Hawkersseekcourtordertohaltcontainerremoval
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Secretary of the African Hawkers Association, Talita Jakavu, has confirmed that they have approached the High Court in Mthatha in an effort to stop the removal of their containers from the Mthatha Central Business District by the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality.
She claimed the municipality had never consulted them about the matter.
“We do not know wherethis started, andnoone informedus that our containers would beremoved. We are selling food from these containers, and nowthat theyare taking them away, we do
not know what we are supposed to do.
“We support our families through the income we earn from this business. They did the same thing in 2017, but the court instructed them to establish a place calledContainer Street. They said they would closeOwen Street, but thathas not happened to this day. They even took us to Durbanto show us how the plan would look,” saidJakavu.
Accordingtoher,she has been operatingfromher container for18 years andemploys eight workers whoalso depend on the business for their livelihoods.
Shesaid they do not receive any support fromthe municipality andare surprised that it is now
removingtheircontainers.
Sheaddedthat they visited the municipality’s offices after receiving lettersinstructing them to remove their containers within sevendays,but theirvisit did not yield any positive results.
Jakavu said that if the municipalityclaimsithad given them notices, they shouldprovide proof that allaffected traders were properly consulted and informed.
Thespokespersonfor the King SabataDalindyebo (KSD)Local Municipality, Sonwabo Mampoza, confirmed that consultation on the Informal Trade By-lawwas conducted before it was gazetted in 2024.
“The consultation on the Infor-
mal Trade Bylaw was done prior to itsgazetting in 2024. Quarterly public participation platforms were used to present bylaws to the business sector, and posterswere developed and shared acrossall municipal social media platforms to inform the public.
“The decision to remove the containers is informed by the Informal TradeBylaw, which was gazetted on 6May 2024. The reasonthe containers werepreviously returned to theirrightful owners was due to a2001 council resolution that instructed the municipality to do so.
“In January 2026, the current council rescinded that resolution, whichenabled the municipality to proceed with the removal of
Son,hitmanjailedforlifeovertaxibossmurder
THENationalProsecutingAuthority (NPA) has secured life imprisonment sentences against Mntuwasekhaya Mpayipheli (33) and his co-accused Thabiso Bovana Raganay (30), who were both sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Simon Mpayipheli, awell-known taxi driver and philanthropist in the Elundini area, by the Tlokoeng Regional Court recently.
Spokespersonfor the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), LuxoloTyali,said they were also sentenced to 10 years'imprisonmentfor unlawful possession of a firearm and three years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition.
In addition, Raganay was sen-
tenced to five months’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act by being in South Africa illegally.
“On the evening of 9March 2024, the deceased (Mpayipheli) was attacked at his home in Mdeni location, in Katkop.The assailants entered his bedroom and shot him multipletimes,killing himatthe scene.
“As the murder was initially suspected to be linked to taxi violence, the Joe Gqabi District Taxi ViolenceTaskTeam became involved in the investigation. While processing the crimescene, investigators discovered spent cartridges hidden inside shoes belonging tothe deceased’s son in a separate room.”
He added that during questioning,hedisclosed his involvement in the murder and implicated the hitman.
Tyali said Raganay was subsequently arrested in Langa, Cape Town, while in possessionofthe firearm used in the murder.
He added that ballistic testing confirmed that the firearm was linked to the spent cartridges recovered at the scene in Tlokoeng. Evidencepresented during the trial revealed thatthe son had hired ahitman following disagreements with his father over the management of the family taxi business.
“He was further motivated by the prospectofinheriting his father’s taxi fleet. The two accused travelled fromCapeTown and
waited in the nearby town of Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear)until the early evening. They then proceeded to the home shared by the deceased and Mntuwasekhaya.
“He directedthe hitman to his father's bedroom, where the deceased wasshotand killedwhile asleep.Although both accused initially pleadednot guilty, they later changed their pleas to guilty during their trial proceedings.”
In aggravation of the sentence, State Advocate Nkululeko Mzinyathi argued that the murder wascarefully planned and executed. He submitted that, while the matter appeared to stemfroma family dispute,ithad beendeliberately disguised as an act of taxi violence. Mzinyathifurther ar-
the containers,”said Mampoza. According to him, for the informal trade stalls, they applied for funding from the Department of SmallBusiness Development (DSBD) and are awaiting aresponse.
“The container city was planned to be located near the river (Owen Street), but we suspect that the area earmarked as acontainer city is in the flood line. On 7 June, we dispatched our teams to assess the area and are awaiting that report
“Concurrently, alternative places to locate the containers have been identified around town. The Department of Human Settlements is assisting us in securing the land.”
gued that suchdeception carried the potential to trigger retaliatory attacks by rival taxi operators or associations, potentially resulting in furtherbloodshed.
Acting Director of PublicProsecutions,Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, welcomedthe outcome and commended the prosecutor and investigating team for their meticulousinvestigation andthorough preparation of the State’s case.
“The NPA hopesthat this sentence will provide ameasure of closuretothe family andloved ones of the deceased and serveas areminder that those whoorchestrate andcommitviolent crimes for personalgainwill face the full might of thelaw,”saidMtwana.
Multi-millionrandoperationalequipmentforBuffaloCity’ssmallenterprisesector
MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
SMALL Business Development Minister StellaNdabeni has delivered amulti-million rand worth of operational equipment, including machinery, to various small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs operating in Buffalo Cityatahandover ceremony held in KuGompoCity HallonFriday, 12 June.
Ndabeni unveiled aR300million fund earmarked for various emergingconstruction companiesoperating in the Buffalo City region.
Ndabeni further unveiled aR897 million fund set asidefor women-owned enterprises and cooperatives operating across theEastern Cape, including Buffalo City. Several women-owned emerging
enterprises operating in different economic sectors in theprovince, including construction, spaza shop business, tourism,catering, infrastructuredevelopment,agriculture and various other sectors, received operational equipmentand working machinery at theMinisterial Small BusinessDevelopment seminar held in KuGompoCity.
The seminar, held in partnership with the BuffaloCity Metro (BCM), formed part of the department’s ongoing efforts to improve accessto supportfunding opportunitiesand productive assets forsmall, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), informal traders andrural and townshipbusinesses.
Kuisine Trading, aBuffalo Citybased catering company, received
adelivery truck, which will assist in expanding its order deliveries acrossthe Metro Mbalelanga TradingEnterprise, a100 per centblack-owned company, received support through the business infrastructure support programme (BISP) for theacquisition of aCaterpillar(CAT) excavator.
The company, whichprovides planthire servicesincluding graders, TLBs andtrucks,currently employs 18 people,providingservices to both the construction and mining sectors
Delivering herkeynoteaddress, Ndabeni stressed that her department’s core mandateand role is to coordinatethe promotion of entrepreneurship throughout thecountry by creating aconducive legislative
framework which enablessmall business growth and support for emerging entrepreneurs.
“Today we are activating productive assetsfor entrepreneurs through various instruments of production, equipment,machinery, infrastructure and trading support designed to assist business growth, generateincome and createsustainablejobs,” said Ndabeni.
Ndabeni noted that in Buffalo City, about 87 beneficiaries under theinformal and micro enterprise developmentprogramme (IMEDP) have been approved to receiveoperational equipment and machinery
“Throughthe asset-assist programme, which provides up to R350, 000 in 100% grant funding, we are supporting emerging entrepreneurs
whoare oftenexcludedfrom thetraditional financial systems. In Buffalo City, about 22 beneficiaries have been approved, with 11 beneficiaries expected to receivetheir assetstoday,” said Ndabeni.
Buffalo City Metro executivemayor, Princess Faku, said theMetro has alreadyconducted business development workshops, facilitated enterprise support programmes and undertaken spaza shopsregistration initiatives to assist local entrepreneurs and smallbusiness owners.
“Young people must be strategically placed at thecentre of economic development,and theyouthneed opportunities, not onlytosecure employment butalsotobeable to become business owners and employers,” concluded Faku.
Premierunveilsstate-of-the-artMnquma’sRev.TiyoSogabuilding
MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
EASTERN Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane officially unveiled the newly built stateof-the-art Mnquma LocalMunicipality’s Tiyo Soga OfficePrecinct at the glittering opening ceremony heldinButterworth on Tuesday, 09 June
The constructionofthe multi-million rand modern double-story municipal facility started in 2024 and was fully completed in Aprilthis year.
The new municipal building complexserves as a‘one-stop shop’service centre, centralising critical service delivery functions to improve accessibility,efficiency and responsiveness to the municipalservice needs of Mnquma residents.
The MnqumaTiyo Soga municipal building has been named after the late Reverend TiyoSoga, the first blackSouth African to be ordained as achurch minister and the author of therenowned IsiXhosa hymn, LizaliseIdinga Lakho
Reverend Soga was born in 1829 and diedin1871. Preparations for the official opening of the
new Tiyo Soga municipalcomplex started withafamily visit to his graveside in Thuthura village, where his grandchildren invoked his spirit, asking for his spiritual guidance.
The political and administrative leadership of the Mnquma Municipality attended the session, which was later followed by an inter-denominational church service on the site in Butter-
Centanefamilydesperate tofindmissingson
BABALWA NDLANYA
WHILE other families are spending time with theirloved ones, the Mapolisa family from Macibe locality in Centane is enduring sleeplessnights as theyworryabout theirmissing son,Liyabona Mapolisa(29), who disappearedafter being involved in a car accident near King Hintsa TVET CollegeinCentane on 23 May.
According to his aunt, Asanda Mapolisa (36), the family is appealing to anyone with information about Liyabona’s whereabouts, or to Liyabonahimself, to contact them, as they are deeply concerned about his safety.
“On the day he went missing, he was on his way to town when hehit atree. He left the car at the scene, saying he was going to look fora tow truck,but he never came back and has not been seen since.
“According to people whowitnessed the incident, there were two
people in the car whenthe accident happened,but they do not know who theother person was,” she said.
She added thatthe family has searchedextensively for him and that police havealso conducted searches, but no trace of him has been found.
“This is very painful because his motherhas become illdue to the stress. Wefeelstuck and do not know what else to do,” she said.
Mapolisaappealed to anyone who may have information about Liyabona’s whereabouts to come forward and assistthe family.She also appealed directly to him,should he see or hear the message, to contact his family or returnhome.
“We have tried all available alternatives, includingsocialmedia and radio platforms, butwehavenot received anyinformation,”she said.
Police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, said the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that amissingperson report wasfiled at the police stationinCentane on 26 May,following reports of adriver who went missing shortly after crashing the bakkie into atree in CentaneCBD on 23 May 2026.
“Preliminary investigations revealedthatonthe dayofthe incident,Mapolisa was driving abakkie in Centane CBD andhit atree. It is furthersaid that Mapolisa waslast seen walkingtowardshis mother’s workplace in Centane CBD shortly after theaccident.
“On 27 May,a search and rescue operation was launched, butwith no success. Police are nowconducting an investigation
“Police are urging anyone with information that could assist with his whereabouts to contact the Investigation Officer, Detective Sergeant Vuyani Samkaon082 441 8197 or the nearestpolice station.”
worth later during the day.
Delivering his keynote address during the municipal building’s unveiling ceremony, Mabuyane said the state-of-the-art facility represented asignificant milestone in Mnquma’sdevelopment and underscores the municipality’s commitment to strengthening governance and enhancing service delivery.
“The new precinct is expected
to accelerate theeffective andefficient rolloutofmunicipal services to Mnqumacommunities.
NamedinhonourofRev.Tiyo Soga, the officesstandasa symbol of progress, excellence and the municipality’s commitment to servingthe people
“This investment is morethan justabuilding;itisacommitment to bringing government services closer to ruralcommu-
nities, improving efficiency, and creatingaprofessional environment where residentscan access themunicipal services they deserve,” said Mabuyane.
Mabuyanealsopresided over theunveiling andhandoverceremonyofthe newly upgraded 400-capacity Msobomvu CommunityHall, avitalcommunityasset that will provide Butterworth residentswith amodern andaccessible space for communityactivitiesand engagements.
Mabuyane’s busy schedulein Mnqumaincludedanoversight visit to themultimillion rand Msobomvu Sports Complexdevelopmentproject. The sporting facility, currently under construction is expected to include outdoor andindoor facilitiesfor major sportingcodesincluding tennis, basketball, soccer, rugby andcricket.
LastyearinJanuary,the Mnquma Municipality executive mayor,Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa,officially opened theMsobomvu Driving andLicence Testing Centre (DLTC), which accepts applicationsfor learners anddriving licensing,renewals, payment of traffic fines andother traffic relatedservices.
Hawksurgepublictohelpfindfour
THEDirectorate forPriority Crime Investigation (DPCI) issued an urgent appeal to the provinceand the country at large to assist law enforcement authorities in resolving one of the most distressing and concerning missing children investigations.
More than ayear and ahalf has elapsed since Sive Siganga (7), Oyintando Siganga (4), and twins, Thabsile and Thabile Siganga(4), mysteriously disappeared from their family homestead at Mjila Administrative AreainNtabankulu. They were last seen on 10 November 2024.
Spokesperson forthe Hawks, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said the children were last seen playing within the yard of their home before seemingly vanishing without atrace under circumstances that continue to perplex investigators.
He said their disappearance prompted the immediate opening of akidnapping case and the subsequent involvement of the Hawks.
“Sincethe matter was referred to the Hawks, investigators have embarked upon an exhaustive and relentless pursuit of everyavailable lead. Numerous investigative interventions have been executed, including intelligence-driven enquiries, inter-provincial follow-ups, community engagements and the analysis of all information brought to the attention of investigators. Their disappearance simultaneously elevates this matter to alevel of exceptional concern and urgency,” said Mhlakuvana.
He added that the Hawks, therefore, aremaking an urgent appeal to traditional leaders, community leaders, faith-based organisations,
civic structures,educational institutions, mediahouses, non-governmental organisations focused on child protection and membersof the publicacross South Africato assist in amplifying this appeal and encouraginganyone with knowledge of thematter to come forward.
“Anyonewith information regardingthe whereabouts of the children, or any information that may assist investigatorsinestablishing the circumstances surrounding theirdisappearance, is urged to contact UnitCommander of Serious Organised Crime, Colonel Raymond Buys at 082 301 1135 and Warrant Officer NortonNdabambiat082 559 4613. Alternatively, information may be provided at any South African Police Service station or reported anonymously throughthe MySAPS App.” All information received will be treated with the strictestconfidentiality.Membersofthe publicare encouraged to come forwardwithout
delay, as even the smallest piece of information may prove decisive in advancing the investigation.
Liyabona Mapolisa (29) from Macibe locality in Centane. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Oyintando Siganga (4).
SiveSiganga (7).
Thabile andThabsile Siganga (4). PHOTOS:SUPPLIED
TheMnquma Municipality’snewly builtRev.TiyoSogamunicipal building in Butterworth.
PHOTO: MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
MECconductsoversightvisittostalledhousingproject
MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
EASTERN Cape DepartmentofHuman Settlements MEC Siphokazi Lusithi embarked on an oversight visit to the stalled andabandoned multimillionrand Ikhwezi Block1housing projectinPotsdam, Buffalo City Metro,inan attempt to revive the failed project.
Lusithi was joined by BuffaloCity Metro (BCM) executive mayor PrincessFakuand member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for humansettlements, SakhumziCaga, during thevisit to the abandoned projectonWednesday, June 10.
Lusithi said that the purpose of the oversight visit was to assess progress madeinthe implementationofthe housing development projectasitwas one of the stalled and blocked
projects in Buffalo City region.
Lusithi confirmed that anew contractorhas been appointed and is expected to complete thehousing project including thecompletion of thestalled 656 housingunits andthe construction of the remaining200 units.
Local residentSiyabulela Simani said the 656 houses were built in 2018. “That was nine years agoand they are still yettobefully completed. The200 houses that we aretold are remaining housing units are just an election campaign strategy aimed at distracting people, especially thehousingbeneficiaries,” said Simani.
The Potsdam IkhweziBlock 1housingproject was started in 2018, butseveral challenges including theCOVID-19pandemic, shoddy construction work and non-payment of contractors ledtothe delays of theproject, with
several contractors leavingthe sitewithout finishingthe work.
Atotal budget of over R23-millionwas set aside for the initial phaseofthe Ikhwezi Block 1housing project.
The housing development project’s scope of work includedthe delivery of 656 housing units intendedfor designated communitybeneficiariesacrossthe Buffalo City region.
Thehousingproject initiative wasaimed at eradicating informal settlements in Buffalo City Metro and providingdecent,formal RDP houses for vulnerable and deserving community members in the Metro.
Through theMunicipal UrbanSettlements Development Grant and the provincial Department of Human Settlements Development Grant fundingallocation,the Metro wasexpected to implementabout29human settle-
mentsprojects valued at over R250 million starting from 2021, following thedevastating COVID-19pandemic.
The housing projectsincluded thePotsdam Ikhwezi Block 1, PotsdamNorthKanana, PotsdamVillage, Tyutyu Phase 3, Mdantsane Cluster, PeeltonCluster, West Bank Restitution, and others.
The provincial Department of Human Settlementsisexpected to work with theBuffalo City Metro in an attempttorevivethe project to its conclusion.
Several housing development projectsin theBuffalo City region and across theEastern Cape remained incomplete and had been abandoned by contractors duetoseveral challenges, including delays in payment of contractors, shoddy work, outstanding payments and illegal occupation of RDP houses.
MinisteroutlinesEPWPreformagendainKuGompoCity
MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
THE Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister, DeanMacpherson, has outlined the ExpandedPublic Works Programme (EPWP)reformagenda and its intended benefits during his recent engagement session with EPWP participants held at theBilly FrancisHall, Buffalo Flats in KuGompo City. Through his nationwide EPWPListening Tourinitiative started earlier thisyear, Macpherson is criss-crossing the country holding aseries of information-sharing meetings with EPWP workers, government stakeholders, municipal ward councillors, traditionalleaders and community members discussing the EPWP’svision, challenges and long-term plans. Macpherson’s nationwidelistening tour provides community members and EPWP participants with adirect platform to sharetheir experiences and contribute ideasonstrengthening the EPWP initiative as apathway to sustainable employment, skills development and economic inclusion.
The recent engagement session heldinKuGompo City was attendedbyseniorgovernmentofficials and local traditionalleaders, including Buffalo City Metro ward 46 Councillor LucilleBenfield, EPWP InfrastructureSector ChiefDirector Ignatious Ariyo and DPWI Eastern Cape Regional Manager Nolizwi Hlengwa,
among others. Delivering hiskeynote address at the packed BillyFrancis Hall, Macpherson emphasisedthe EPWPreform agenda and itsbenefitsfor communities and individualsparticipatinginthe programme Macpherson said the EPWP tour wasaimed at engaging directly withcommunitymembers, includingEPWP workers, about their experiences with the government programme, addressing challenges and gatheringinsights that would inform hisvision for are-imagined
EPWP, focusedonlong-term socio-economic empowerment within communities.
“We cannot exclude peoplefrom job opportunities becauseoftheirage. While youthunemployment remains apriority,SouthAfricans over the age of 40 also deserveaccess to opportunitiescreated through programmes such as the EPWP,” said Macpherson. Community membersand EPWP participants shared their ownexperiences of theprogramme and raisedconcerns relating to several challenges,includinglimited skills development
ERANPCdrivescommunity-ledwastetransformation
ERANPC, aleading non-profit companydedicated to electronic waste (e-waste) management, has successfully diverted more than 16 tonnes of electronic waste from landfills during its recent Imbizo events, held in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in the Eastern Cape.
The community-focused imbizos, led by the DFFE Deputy Minister, Bernice Swarts and held in the KingSabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Lo-
calMunicipality, demonstrated how practical environmental solutionscan directlyuplift local economies
Bybringingresponsible recyclingdirectly intoresidential areas and offeringaclear financial incentive,ERA NPC sawwidespread community participation.Residents received a participation feeofR15.00 pertransaction plus an additional R4.50per kilogram of e-waste collected, turningunwanted and broken household
electronics into immediatefinancial support for local families.
Significantenvironmentalandeconomicimpact
The two-day initiative yielded exceptional resultsacrossbothhostlocations:
O.R.Tambo Village (19May): Amini Imbizo kicked offthe campaign, resulting in 68 transactions,the recovery of 3,985 kg of e-waste, and R18,952.50 paid outdirectlytoresidents.
Mthatha (20May):The main event at the Ngangelizwe RotaryStadium saw an extraordinary turnout with229 transactions, collecting12,831.43 kg of e-waste and distributing R61,265.56 in participation fees.
In total,the events achieved297 transactions,successfully recovering 16,816.43 kg of potentially hazardousmaterialand injecting R80,218.06 directlyinto the local community.
Empoweringlocalrecyclingecosystems
These imbizos represent avital step forward in connecting grassrootscommunities with national environmental policies. By providing accessible drop-off points,ERA NPC ensures that valuablematerialsare funnelledinto
initiatives, delayedEPWPstipend payments, shortages of personal protectiveequipment (PPE), lack of working toolsand inequitable access to opportunities. They also calledfor stronger collaboration between municipalities and non-profit organisations (NPOs) to improve thedelivery of theprogramme.
Macpherson welcomed thefeedback and noted that theinsightsgathered throughthe session wouldhelpshapeare-imagined EPWP that is more responsivetocommunityneeds. Buffalo City Metro ward 46 CouncillorLucille Benfieldexpressed her gratitudefor Macpherson’s initiativetovisit theBuffalo Flats communityand engagethem on issues related to service delivery,particularly on EPWPinBuffalo City Metro.
The discussion also highlighted therecently launched Working on Infrastructure pilot programme, which aims to connect publicemployment opportunities to infrastructure repair and maintenance throughworkplace learning, transparent recruitment processes, and pathways into employment,enterprise development and further training
The engagement session focused on theEPWP as aservice delivery initiativeaimed at providing work opportunities and skills development interventions towardscreating sustainable employment opportunities forthe programme's participants.
proper processing streams rather than being left in storage or discarded unsafely.
Alex Cremer, ERANPC’s Head of Programmes, emphasised thelong-term valueof these regional campaigns: “These eventscreateadirect channel forthe recovery of householde-waste that might otherwise remain in storage or enter informal disposal pathways Supporting national EPR awareness initiativeshelps strengthen alignment with Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, theDFFE and identify potential local enterprises within host communities to support thedevelopment of amore inclusiverecycling ecosystem.”
Through close alignment with national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiativesand theDepartment of Forestry,Fisheries and theEnvironment (DFFE), ERANPC is activelyworking to bridge thegap between regulatory compliance and real community empowerment
The organisation plans to build on thesuccess of theEastern Cape eventsbyexpanding its recycling footprint and continuing to uncover local entrepreneurial opportunities within thegreen economy across SouthAfrica.
TheEastern Cape community contributed significantly to thee-waste management imbizos held by ERA NPC andDFFE, with assistance from E-WasteAfrica.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Public Works and InfrastructureMinister Dean Macpherson during his recentengagement session with EPWP participantsatthe Billy Francis Hall, Buffalo Flats, in KuGompo City PHOTO: MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
SATVETSAtakescivic,GBVFawarenessdrivetoECcampuses
Students tending uca
scomual-imng sturights encourdemgvoter adicaecausequiprespond use nt,the ibrant rience dsocial TVETwali, said action rectly to eneration whounesponsiending
GBVF in their communities,” he said
The programme will continue to be implemented acrossTVET collegesnationwide, incorporating sessions on GBVF awareness, social cohesion, mental health andcivic responsibility,whilestrengthening partnershipsbetween institutions, governmentand stakeholders.
Throughthis initiative,SATVETSA reaffirmsits zero-tolerance stanceonGBVF andits commitment to building an empowered, socially conscious student community grounded in thevalues of Ubuntu. Luvuno said they would be hosting thesame event at King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College in Mthathaon17June.
“Besides this programme,several awareness-raisingprogrammes arebeing undertakenbyTVET Collegesfor their respective students Mostly, ourprogrammesfocuson students andstudent leaders in the sector, butwith this one, everyone can join us in ourNational Civic Education andGBVF Drive.”
Mbhashe Local Municipality hereby invites service providerstobid for PANELOFCIVIL CONTRACTORSFOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITHIN MBHASHELOCAL
MBH/INFR/ 0021/2025-26
Project Name Bid NumberEnquiries ClosingDate CIDB Grading Briefing OrSite Inspection Date Availabilityoftender documents PANELOF CIVIL CONTRACTORS FOR INFRASTRUCTUR EPROJECTS WITHIN MBHASHE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY FORTHE PERIOD OFTHREE (03) YEARS.
Technical related Queries : Mr L.CMakonza 082 564 9243
SCMrelated Queries : MsA. Mbebe 047 489 5810
During 08:00 to 16h30 from Monday to Friday 21 July 2026not later than11h00 All completed bids mustbeina sealedenvelope marked “Bid Name, Bid No, Bidder’s Name At 454 Streatfield Road in Dutywa During 07h30 to 5CE or higher Compulsory Briefing: Thursday:25 June 2026@11:00AM to be heldat MbhasheTown HallatIdutywa
THEADVERT IS ISSUED IN COMPLIANCE PREFERENTIALPROCUREMENT REGULATION 2022 (PPR)
Stage1:AssessmentofAdministrativeCompliance
•Onlybidderswhoareresponsiveintermsofadministrativecompliancewillbeevaluatedfurthertostage2
Stage2:Thisstagewillfocusonevaluationofspecificationandbiddersabilitytoexecutetheprojects:
18 June2026 at Mbhashe Local Municipality Budget and Treasury Cashiers’offices, 454 StreatfieldRoad, Dutywa upon payment of anon-refundable deposit of R472.05 per document.Only cash. EFTwill be accepted, when paying through EFTpleaseuse thenameofthe companyasa reference.The municipality will only be selling thehardcopy documentsthe electronic documentswillbeobtainable on thewebsitewww.mbhashemun.gov.za at no charge
ACCOUNTTYPE:PUBLICSECTORCHEQUEACCOUNT
ACCOUNTNUMBER:62231175953 FIRSTNATIONALBANK BRANCH CODE: 211121 +BRANCH NAME: DUTYWA SWIFTCODE:FIRNZAJJH
•Biddermustrespondinaccordancewithalltheminimumrequirementsandconditionsofthetenderasdetailedinthetermsofreference,failuretocomplywillresultindisqualification
Stage3:Evaluationwillbedonebasedonthe90/10preferentialpointsystem.
•Where90pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand10forspecificgoals.Biddersmustsubmittherequireddocumentationtoclaimpreferenceplan.
•The90/10preferentialsystemwillbeappied,wherepoints90pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand10forspecificgoals.
SPECIFICGOALS
The specific goals allocated pointsintermsofthistender
Procurement under the 90/10preferencepointssystem where theenterprise head
office or primary placeofbusinessislocated:
Pointsfor enterpriseswithin Mbhashe municipal area
Points for enterprises withinAmatholeDistrict region
Points for enterpriseswithin the Eastern CapeProvince
Businessownedby100% blackperson.
Business owned by more than 50%black person
Business ownedbyless than or equal to 50% black person.
Bidder willbeentitled to claims in oneofthe above
Businessownedbymore than 50%youth
Businessownedbymore than 50%disabledperson
BIDDERSSHALLTAKENOTEOFTHEFOLLOWINGCONDITIONSOFTHETENDER:
•TheValidityperiodofBidsis90daysfromtheclosingdate.
•BidderstosubmitaTaxCompliancestatusdocumentwithPinissuedbySouthAfricanRevenueServices(SARS)orCSDnumbertoverifytaxstatus.
•BiddersarerequiredtosubmitproofofregistrationofCIDB.
•Failure tocomplete,dateandsignMBD4,MBD8,andMBD9willrenderthebiddernon-responsive
•Failureofdirectors/trustees/shareholders/memberstodeclarecompaniesinvolvedinunderMBD4,Item2.11,willresultindisqualification
•Electronictenderdocumentswillalsobeavailableonthemunicipalwebsitewww.mbhashemun.gov.za •BiddersmustberegisteredonCSDifthebidderisnotregisteredthebidwillbedeemednon-responsive. •FailuretosubmitJVagreements(whereapplicable)orConsortiumAgreementswillleadtoadisqualification.
•LatestbillingclearancecertificateORstatementofmunicipalaccountnotolderthanthreemonthsORaleaseagreementofthebiddingcompanymustbeattached.,Cllrsletterwillnot serveasabillingclearancecertificate.PleasenoteforanyaddressprovidedasthepreferredonCSDandCKtheremustbealeaseagreementorbillingratesclearancewhich willserveasaproofthatthecompanydoesnotoweratesfortheaddressesprovidedintheCSDandCK.BiddersareadvisedtoensurethattheyaligntheaddressesonCSD andCKtotheleaseagreementandbillingclearanceattached.
•IfabidderisaregisteredcompanyrequiredbylawtohaveitsannualfinancialstatementsauditedorindependentlyreviewedincompliancewiththerequirementsoftheCompaniesAct ,ActNo.71of2008,oranyotherlaw,auditedorindependentlyreviewedannualfinancialstatementsforapastthree(03)yearsmustbesubmitted.Biddersarerequiredtosubmitproofof registrationofCIDBasrequiredfromthetableabove.
•Ifabidderisnotrequiredbylawtohaveitsannualfinancialstatementsauditedorindependentlyreviewed,thennon-auditedannualfinancialstatementsforthepastthree(03)years mustbesubmitted.
•BiddersmustsubmitletterofGoodstandingfromtheDepartmentofLabour •AllcertifieddocumentsmustnotbeolderthanSix(06)months.
•Late,telegraphic,facsimile,emailed,electroniccopy,incompleteorunsignedbidswillnotbeconsidered •Non-disclosurebytheserviceproviderswhoareintheserviceofstateandserviceproviderslistedontenderdefaulterswillleadtodisqualification.
•Completed Bids and supporting documentation, placed in asealed envelope clearly written on theoutside of theenvelope with bid detailsofprojectmustbedropped in themarked tender bid box placedatthe reception of the Mbhashe Local Municipalityofficesat454 Streatfield Road in Dutywa During 07h30 to 16h30 from Monday to Friday,nolaterthan Tuesday,21July2026before11H00amonthedateasmentionedabove.AllthereceivedbidswillbeopenedinPublicatthesametimeanddate. •MbhasheLocalMunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestoranybidandreservestherightnottoacceptthewholeoranypartofthebid. •ThemunicipalitywillnotbeliableforanymisplacedorlatetenderdocumentdeliveredbyCourierCompany.
•BidderswillbeevaluatedinaccordancewiththeMunicipality’sSupplyChainManagementPolicyandintermsofPreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkActnewregulationsof2022 andwillbebasedon90/10pointssystem.
Issuedby M.NAKO MUNICIPALMANAGER MBHASHELOCALMUNICIPALITY
454StreatfieldRoad,P.OBox25,Dutywa,SouthAfrica,5000 MHXHS180626-TE180626
ECLegislaturetakes YouthParliament preparationsto localcommunities
ZAVELA MAKWABE
IN the build-up to the EasternCapeYouth Parliament, theEastern Cape Provincial Legislature conductedanoutreachvisit to King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College in Mthathaon11June.
Theengagementforms part of intensive province-wide preparationsfor the Youth Parliament, settoconvene on 25 June at the Legislature precincts in Bhisho This year’s Youth Parliamentwill be held underthe theme:“Celebrating30Yearsof ourConstitution:A conscientisedyouth advancing an inclusive economy andending gender-basedviolence, markingthe 50th anniversaryofthe 1976 Uprising.” Thetheme links South Africa’sconstitutional journey to the lived realitiesoftoday's youth —economicexclusion, unemployment, andgender-basedviolence— whilehonouring the legacyofthe 1976 generation
TheMthathaworkshop gave young people adirectplatform to debate criticalissues affecting their generation as they prepare to take their seats in the Sectoral Parliamentlaterthismonth.Participants tackled topicsrangingfromyouth unemployment andaccesstoquality education to gender-basedviolenceand meaningful economicparticipation.These sessions are notstandalone.
TheLegislature hasrolledout District Workshopsacrossall districts andmetropolitanmunicipalitiesinthe EasternCape. Theworkshopsare designed to deepen civiceducation,sharpendebate skills and ensure delegates arrive at Youth Parliament readytoholdpublic representatives accountable andinfluencepolicy. Participant, YolanaNdibo, said she found the engagementveryinsightful. “It changed my perspective completely. Inow understandthe Constitution,and I’ve realisedthatParliament is notreserved for aselect fewbut belongs to all of us.I am leaving here inspired,informed, andfully committedtoplaying my part in advancingthe EasternCapeand holding leaders accountable.”
TheDistrictWorkshops playa criticalrole in strengtheningparticipatory democracy. By equipping delegates with knowledge of governanceprocesses,oversight mechanisms, andtheir constitutional rights, the Legislature is investinginageneration thatcan driveaninclusive economy and help endgender-basedviolence. TheYouth Parliamenton25Junewill seedelegates from all regionsofthe provincedebate and adopt resolutionsthatwill be tabled before the Housefor consideration
