcondemnsmurderofwomanwhosoughtmaintenance
ZAVELAMAKWABE
THEEastern Cape Social Development MEC, Bukiwe Fanta, visited the family of 42-year-old Tembisa Ntonga in Jekezi village, Ngqamakhwe, on 5May, following her murder allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband.
Thetragedy has sent shock waves through thequietcommunity, not only because of the loss of life but also because of the circumstances surrounding it. Ntongawas reportedly killedshortly after she opened amaintenance case against her husband —alegal step many womentake to secure financial support for themselves and their children.
Theincident has reignited anger and grief in Ngqamakhwe, with residents expressing outrageoverthe ongoing scourgeofgender-based violenceinthe province. Local lawenforcement hasopened an investigationand confirmedthatefforts areunderway to apprehend thesuspect.
At the Ntonga familyhome, Fanta offered her condolences and stood in solidarity with the bereavedrelatives. She described the killing as botha personaltragedy and abroader societal failure.“This senseless act is apainful reminder of the deep-rooted violencethat continues to affect our society,” Fanta said
“No woman should ever fear for her safety when she seeks help for herself or her children.Tembisa’sdeath is not only her family’s loss—itisa loss for all of us.”
Fantawentontoemphasise that criminal arrestsalone cannot resolve the crisis.
“Thearrests of perpetrators in cases like thisare necessary, but they arenot enough to address thedeeply entrenched problem of violence againstwomen,”she stressed.“We need stronger community intervention, better support systemsfor survivors, and aculturalshift that rejects violenceasasolution to conflict.”
Providingdetails on the investigation, the policespokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that Ntongahad been found witha stab wound to her upper body. Author-
ities believe she wasattacked by her estranged husband, who allegedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.
“A manhunt is currently underway, and we have received reports that the suspect's arrest
is imminent,” Gantanasaid.
Thecase has added to mounting calls for urgent action to protect women in the Eastern Cape, wheregender-based violence remains one of the most pressing social challenges
principal
George Jude Plaatjies (52),
affected
evictions carriedout by the former Ciskei regimeinKuGompoCity. PHOTO: MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
Eastern Cape Social DevelopmentMEC Bukiwe Fanta consoles the family of Tembisa Ntongain Jekezi,Ngqamakhwe, on 5May 2026,after the 42-year-old was allegedly murderedby herestranged husband shortly after openinga maintenance case. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
SADTUbranchrenamedtohonourlateprincipal
BABALWA NDLANYA
MEMBERS of the South African Democratic TeachersUnion (SADTU) in Elliotdale last week renamed the Elliotdale Branch theTabileKunene Branch, with the aim of keeping his name alive. He was the principal at GxuluPrimary School in Libode. He passed away on 15 April 2023, after ashort illness.
The DirectorofStakeholder Management and Citizen Care Services at the Department of Education, Chris Mdingi,said Kunene had passed away at a time when the Eastern Cape was proud of its Grade 12 results, adding that the province was no longer labelled as underperforming.
Mdingi said theprovince was doing well because of the contribution made by leaders like Kunene, who continually motivated teachers to perform better.
“He used to say thatwemust fight andteach; we must not focus on one thing because, at the end of the day, there are learners who needtobetaught. He passed away at atime when everything was improvinginthe Eastern Cape,and we were counted amongthe provinces that aredoing well when it comes to Grade 12 results,” said Mdingi.
He added that, as SADTU, they do notwish forany learner to fail andare therefore targeting a100% pass rate inthe Classof 2026.
According to him, they are workingvery hard to ensure that they achieve their goals. Mdingi said the sacrifices made by teach-
erstoensurethey achieved their targets wouldnever go unnoticed.
“We aresupportingthem, and we will continue doingsoinorderfor the province to remain a shiningstar among other provinces.”
The Provincial Secretary for COSATU in the EasternCape,
Mkhawuleli Maleki, said members of the organisation were happy that the name of one of theirleaders had been chosen to renamethe SADTU branch in the Eastern Cape, where he had servedasboth amember and a leader.
“This shows that the qualities
of his leadership wererecognised and appreciated. Those who still ask why thisbranch was given his name should be told that it was named after TabileKunene because he was ahumble and selfless leader.Heunderstood that true leadersmust sacrifice and be the lasttobenefit. He was aperson who carried out his duties diligently,” said Maleki.
He added that Kunene was aunifying figure who always ensured therewas unity among them.
Malekisaid that if aperson’s name continues to live on after theirdeath, it is not because of what they left behind, but because of the impact they made on the hearts of others.
Oneofthe family members, Zola Kunene, said they appreciated what the organisation had done. He said he could not fully express how the family felt when they saw how Kunene was remembered for his work.
“This branch has brought smiles to us. It shows that he did not drag our family name through the mud. The leadership skills he showed at home are the same qualities people are speaking about here. We appeal to members of thisorganisation to continue treating his name with respect because he was arespectful person.”
EasternCapetrainsitsfirstchemicalpathologyspecialist
ZAVELA
MAKWABE
FOR rural patients in the Eastern Cape, getting accurate lab results often meant waiting days, sometimes weeks, while samples were sent to other provinces.
That is about to change, thanks to Dr Phathiswa Sifuba-Makapela, who has just become the province’sfirst locally trained chemical pathology specialist.
The National Health Laboratory Service announced the milestone on 4May 2026,calling it amajor breakthrough for medical training and healthcare delivery in the region. Dr Sifuba-Makapela completed her qualification through Walter Sisulu University and the National Health Laboratory Service, marking ahistoric first for theEastern Cape.
Her journey to this pointisas inspiring as the achievementitself. Dr Sifuba-Makapela grew up in Ngqamakhwe andcompleted her early education in therural Eastern Cape. She went on to earn
ascience degreeatthe then UniversityofTranskei, now known as Walter Sisulu University.
Before entering the medical field, she spentsix years in the classroom as ateacher— an experience shesays shapedher commitment to servingunderserved communities.Later, shepursued her medical degreeand began her specialist traininginPretoria. Shereturned hometo complete the final stages of her qualification at the Nelson Mandela Academic Laboratory andWalter Sisulu University.
For Dr Sifuba-Makapela, the achievement is about more than personal success. It is proof that world-class specialist training can happen right hereinthe Eastern Cape.
“For many years, doctors from rural andunder-resourced areas have hadtoleave the province to complete specialist training,” shesaid.“This shows that we can build local skills andbringbetter services directly to the peoplewho need them most.”
Her passion for laboratory medicine began duringmedical school, when she saw firsthand how timely and accurate test results influence treatment decisions.Now, she wants to strengthen laboratorysystems across the province and mentor the next generation of specialists. “Every result belongs to apatient whodependsontimely and accurate answers,” she said “Working withrural communities has taught me that correct diagnostics can literally change lives.”
Dr Sifuba-Makapela hopes her storyencourages young people from rural areas to pursue careers in medicine and science, no matter the obstacles.“The journey may be long and challenging, but withresilience, hardwork, and support,itispossible to achieve yourgoals,” she said.
Her work is expected to improve diagnostic capacity in rural clinics and hospitals, giving local doctorsfaster access to results and helpingpatients receive treatment sooner
Dr Phathiswa Sifuba-Makapela.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
The family ofthe lateTabile Kunene attended the renamingofElliotdale SADTU Branch, whichwas renamed in hisname.
PHOTO BABALWA NDLANYA
ECLBambassadors tackleunderagedrinking
ZAVELA MAKWABE
AGROUP of Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) Ambassadors from Zimele High School in Mthatha recently hostedan underage drinkingawareness cultural event,using artand performance to sparkhonest conversations about agrowing problem in their community.
The ambassadors —Hlumisa Gontshi,Nkosana Matyolo, Inako Fatyi, Limise Matomela, and Unako Mpotye —organised the eventaspart of the ECLB’s peer education initiative
Instead of relyingonlectures,they turned to music, drama and poetry to reach their fellow learners in away thatfelt relatable and memorable.
Grade11learner and organiser, Hlumisa Gontshi,explained the purpose behind the event. “Our goal was to create somethingthat people won’t forget, something thatreally drives themessagehome,”she said. “Underage drinking has become normalised in many spaces, and we hope thisevent leaves an impact and encourages real change in the way learners think and act.”
Fellow ambassador and classmate, Nkosana Matyolo, also in Grade 11, said theperformances were thehighlight for him and many learners.
“The actors put on plays that showed real-life consequences, singers performed original songs, and poets recited pieces about underage drinking,” he said.
“It wasn’t just entertainment
—itwas areminder of what’s at stake and acall for responsible choices.”
The event reflectsthe core role of the ECLBAmbassador Programme, which wasestablished by the Eastern Cape Liquor Board toaddressalcohol abuseand underagedrinking in schools and communities acrossthe province.
ECLB spokesperson, Mgwebi Msiya, said ambassadors were young volunteers appointed and trained by the Board to act as advocates for responsible drinking and alcohol safety.
“They lead peer-to-peer education, empowering other learners with accurate information and carrying that messagebeyond the school gates to their families and communities,”Msiya explained.
The ambassador programme is akey part of the ECLB’s broader Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy. It acknowledges that alcohol misusedoesn’t justaffect health —italso undermines academic performance, increases safety risks, and contributes todevastating incidents such as the 2022 Enyobeni Tavern tragedy.
By placing trusted young voices at the centre of the conversation, the ECLB hopes ambassadors can identifyissues early, challenge harmful norms,and promote safer choices from within their own circles.
For the learners at Zimele High School, the cultural event was more than aschool activity— it was astep towards changingattitudes and protecting the nextgeneration.
Learnersfrom Zimele High School wowthe audienceatthe underage drinking awareness cultural eventhostedatthe school. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Sport
JubaseYouthAcademywinsde
ANELE RAZIYA
JUBASE Youth Academy (JYA) from Mthatha were crowned champions of the inaugural JUBASE Youth Academy Women's Football DevelopmentTournament, whichwas hosted at Marambeni sports ground in Mthatha over the weekend.
This came after the hosts, JYA, defeated aNgqeleni-based team,Welese Junior School,3–1 during the final on Saturday afternoon
JYA received abrand-new footballkit, gold medals, aball,sanitary pads and a trophy as the first prize of the competition.
The founder of JYA and organiser of the competition, Hoseya Jubase, said the tournament was asuccess as five women’s teams from different towns participated in it and got an opportunity to showcase theirtalent.
“Duringthe event, everything went well, and we appreciateeveryonewho contributed to the event,” saidJubase.
Onlyfive teams competed throughout the tournament, namelyKhanyisaSchool fromMthatha, Welese School from Ngqeleni,Gxulu Schoolfrom Libode, PSG Ladies from Xhora (Elliotdale) and hosts JYA.
The whole tournamentwas played in aknockout format, and JYA and Welese were the only teams that managed to reach the final after playing very well during the qualifying rounds.
The aim of the tournament was to contribute to the development of women's football, particularlyinpredominantly rural areas.
Jubase Youth AcademyfromMthatha were crownedthe over theweekend.
After the event, Jubase said he wasvery pleased with the number of supporters who came out to supporttheir teams and women’sfootball. He alsosaidheplans to host the second edition of the tournament next year, as he aims tocontinue giving young players an opportunity to further showcase their talentsinfront of scouts.
MusketeersFCremain undefeatedinregionalleague
ANELE RAZIYA
AFTER 16 games in SAFA AmatholeHollywoodbets Regional League Stream Ein Mnquma, Musketeers FC from Centane are still the only side who are yet to taste adefeat sincethe start of the season last year,and they are currently topping the log standings.
Meanwhile, in the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream F in Mbhashe, Abahlobo FC were recently crowned as the stream champions after they finished the season sitting on top of the logstandings with 33 points after 12 matches.
With four matches remaining for the log leaders, Musketeers FC are the only side in the divisionthat are stillenjoying an unbeaten run this season since the commencement of the league fixtures last year.
This comes after the log leaders managed to continue maintaining their long unbeatenrecord over the weekend when they beat Ngqamakhwe City FC 2-0 at home
The victory helpedthe Centane-based team to increase their points tallyto46 in 16 leaguegames, and the win alsohelped the log leaders to keepa five-point gap between them andWSU Butterworth FC, who are currently workinghard chasing the top spot.
Over the weekend,WSU Butterworth FC kept their hopes of winning the stream
alive when they thrashed Inter City Sports Club 8-0 away to increase their points to 41, with three games remaining
This Friday (15 May), division fixtures are expected to continue as Ezikaxhamela FC will host Ngqamakhwe United FC and Ngqamakhwe City FC will visit Ndabankulu SSS FC
On Saturday, FC Tshabalala will entertain log leaders MusketeersFC, and on Sunday, top-spot chasersWSU ButterworthFCwill visit Zeny Sports Club, while Inter City Sports Club will battle against Amakotamane FC
Duringthe weekend fixtures, bothteams from the top of the log standings areexpected to aim for maximum points as their title race is heating up and every victory counts as the league games wind down.
Meanwhile, in Mbhashe, the regional league was wrappeduplate last month, and Abahlobo FC finished their league campaignsitting on top of the log standings with 33 points.
In the 12 games they played throughout the entire season in Stream F, Abahlobo FC lost only one game and won 11 to be crowned champions in the division.
Stream Fwas made up of seven teams from Mbhashe, and that is one of the reasonstheir season was short.
Thewinnersofeach stream will progress tothe promotion play-offs, and teams who perform well during the play-offs will bepromoted to the ABC Motsepe League.
During from Vuyolwethu dan Th lese and
