Butterworth-born
MbhasheLocalMunicipalityinvestsmillionsinvillageroads
ZOLILE MENZELWA
MBHASHE Local Municipality will invest millions of rands in a 3 6km road regravelling project from Mayosi to Fort Malan villages following the introduction of the appointed contractor to community members
The project forms part of the local authority’s ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing road infrastructure and providing reliable services
to the residents of the area and their visitors
The municipality’s political head for infrastructure, Khungeka Makhaphela, said the project aimed to reconstruct roads that were damaged by various disasters She said the local authority wanted to ensure safer and more accessible roads for the community
The member of the mayoral committee said the scope of work for the project would include site establishment, clearing and grubbing Other aspects of the construction are roadbed
preparation, tipping and processing The contractors will also install stormwater pipes and signs and perform the final cleaning Speaking to community members during the introduction of the appointed service provider, Skhumba and Sons contractor, on 15 October, she said mutual respect and understanding were important between locals and the contractor during the project period Ten work opportunities will be created for local residents
“This regravelling project is a vital step towards improving infrastructure and fostering development in the community By addressing disaster-related damage and creating employment opportunities, Mbhashe Local Municipality is ensuring that community members benefit from improved connectivity and access to essential services,” she said She said such projects were designed to restore the road to a high standard, improving accessibility in these areas
ChiefappealsforpermanentschoolstructuresinNgcobo
EasternCapefilmmakerstoshareR230mPESPfunding
EASTERN Cape filmmakers are set to receive a cut of the R230 million in film funding offered by the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) through the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), as funding roadshows kicked off in the province in East London last week
The first of three NFVF Eastern Cape PESP 6 film funding roadshows was held at the Invest SA One Stop Shop in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in East London
The roadshows continue in Mthatha, with the final engagement with filmmakers in Gqeberha on Friday, 25 October 2025 The roadshows present film industry professionals with funding opportunities for their film productions through the PESP 6 NFVF PESP Accountant, Lindokuhle Cele, said film funding through the PESP is offered across three streams The first stream is Group 1 Production funding, which includes development and post-production, with funding capped at R10 million Cele added that the first stream also includes Group 2 Production funding, which includes post-production capped at R2 million The second stream is skills development funding offered between R700,000
and R1 million The third funding stream is marketing and distribution between R500,000 and R1 5 million
“PESP 6 funding for the 2025/26 financial year is set at R230 million Applications opened on 1 October 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025 Applications are streaming in nationwide, and the NFVF is working to ensure that applications are compliant and correctly completed
“Since 15 October, the NFVF has conducted 15 roadshows in provinces including the Northern Cape, Northwest, Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo The final roadshows take place this week in the Western Cape and Gauteng To date, the PESP has disbursed R864 3 million to filmmakers, creating 74,560 jobs through funded productions
The target for PESP 6 is to create 15,360 jobs during the 2025/26 financial year We are grateful for the support of stakeholders such as the ECDC, who are playing a crucial role in opening up access to Eastern Cape filmmakers, as well as complementary film industry funding instruments,” said
Cele
At the East London leg of the Eastern Cape roadshows, more than 50 filmmakers including producers, directors, and industry professionals working across film
development, production, post-production, skills development, marketing and festivals attended the PESP 6 funding presentation The NFVF presented on the PESP 6 funding programme and how filmmakers can access financial support for their productions
Additionally, the NFVF introduced an open funding call titled Blockbuster Team Heritage, which closes in mid-November This opportunity invites filmmakers to submit applications for blockbuster films that showcase their interpretation of South African heritage
Notable Eastern Cape film projects previously funded through the PESP include EC SKILLS 10, The Ungovernable, Queen of Xhosa Music – Madosini, Horses for Xhosas, Life, Love & Everything Else, Stand Up Straight, Mosuli, Silibalekile (TV Pilot) and Briefcase
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation also presented on the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, outlining additional funding opportunities for local filmmakers
The Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund provides investment funding to qualifying productions that choose the Eastern Cape as their filmmaking destination Through the fund, the Eastern Cape Government promotes the Eastern Cape as an attractive
film destination with breathtaking locations, untapped opportunities, and unique biodiversity The fund supports the growth of the film industry through investment promotion, job creation, and skills development within the province Arts and Craft Coordinator, Athenkosi Baliso, said film and television productions produced in the Eastern Cape are proving a remarkable success, having leveraged a total investment value of R521 7 million from a R43 1 million funding incentive from the provincial Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund between 2018 and 2025
“The economic impact of the 31 funded film productions is being felt through job creation, small business participation, and skills transfer to local creatives Through the 31 productions, 9,020 temporary jobs were created, benefiting 696 small businesses across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, transport, security and clothing,”said Baliso He added that the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund offers funding across two categories Production funding is offered for feature films, drama/TV series, reality shows, telenovellas, documentaries and animations Microfilm funding is offered for short films, documentaries and short TV formats
Localfarmersbenefitfromnewmarketaccessinitiative
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Director of Eyoluntu Project Market Agency, Melinkqubo Ndabokutya, confirmed that they hosted an information day at Kei Fresh Produce Market in Mthatha last week, with the aim of assisting local farmers to gain more knowledge
He said the agency helps farmers by taking their produce to the market, as their duty is to ensure that the products reach the right place for sale
Speaking about the information day, Ndabokutya said they had realised that there are several challenges facing farmers, which is why they decided to invite other stakeholders to share information with them
“Another challenge is that our farmers plough, but they plant only one type of crop without knowing which is needed and in which season We are playing a role in teaching them how to schedule their pro-
duction because that helps them in the market More importantly, we are playing a major role in taking their produce to the market,” said Ndabokutya
He said they started this initiative in January 2023, and so far they are doing very well, with a lot of stock being sourced directly from local farmers
He confirmed that they had received about 27,000 bags of potatoes from farmers to sell, meaning the farmers are benefiting significantly
Ndabokutya added that they had also distributed about 50,000 cabbages and spinach, which have been doing very well in the market
“These kinds of vegetables are in high demand During our demand analysis, we discovered that cabbage, spinach, and potatoes are amongst the most sought-after produce in our region Our farmers are trying their best to ensure that their produce is of good quality Even though they are com-
peting with commercial farmers, we are proud of what they are achieving,” he said
He thanked the Eastern Cape government, especially the Department of Agriculture and other supporting departments
According to him, the Department of Small Business Development, through Small Enterprise Development and Financial Agency (SEDFA), gave them a truck to help transport produce, a major challenge they had faced before
The Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, Councillor Mesuli Ngqondwana, said they have seen great progress since partnering with the project
“There are now many farmers who are ploughing because the challenge they used to face was that their produce would rot due to a lack of market access
extra income and that OR Tambo should be the food basket of the province
“People across the province must know that to get fresh vegetables or grain, they can come to this district,” he said Vusumzi Mnyanda, Director of AAU Agricultural Co-operative from Tsolo, said they joined the project when they were struggling to sell their produce
“Ever since we partnered with this project, we have seen great improvement Currently, we are part of a programme organised by Eyoluntu to get funding This involves 40 cooperatives from OR Tambo District eight projects per local municipality each set to receive not less than R250,000 in funding to ensure that the market remains active and supports the people of this district,” said Mnyanda
He added that one of the biggest advantages of partnering with Eyoluntu is that their team helps collect vegetables from local areas
In the past, only well-established farmers could sell their produce Now, our local farmers have clean records and are making money People should grow food in their gardens for their own use and bring the surplus to the market to earn additional income for their families,”said Ngqondwana
He emphasised that this initiative is an important tool to help farmers earn
“That was one of our biggest challenges before We could plough, but transporting the produce to the market was difficult They are assisting us a lot, ensuring that we keep going This keeps the market running and allows us to earn income from our produce,” he said
Director of AAU Agricultural Co-operative, Vusumzi Mnyanda, and Director of Eyoluntu Project Market Agency, Melinkqubo Ndabokutya, showing some of the fresh vegetables grown by farmers of OR Tambo District.
PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
XDUnitedFCcro
ANELE
RAZIYA
XD United FC from Nqabara village in Willowvale (Gatyane) at Mbhashe was crowned as the champion of the rural development tournament, which was held in ward 29 over the weekend
As the winners of the event, XD United FC went home with a big trophy and gold medals, plus a brand new football kit as first prize
The tournament started on Saturday when twelve (12) football teams from ward 29 in Mbhashe competed against each other for top prizes
The event was played in a knockout format and eight clubs were eliminated at the early stages of the tournament
Bush Bucks FC, XD United FC, Warriors FC and United Brothers FC were the only teams that managed to progress to the semi-finals after playing very well in their opening fixtures
Then, in the first semi-final, XD United FC defeated Warriors FC 4-2 on penalties after they played to a goalless draw during regulation time, and they progressed to the final
Whilst Bush Bucks FC defeated United Brothers FC by 4-3 on penalties to book their place in the final game
During regulation time, both sides played to a goalless draw in rainy weather conditions, which forced the netball teams to postpone their games until further notice
This rural development event was scheduled to accommodate two sporting codes which are
netball and football, but unfortunately, netball fixtures didn’t go ahead because of the rain
The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture from the Amathole district, Mbhashe Local Municipality and local sports supporters attended the games to show support for the event
The Department of Sport and Mbhashe supported the event with prizes to motivate the youth from Ward 29 to continue participating
NkosiDikeniappointed Chippa’sassistantcoach
HOSEYA JUBASE
MTHATHA-born tactician, Nkosohlanga “Nkosi” Dikeni, has been appointed as Chippa United first-team assistant coach, following the recent appointment of Coach Kanu Vilakazi as head coach
Dikeni has been entrusted to work alongside coach Kanu to turn things around at the Eastern Cape-based side that sits at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table after 10 games
Dikeni previously worked for Chippa United for the past two seasons as an analyst, when the club finished in 14th and 12th position
He is known for his high attention to tactical detail and work ethic, and as a coach who puts player improvement first “It will be the first time as first assistant I was the second assistant during Kwanele Kopo’s stint he is the one who
gave me the opportunity My focus was to help in the creation of training content and sessions to improve the playing style through training and analysis
“I was also responsible for creating a set-piece handbook for the club’s 2022-23 season In the 2023-24 season I continued as second assistant to Thabo September ”
Reflecting on the new task, Dikeni said,
“It’s a big task being trusted with such an investment by the board and the Mpengesi family It means more work more late hours and early mornings
“The club has over the years shown how much trust it puts in young people by always giving them an opportunity, and for that I thank the Chairman,” added Dikeni
The newly appointed Chippa United technical team will have their first assignment against AmaZulu FC in East London this coming Saturday, 1 November
NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Notice of intent to submit
The project involves upgrading ±10 km of gravel road to surfaced standard from km 4.90 to km 15.40 as part of the implementation ofAccessManagementPlansfortheNationalRoadN2Section20upgrade Nearesttown:Lusikisiki(±17km) Approximatecoordinates:Start31°24'32 45"S;29°42'28.15"E–End31°28'11.69"S;29°43'44.70"E. Listedactivitiesintermsofthe2014EIARegulations(asamended,2017)include:
GNR.327:12/48Development/expansion-(ii)infrastructure/structureswithaphysicalfootprintof100m2ormore;where suchdevelopment/expansionoccurs (a)/(c)within/within32mofawatercourse… 17/54Development/expansion—(ii)inanestuary; (e)infrastructure/structureswithadevelopmentfootprintof50m2or morev)ifnodevelopmentsetbackexists,withinadistanceof100metresinlandofthehigh-watermarkoftheestuary 19Infilling/depositingofanymaterialofmorethan10m3into,/dredging,excavation,removalormovingofsoil,sand,shells, shellgrit,pebblesorrockofmorethan10m3fromawatercourse; 19ATheinfilling/depositingofanymaterialofmorethan5m3into orthedredging,excavation removalormovingofsoil,sand, shells,shellgrit,pebblesorrockofmorethan5m3from (ii)anestuaryoradistanceof100metresinlandofthehighwater markofanestuary…56Thewideningofaroadbymorethan6metres(ii)wherenoreserveexists,wheretheexistingroadis widerthan8m GNR324:12Theclearanceofanareaof300m2ormoreofindigenousvegetation 14/23Development/expansionof—(ii)infrastructureorstructureswithaphysicalfootprintof10m2ormore;wheresuch developmentoccurs-(a)/(c)within/within32mofawatercourse… 18Wideningofaroadbymorethan4metres…
ThecompetentauthorityistheDepartmentofForestry FisheriesandtheEnvironment.AwateruseauthorisationintermsofSection 21 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) will be applied for from Department of Water and Sanitation where required Public participationwillfollowRegulation41oftheEIARegulations.
Allinterestedandaffectedparties(IAPs)areinvitedtoregisterorcommentwithin30daysofthisnotice.
Registrationperiod:31October–1December2025 EnvironmentalAssessmentPractitioner:ClaireDeJongh(EAPASA2021/3519) 0846074743|claire@eapservices.co za|17HighSt,MountPleasant,6070,EasternCape Projectrelatedinformationwillbemadeavailableonthefollowingwebsite:www.eapservices.co.za RegisteredIAPswillbesentthedraftbasicassessmentreportfora30-dayreviewandcommentperiod.
The aim of hosting the event was to contribute to the development of sport, particularly in rural areas like Willowvale and the surrounding areas
XD United FC assistant coach, Lupho Dyomfana, has thanked the Department of Sport and Mbhashe Local Municipality for supporting sport, and he also congratulated his team on winning the event
4800 Ladies’ FC (Sinenkani Ladies FC) have progressed to the national play-offs
The Bizana team defeated Sophakama Ladies’ FC from Gqeberha 2-0 during the provincial Sasol League decider match held at Mthatha Stadium on Saturday
The national play-offs are expected to be held on 24 November in Mpumalanga
One of the experienced players, Melisa Nqobile Gansa, known as CAT, said she is very happy for the team to progress to the national play-offs
“I have been trying and hungering for my team to participate in the national playoffs Last year, I was playing for Executive Ladies’ FC and we were defeated by Sophakama Ladies in the provincial decider, so today it’s a big day for me to defeat Sophakama Ladies and for our team to go to the play-offs ”
“From last year to this season, it’s a comeback for me because it would have been a bad experience if we hadn’t won today, but God made it possible for us to progress,” said Gansa
4800 Ladies’ FC head coach Mkhuzwana
Lwandile, said the national play-offs preparations had already started
“We played very well against Sophakama Ladies They were well prepared in terms of set pieces and we know that they are good We did our investigation against them, and we managed to avoid those unnecessary set pieces and corners, and that assisted us ”
“Now we are working very hard to get promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League, and we don’t have time to rest
“Now we are preparing for the national play-offs in Mpumalanga on 24 November 2025
“We are pleading with people to continue supporting us as they always have,” said Mkhuzwana
ISAZISO SOKUTHATHAINXAXHEBAKOLUNTU
Isaziso senjongo yokungenisa isicelo soGunyaziso lweNdalo (EA) ngokweMithetho yeSizwe yoLawulo lweNdalo (uMthetho 107 ka-1998) malunga nophuculo lwe ≈10 km lwe-DR08026 Mbotyi Access Road, iWard 23, uMasipala wasekuhlaleniwaseNgquzaHill,uMasipalaweSithilisase-ORTambo,kwaMpumaKoloni,egamenile-SANRALSOCLtd.
Le projekthi ibandakanya ukuphuculwa kweendlela ezimalunga ne-10 km ukusuka kwindlela yesanti ukuya kwindlela esulungekileyo ukusuka ku-km 4.90 ukuya ku-km 15.40 njengenxalenye yokuphunyezwa kweePlani zoLawulo lokuFikelela (Access Management Plans) zohlaziyolweNdlelayeSizwei-N2Section20 Isixekoesikufutshane:Lusikisiki(±17km) Iikhoncozendawo:Ukuqala31°24'32.45"S;29°42'28.15"E–Ukuphela31°28'11.69"S;29°43'44.70"E ImisebenziedweliswephantsikweMithethoye-EIAka-2014(ezihlaziy weyongo-2017)iquka: GNR.327:12/48 Uphuhliso/ukwandiswa-(ii)izakhiwo/izixhoboezinendawoyomzimbaeyi-100m²okanyengaphezulu;aphoolu phuhliso/ukwandiswalwenziwangaphakathikwe-32myomjelowamanzi… 17/54 Uphuhliso/ukwandiswa—(ii)kwi-estuary;—(e)izakhiwo/izixhoboezinendawoephuhliweyoeyi-50m²okanyengaphezulu; ukubaakukhomgamawokubuyelaumva,ngaphakathikwe-100mukusukakumgcawamanziaphezuluwe-estuary 19 Ukuzalisa/ukugalelaizintoezingaphezulukwe-10m³okanyeukumba,ukususaokanyeukuhambisaisanti,amatye,igr t,njl. ukusukakumjelowamanzi; 19A Ukuzalisa/ukugalelaizintoezingaphezulukwe-5m³okanyeukumba,ukususaokanyeukuhambisaisanti,amatye,igr t,njl. kwi-estuaryokanyengaphakathikwe-100mukusukakumgcawamanziaphezuluwe-estuary… 56 Ukwandiswakwendlelangaphezukwe-6maphokungekhoreserve,kwayeindlelaekhoyoingaphezulukwe-8m GNR324:12 Ukucocwakwendawoengama-300m²okanyengaphezuluyemithinendaloyemveli 14/23 Uphuhliso/ukwandiswakwezixhobookanyeizakhiwoezinendawoyomzimbaeyi-10m²okanyengaphezulu;aphoolu phuhlisolwenziwangaphakathikwe-32myomjelowamanzi… 18 Ukwandiswakwendlelangaphezukwe-4m…
UGunyaz we ofanelekileyo liSebe lezaMahlathi, lezokuLoba kunye nokus Ngqongileyo Ugunyaziso lokusetyenziswa kwamanzi ngokweCandelo lama-21 loMthetho waManzi weSizwe (uMthetho wama-36 ka-1998) luya kufakwa kwiSebe lezaManzi noGutyulo apho kuyimfuneko InkquboyoluntuiyakuqhutywangokoMgaqowama-41weMimiseloye-EIA.
Bonke abantu abanomdla nabachaphazelekayo (IAPs) bayamenywa ukuba babhalise okanye baphehlelele izimvo kungaphelangaiintsukuezingama-30ukusukelakokukubhengezwa. Ixeshalokubhalisa:31Oktobha–1Disemba2025 UmsebenziwoVavanyolweNdalo:ClaireDeJongh(EAPASA2021/3519) 0846074743|claire@eapservices.co.za|17HighSt,MountPleasant,6070,EasternCape Ulwazioluyinxalenyeyeprojekthiluyakufumanekakwiwebhusayithi:www.eapservices.co.za Abantu ababhalisiweyo njenge-IAPs baya kuthunyelwa ingxelo yovavanyo esisiseko (Draft Basic Assessment Report) ukuze bayiphononongebazebaphehleleleizimvokwisithubaseentsukuezingama-30
Nkosohlanga ‘Nkosi’ Dikeni has been appointed as Chippa United’s first-team assistant coach.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED